Top 10 Songs for Every Summer Scenario

I know I’ve been dreaming of summer as much as the next girl. Sunbathing and tan lines, late-night drives, endless hours with friends; it feels like winter will never end.  Some days, it can be hard to even get out of bed and go to class, knowing that all that awaits you outside is a biting cold. There’s a light at the end of this dark and frosty tunnel! Music has always had a huge effect on my mood. Listening to songs that are reminiscent of summer helps me power through winter until I can finally live my summer daydreams. Here are a few of my favorite songs and scenarios!

1. The Drive Home After Dropping Your Friends Off
   • “Ribs,” Lorde

This day has been one for the scrapbook. You have dropped off everyone and now you’re heading home, with your cheeks hurting from the endless laughter and your skin hot to the touch, sure to be pink with sunkisses tomorrow. The lyrics, “you’re the only friend I need,” strike a chord in your heart as you realize it’s true. 

2. A Lazy Day in Bed
   • “welcome and goodbye,” Dream Ivory

Sun rays beam in through your windows and you lay curled up in your bed. Maybe you have a good book or are just scrolling through social media. Either way, your day is peaceful and you welcome the laziness. 

3. After Beach Pre-Dinner Shower
   • “Lush Life,” Zara Larsson 

This is a song that makes you appreciate being a girl. If you get a little shampoo in your eyes, who cares? Zara Larsson has put you in too good of a mood. This is an everything shower to top all other everything showers. Why not do two hair masks?

4. Soaking in Some Sun (Let’s Hope You Don’t Burn)
   • “Charmed,” Σtella & Redinho 

Check the UV index and soak in that tanning oil girl, but let’s not forget the sunscreen. Pop in your earbuds or bust out the speaker and play this song, I promise it’s worth your while. 

5. Staring at the Stars
   • “John Wayne,” Cigarettes After Sex

Do all of Cigarettes After Sex’s songs sound the same? Maybe… but anyway! This song is beautiful and slow, absolutely perfect for a quiet night watching the stars. If you have a friend with you, it might lead into a deep talk, or maybe you’ll just sit in silence, appreciating the company and the vastness of the sky above you. 

6. Volume UP, windows DOWN
   • “Beauty And A Beat,” Justin Bieber & Nicki Minaj

Somebody needs to prop their phone on the dash, because this song is never complete without the cinematic masterpiece that is this music video. Personally, I’ve been listening to or watching this song every day as motivation to just get to summer. We all know this classic, so roll those windows down with no shame and belt it out with your girls. 

7. The Summer Fling (Is It Just a Fling?)
   • “This Side of Paradise,” Coyote  Theory

I get it girl, nobody can resist a boy in the summer. They just get cuter as the day gets hotter. This song is exciting and captures that first crush feeling. Why not be dramatic and pick the petals off of a flower? “He loves me, he loves me not.” (He loves you, how could he not?) 

8. Roasting Smores With Friends
   • “Revival,” Zach Bryan 

The laughter and people singing together in this song sounds like they’re the ones around the bonfire. Grab your friends and join in! 

9. A Hot & Sunny Pool Day
   • “Party In The USA,” Miley Cyrus

This is the ultimate summer song. We all know it, we all love it! Play this while sunbathing in a floaty or getting splashed by your siblings. Either way, your mood can’t be ruined with a song like this. 

10. Gazing at the Sunset 
    • “Beach Baby,” Bon Iver

I can say from personal experience that this is the perfect sunset song. It’s slow, quiet and peaceful. Enjoy the golden hour, take some cute pictures, then lay out and watch the world fall asleep.