Music opinion: 12 songs you need to have in your summer playlists
With summer fast approaching, and the weather making it feel like it already has, Music News Blitz’s Darshan Kaur Gill explores 12 songs that are necessary for the playlists you’ll blast on your summer drives this year.
1. ‘Take It Easy My Brother Charles’ by Jorge Ben Jor
Brazilian musician Jorge Ben Jor released his sixth studio album Jorge Ben in 1969 with Philips Records.
‘Take It Easy My Brother Charles’ is perfect for a summer playlist thanks to the bossa nova rhythms mixed with Ben’s guitar strums that drive the melody, creating a signature sound perfect for summer listening.
Highlighting messages of racial pride and social solidarity, through the track, Ben promotes his Afro-Brazilian heritage at a time of racial nationalism in Brazil.
2. ‘Doin’ Time’ by Lana Del Rey
Although Lana Del Rey’s version is a cover of Sublime’s ‘Doin’ Time,’ it is arguably the version you would want on a summer playlist.
Del Rey’s vocals mixed with the preexisting track and lyrics create the perfect chill summer track.
3. ‘Someone To Spend Time With’ by Los Retros
Los Retros is an American indie rock band fronted by Mauricio Tapia.
‘Someone To Spend Time With’ was originally released in 2019, and despite the melancholy lyrics about feeling loneliness whilst surrounded by people, the song still gives off the ultimate vibes of a summer song.
4. ‘telepatía’ by Kali Uchis
Kali Uchis’ ‘telepatía’ is the ultimate summer anthem.
It's laid–back R&B rhythm and mix of Spanish and English lyrics encapsulate the dreamy, late-night summer feeling.
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5. ‘Brazil’ by Declan McKenna
‘Brazil’by Declan McKenna is an essential summer song.
Although the song’s focus is protesting and criticising FIFA for awarding Brazil the privilege of hosting the World Cup, McKenna does it in a way that allows listeners joy.
The song also urges them to have a look at the world around them, find beauty in the mundane and highlight when to speak up about injustice.
6. ‘Carolina, Carol Bela’ by Jorge Ben Jor & Toquinho
A Brazilian samba-rock song, ‘Carolina, Carol Bela,’ tells the story of a lovesick man who is deeply infatuated with his neighbour.
Carrying a breezy, sunny aesthetic, this tale of an unrequited crush fits effortlessly into any summer playlist.
7. ‘Hey Lover’ by The Daughters of Eve
Released in 1966, this garage rock song is a personal favourite when it comes to summer songs.
Celebrating unconditional love and emotional security within relations, ‘Hey Lover’ is upbeat and timeless, perfect for the upcoming season.
8. The entire ‘CALL ME IF YOU GET LOST’ album by Tyler, The Creator
If we’re being totally honest, Tyler, the Creator’s entire discography could be listed as key to a summer playlist.
His penchant for rap with soulful summery melodies creates a great backdrop for warm weather and summer drives.
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9. ‘Salad Days’ by Mac DeMarco
A song about maturity and self-reflection, on ‘Salad Days,’ Mac DeMarco highlights growing pessimism whilst staying true to his signature style, pairing sombre and reflective lyrics with a dreamy and slow-paced guitar melody.
10. ‘Stateside’ by PinkPantheress ft. Zara Larsson
The breezy, dance-pop song is the perfect summer track with its upbeat tempo, UK garage rhythm and summery remix vibes.
11. ‘Bad Habit’ by Steve Lacy
Its relatable theme, combined with a nostalgic lo-fi groove, makes it a quintessential summer track.
‘Bad Habit’ perfectly encapsulates a bittersweet summer state of mind, upbeat enough to scream out when driving with the windows down.
12. ‘The Girl From Ipanema’ by Astrud Gilberto, Joao Gilberto & Stan Getz
The track is the perfect representation of a golden summer.
Characterised by its relaxed tempo, swaying samba-jazz rhythm and Getz’s smooth saxophone, ‘The Girl From Ipanema’ has become the soundtrack of bittersweet summer longing.
