Among its many other attributes, music has the uncanny ability to conjure specific imagery and memories. A primary example is that some songs sound like heat waves and salty beach air, thus making them the perfect soundtrack as summer approaches. Here are some of the best songs to listen to as the heat rises and the sun comes out:
"Summer Teeth" by Wilco
This title track off Wilco's 1999 album is the perfect introduction to summer music. From the sound effects of early morning birds and waterfalls to the groovy guitar and drum background, this song certainly lives up to its name. Jeff Tweedy's voice contributes beautifully to the song's atmosphere and simply begs to be sung along to.
"Eternal Summer" by The Strokes
While The Strokes' discography runs deep throughout the 2000s and 2010s, none of their music matches the summer energy quite like the music of their most recent album, "The New Abnormal." Going along with the trend of songs with the aesthetic right in the title, "Eternal Summer" is emblematic of the perfect summer and the people you share it with.
"Sedona" by Houndmouth
"Sedona" is a song that gradually builds up into the core of the music. It features distorted guitar motifs and background sound effects that truly immerse listeners into the story, along with lyrics and vocal technique that crafts the scene of a drive to the beach on a Saturday night.
"Doses & Mimosas" by Cherub
Something about this hit perfectly encapsulates the electric energy of summer break. It's nearly impossible to hear this song without tapping your feet and bopping your head. The sound calls to mind summer parties and late nights, and the lyrics encourage the unbothered mentality that all of the best summers have.
"Come Around" by Peter McPoland
Peter McPoland is one of folk-pop's most recent visionaries. While his music is mostly mellow and slow, "Come Around" is exactly the opposite. The lyrics are uplifting and symbolic of a whirlwind summer romance and are supported by ethereal and rapid instrumentals that give the same energy.
"Born to Run" by Bruce Springsteen
Some of summer's best memories are taking drives through the heat simply to do so. No one exemplifies that need quite like Springsteen, who is well-known for his ability to write relatable songs for the average person. His discography is full of great summer songs, but none quite live up to this title track off his 1975 album. It is lively, passionate and best enjoyed with the windows down and the volume up.
"Kids" by MGMT
MGMT is another band with lots of great summer music throughout their albums, but something about "Kids" is special. It has all of the band's other summer-esque music components but with an additional nostalgia that will awaken anyone's inner child.
"This Is The Life" by Two Door Cinema Club
Two Door Cinema Club's first album, "Tourist History," is rich with flawless songs, not the least of which is "This Is The Life." The vocals are exactly what you want out of a summer song, and the beat is fast-paced with lyrics to match. In the summer, this song is guaranteed to make you look at the fun around you and feel grateful that this is your life.
"I Miss Those Days" by Bleachers
Something about Bleachers just screams summer. Every song's electronic and impassioned sound is summarized perfectly in this track off of "Gone Now," which contains heavy lyrics but a peppy melody and music to match.
"Borderline" by Tame Impala
A perfect summer soundtrack could be made up of nothing but Tame Impala songs, but if there can only be one, "Borderline" is the song of the summer. With its rolling tune and classic beat, this song will make you strut through the humid summer weather and dance your way through the elongated days.
