10 Songs To Add To Your Summer Playlist

1. ‘Santeria’ – Sublime

Starting off strongly with ‘Santeria’. Now for me, every song from Sublime screams summer, yet ‘Santeria’ just has that little edge. The entire song is full of feel good beats and comedic lyrics that are just the perfect pair to lift your spirits in these summer months. Enjoy on a road trip, by the beach, or just taking a stroll through the park.

2. ‘Hey! Baby’ – Bruce Channel

An oldie but a goodie, ‘Hey! baby’ by Bruce Channel never fails to put me in a summery mood. Maybe it’s due to its infectious rhythm, or perhaps because it featured in the 80s hit summer movie ‘Dirty Dancing’, either way, this song is sure to get you in the mood for a summer of carefree fun, just don’t end up dancing the mambo with Patrick Swayze (or do, who am I to judge).

3. ‘Californication’ – Red Hot Chili Peppers

Do I really need to explain this one?

RHCP = summer. 

4. ‘Starz In Their Eyes’ – Just Jack

A mid 2010s classic, ‘Starz In Their Eyes’ reminds me of summers spent being looked after by my big cousins. I thought they were just the coolest people ever, and their music taste (I can now fully realise) was elite. This song was always one I begged them to play again on their ipod nano.

5. ‘Just Like Heaven’ – Baroda

Coming from the exciting new band Baroda is the tune ‘Just Like Heaven’ and that is certainly what this song is! A lyrical ballad akin to the likes of Coldplay, ‘Just Like Heaven’ is full of tantalising lyrics and soft guitar riffs that feel like sitting on the beach at sunset. For those who are fans of slightly more relaxed, laid back summer, this song is for you!

6. ‘Guess’ – Charli XCX

If you haven’t already heard, it’s a brat summer. Sexy, flirty and smoking hot, All of Charli XCX’s music is a perfect summer listen, but ‘Guess’ with its boot-stomping rhythm and provocative lyrics just takes the cake for being the perfect summer tune. Most enjoyable when listened to on a walk: whether that be to work, to a killer party, or just to Sainsburys, ‘Guess’ is certain to get you where you need to be.

7. ‘Moonage Midnight’ – Russo Robertson

I first discovered this artist on tiktok and absolutely fell in love with his music. ‘Moonage Midnight’ is a particular favourite of mine. Its laid back, jazzy vibe lends itself perfectly to a summer evening spent with good company, perhaps strolling through a park, or at a garden party with a crisp glass of white wine.

8. ‘Waistcoat’ – Hannah Rowe

In a similar vein we have the up and coming artist Hannah Rowe. Her soft crooning vocals accompanied with a classic soothing jazz sound feel just like sunbathing – relaxing and warming. Speaking of summer, Hannah Rowe is set to play at Tramlines this year, make sure to catch her set for some good, laid back times!

9. ‘Moves’ – Suki Waterhouse

I of course needed to make space for my fave girl. I’m not sure exactly what about ‘moves’ exudes summer, maybe it is because I have only recently added it to my music rotation, but whenever I listen to it, I instantly feel joyous and the world is somehow, sunnier. 

10. ‘It Is What It Is’ – Rachel Chinouriri

Again, if you haven’t heard the name Rachel Chinouriri this summer where the hell have you been hiding? Every tune on her latest album ‘What A Devastating Turn Of Events’ is an absolute bop, but ‘It Is What It Is’ is certainly my favourite. The tune is funky and dynamic, and Chinouriri’s clever lyrics paired with moments where they are more spoken than sung, makes this song extremely authentic and honestly, so comedic.