2023 Summer Playlist
No summer is truly complete without a playlist of iconic summer songs. My essentials are a healthy mix of classics from the 70s and 80s, as well as some modern artists. Here are 20 songs from my essential summer playlist, available now on Slice of Lime’s Spotify and at the link below.
Drive – Incubus
Genre: Alt Rock
I have to stop myself from including every song on the Surfs Up (yes, the movie about surfing penguins) soundtrack, but a couple are sure to find themselves on every summer playlist I’ve ever made. The song is uplifting and nostalgic from their ’99 album Make Yourself, perfect for those mellow and warm summer vibes.
Take it Easy – Eagles
Genre: Country Rock
A classic from 1972, packed full of the carefree summer feel we need. Off their self-titled album Eagles, it is light and airy. Perfect for driving with the windows down.
For What It’s Worth – Buffalo Springfield
Genre: Folk Rock
Ranked number 63 on Rolling Stone’s 2004 listing of ‘500 Greatest Songs of All Time’ with its interlocked lead guitars and lyrics inspired by the Sunset Strip riots in 1966.
Gimme Shelter – The Rolling Stones
Genre: Blues Rock
The opening song on their 1969 album Let it Bleed has seen various placings on Rolling Stones ‘500 Greatest Songs of All Time’. The tension in the song is supposedly inspired by guitarist Keith Richard’s jealousy of Mick Jagger and his girlfriend Anita Pallenberg.
Ziggy Stardust – David Bowie
Genre: Glam Rock
Fantastic and campy, this 1972 classic song perfectly captures the feeling of summer. Off Bowie’s concept album, The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust, the song is best enjoyed in the context of its album, but I will make an exception for a summer playlist. It’s the bisexual summer anthem we all needed.
The Chain – Fleetwood Mac
Genre: Soft Rock
Universally loved for a reason, the building guitar mid-song embodies emotional strife and matches the bittersweet and passionate lyrics. Maybe not the song for those in summer romances that last, but for the scorned and lonely, it fits perfectly.
Holiday – Green Day
Genre: Pop Punk
You can lean into the angst with this rebellious adolescent song, packed with crunch and iconic bass lines. Inspired by Bob Dylan, it is an undeniably political song that mocks American Conservatives. See yourself out if you feel it applies.
4EVER – CLAIRO
Genre: Synthpop
I also promised some modern music in this playlist, and this song is a consistent favorite amongst visitors to my summer playlist. It’s a strong intro to Clairo’s bedroom pop sound and coming-of-age lyrics.
Courtside – Tim Atlas
Genre: Indie Pop
Released in 2021, it is a mix of upbeat sounds and lyrics referencing a partner you think you don’t stand a chance with. Enchanting and soaked in romantic themes, it approaches Tim’s journey of emotions from a more optimistic side.
What A Feeling – One Direction
Genre: Pop
Hopefully, this song weeds out the insufferable men from listening to this playlist. It is the boyband’s strongest song, taking the number one spot in a Rolling Stones poll of the boys’ work. It comes off Made in the A.M., the album following member Zayn Malik’s departure from the band.
What Does the Normal Man Feel? – Nation of Language
Genre: Synth-pop
I had the pleasure of meeting this band in 2018 while they were opening for The Wombats, and I haven’t stopped listening to What Does The Normal Man Feel? since. The mixture of synthesizers and introspective lyrics balances the fine line between danceable and depressing.
Change – The Young Veins
Genre: Power Pop
This band is made up of former Panic! at the Disco members, and I am glad to see them expanding beyond that sinking ship. Full of retro-rock, it settles into the playlist quite well.
SF Valley Girl – Chase Paves
Genre: Hip Hop
Built upon energetic melodies, Chase outdoes himself with his newest work. I originally began listening to him in 2020 with his song Bedtime, but I am beyond excited with where he is taking his sound now.
American Girl – Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers
Genre: Rock
Released on their self-titled album in 1976, it is now a staple of classic rock and can be seen in several coming-of-age movies. It is fitting that it was the last song performed live by Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers.
Summer in my Lungs – The F16s
Genre: Alt Rock
The entire album of Triggerpunkte is worth a thorough listen. The electro-indie sound is sure to stick with you in some way or another. Inspired by The Strokes, Foals, and Vampire Weekend, the song tells the story of the band back home.
Dear Angie – Badfinger
Genre: Psych Pop
This song is the only Ron Griffiths song included in Badfinger’s album since Ron quit right before the name change from The Iveys to Badfinger. Something about the perky melody fits right in on a summer playlist.
What Once Was – Her’s
Genre: Indie Pop
While the song is sad, it is filled with dreamy soundscapes. About needing your partner’s support, it is another song balancing between the edges of melancholy and danceability.
You Make Me Feel Like Dancing – Leo Sayer
Genre: Disco
Leo Sayer’s fourth album, released in 1976, quickly reached international popularity and earned the singer a Grammy award. Any song from said album would sit well, but this is truly the cream of the crop.
Angels Walk Below – Harts
Genre: Electro-pop
The falsetto vocals and gorgeous guitar lines speak of Hart’s ability to dance between rock and groove. It has been a staple for my summer playlists since its release in 2014.
(Take These) Chains – Judas Priest
Genre: Heavy Metal
I simply cannot make any playlist without throwing in some 80s metal, specifically my favorite, Judas Priest. The chorus is infectious, and the guitar lines are tight. It is a great introduction to their discography for 80s metal beginners and a song I will have on repeat for years and years to come.