The following article includes music containing explicit content.

With school coming to an end and the warm weather just beginning, people start to shift into their summer mindset, which is different for each individual.

For some people, this means relaxing or hanging out with friends (at a distance), but others want to work hard to get summer jobs and continue their education. 

No matter what your intentions are for this summer, here are 20 new and old songs that will help set the tone for the summer break. 

“Feels Like Summer” – Childish Gambino

Smooth and powerful are two words I would use to describe Childish Gambino’s song “Feels Like Summer.” This song is perfect if you’re looking to just have a good time; however, it also has an underlying message about climate change.

“Money Trees” – Kendrick Lamar ft. Jay Rock

This is a perfect song for summertime hustlers. Kendrick Lamar and Jay Rock come together to create a musical masterpiece with a steady beat, but this song wouldn’t be fully completed without the unforgettable bridge sung by Anna Wise.

“Piazza, New York Catcher” – Belle & Sebastian

Filled with fantastic ideas and imagination, this poetic indie-folk song is a call to adventure. This song makes you want to go on a crazy trip with a friend or someone special in your life to wherever your heart desires.

“Lava” – Still Woozy

Lyrics that suggest a fondness of someone that makes you feel as though you could melt just like lava come together with psychedelic guitar instrumentals to make this groovy song that everyone can enjoy this summer. 

“Up Up & Away” – Kid Cudi 

Carefree lyrics combined with a high tempo beat create this perfect wake up song during summer. Listen to this after getting up early to watch the sunrise, and then see what your day has in store for you. 

“Blister In The Sun” – Violent Femmes

This song brings back memories of sunburns and wild nights from past summers. If you want to belt out a song at the top of your lungs, this is a song for you to listen through summer.

“Where Is The Love?” – Black Eyed Peas

Peace and love are essential in our world today, especially during tough times like a global pandemic and with the growing Black Lives Matter movement. “Where Is The Love?” is a hard-hitting social justice song that promotes world peace and compassion.

“Orange Dreamer” – Ay Wing, Chuuwee, Shuko

Angelic vocals consume you when you first hear this beautifully crafted song. “Orange Dreamer” transports you into a fantasy that makes you feel like you are lying in a field filled with wildflowers. 

“Ivy” – Frank Ocean 

This lovely little love song is great for any time — you can hang out with friends while listening or twirl around while singing it out loud. “Ivy” makes you feel as though you are in a movie with the person of your dreams and there’s no stopping the two of you. 

“Ballin Flossin” – Chance The Rapper ft. Shawn Mendes

This groovy, upbeat rap song featuring Shawn Mendes will make you want to get up and dance. The two artists came together in their first collaboration with each other to make the ultimate happy, sunny day song.

“Sister Golden Hair” – America 

A classic, “Sister Golden Hair” is a soft rock song that came out in 1975. Perfect if you’re looking for a calm love song to listen to in the car with the windows down on a hot summer day. 

“Bad Decisions” – The Strokes 

https://youtu.be/vyjlIVLQGtU

From The Strokes’ 2020 album “The New Abnormal,” this is an alternative song with great guitar and drums to back up the frantic lyrics about making bad decisions. Great for listening to with friends to jam out. 

“In My Room” – Frank Ocean 

Never in my life has a song made me want to lay down on my bedroom floor and just fully take in the art and beauty of a song this much. Gentle vocals are laid over a quick and almost melancholy beat.

“Dreams” – Fleetwood Mac 

If you’re looking to just relax and listen to soothing music, “Dreams” is a song just for that. Stevie Nicks’ luscious lyrics and calm voice combine with soft guitar and drums to make the perfect chill out song. 

“Good Old Days” – Macklemore ft. Kesha 

This one is for the seniors who will be attending college next fall. Macklemore and Kesha’s song will allow you to reminisce about your high school experience and memories you have made while moving towards the next stage of life. 

“4EVER” – Clario 

Clario’s single “4EVER” came out in 2018 and has been a hit ever since. This bedroom pop romantic song has mellow beats and soft vocals that allow you to feel the concerns and love she expresses. 

“Dog Days Are Over” – Florence + The Machine 

This song has background music that’s mostly harp and hand-clapping that leaves a more natural and free feel. Throughout the song it gets progressively more intense and upbeat, grasping your attention and imagination. 

“Blue World” – Mac Miller 

From Mac Miller’s posthumous album, “Circles,” “Blue World” is a groovy and intricate song. It starts with a small section sung by The Four Freshmen from their song ”It’s A Blue World,” giving it an old-timey feel, but then jumps right into strong beats. 

“Life Is Good” – Future ft. Drake

Working hard to get where you want to be in life is the message that this song by rappers Future and Drake puts off. “Life Is Good” really puts you in a focused mindset for what you want in life and how to get there. 

“Tiny Dancer” – Elton John 

Another classic song that makes you feel unstoppable and loved. Great song to listen to while driving in the car or just hanging out, due to the soul-hitting sound it gives off, making it a great song to listen to at any time. 

We’ve also created a Spotify playlist featuring all of the songs above.