Girl, put your records on! And I mean those summer records, not the catchy chorus by Corinne Bailey Rae. Summer is a time for relaxation, love, sweating, freedom, and most importantly, music. Nothing is better than enjoying an ice-cold beverage on a hot day, while listening to some upbeat music.
A wide variety of music can be considered in the “summer vibe” category, and some have even gone as far to say that summer music is a category of its own. “Summer music is absolutely a different category of music. It just makes you feel so nostalgic and warm,” said Rowen Meiner, a senior at Franklin.
Izea Paz, also a senior at Franklin, disagrees with Meiner: “I feel [that] summer music is not a separate category of music, I feel that all genres of music have their own versions of summer songs — everyone’s taste in summer music is different.”
Personally, I think this is interesting to debate because any genre of music can have a song with a summer vibe. Meaning, if we are categorizing summer music separately, then it is filled with a large scale of sub-categories made up of different genres.
Paz works as a DJ around Portland. Essentially, his job is to provide the best-fitting music for an event. When asked how he knows what music to play in summer, Paz said, “I feel that what gives a song a summer vibe is if it can make you feel free. Summer is often associated with freedom, as many students feel free after not needing to go to school for three months.”
Winter has nostalgic, traditional holiday music accompanied with it. Personally, I gravitate the most towards rock and alternative music during the fall and winter as the cold weather accentuates the emotional lyrics that are often found in more alternative genres of music. “Winter music feels slower, rich, and relaxing. Fall music feels deep and warm,” said Meiner.
When I think of summer, I think of being under the warmth of the sun, swimming in the lakes and rivers of the Pacific Northwest, eating a cold watermelon, and enjoying time away from my pursuit of education. Many also find nostalgia in summer music as well, Meiner said, adding that, “Summer music is bright and colorful. It can be uplifting or mellow, [it] just has to provide that nostalgic feeling.”
In addition, anyone can find their summer song in a variety of ages of music! The 60s and 70s provided some summer classics, like “More Than a Woman” by Bee Gees, but present-day music also finds its place in the category. “I feel like prime time summer music was [released in] 2016-2019,” said Meiner. Many, including Meiner, associate music that was popular during middle school with the feelings of freedom that come with experiencing summer as a preteen.
A classic summer song I would recommend is Childish Gambino’s “3005,” which was released in 2013. This song is fast paced, with a chorus that breaks down into synths and interchanging vocals, all leading to a great beat drop with the repeating chorus, “Hol’ up (Hol’ up)” and “I’ll be right by your side ‘til 3005.”
Going back to 2002, Paz recommends “I’m Still in Love With You” by Sean Paul featuring Sasha. This reggae hit is the epitome of summer love with its rich themes of longing for someone. The reggae genre as a whole can also be associated with the summer vibe, but the slow bouncy pace of this song in particular with the fast rapping from Sean Paul brings a relaxed but upbeat vibe.
“I am a big Outkast fan, and I would recommend their song ‘Roses’ since it most reminds me of the summer,” said Lola Lang, a senior at Franklin. Also from 2002, Outkast released the album “Speakerboxxx/The Love Below” which features Lang’s favorite, the funky, confident hit “Roses.” This song is about humbling someone who seems perfect on the outside, when in reality, they have an awful personality. This album also brought the duo’s most popular song, “Hey Ya!”
Throwing it back to 1970, Meiner recommends the Grateful Dead’s “Ripple.” This song is slow and mellow, with the lyrics being optimistic. The end of “Ripple” flows out into a harmonic melody, inducing the feeling of hope.
Summer music is subjective, but essential to having the best summer. Music flows with time, showing the different eras of life and everything that comes with it. Whether you prefer rock, folk, pop, reggae, or anything in between, you can choose which songs best fit your summer vibes. As summer approaches, I recommend you make a playlist with all of your favorite summer songs and enjoy the three months of freedom.
