The following article includes music containing explicit content.

“Your Love (Deja Vu)” – Glass Animals

Glass Animals has a plethora of perfect songs for a sunny day, but this single from February 2020 is one of their best. The production value is astoundingly high and the lyrics capture the feelings of excitement that come with the return of a missed friend or partner.

“Hand In My Pocket” – Alanis Morissette

After being introduced to Alanis Morissette by this particular track, it quickly became a staple of my middle school years. The song is uplifting but realistic, as it recognizes that life isn’t always beautiful and that things will be OK no matter what happens.

“New Romantics” – Taylor Swift

This track has been one of my favorite songs of all time since its initial release, but I’ve found that as I get closer to adulthood, I can relate to this song more. Accepting that everything is temporary — including pain — is a theme present in this song, and listening will surely make you feel ready to get out of your comfort zone.

“Dark Paradise (Parov Stelar Remix)” – Lana Del Rey

“Dark Paradise” is about the desire to keep someone in your life, despite the risk that it might hurt you in the long run. Though most of Lana Del Rey’s music errs on the mellow side, this remix puts an upbeat spin on a Del Rey classic, making it perfect for even the cheeriest days.

“Tears Dry On Their Own” – Amy Winehouse

Amy Winehouse is one of my favorite artists of all time, and this self-love anthem is my favorite song in her discography. No matter who abandons us in life, we will always have ourselves to pick up the broken pieces. This song captures this idea perfectly, and like the sun, it can lift any mood.

“Waves (Tame Impala Remix)” – Miguel

While this song doesn’t have as deep of a meaning as some of the other tracks on this playlist, Miguel’s and Tame Impala’s vocals work in harmony on this remix of Miguel’s song, “Waves.” Other remixes of this song are equally impressive, but Tame Impala’s additions to the track give it an entirely different feel that is perfect for sunny days.

“Someone New” – Hozier

With the warmth of summer comes more opportunities to spend time enjoying the company of the people around you. This Hozier song is an ode to the beauty of every person, even those who we don’t know or don’t relate to based on first impressions.

“Cigarette Daydreams” – Cage The Elephant

“Cigarette Daydreams” is a bittersweet tune about seeing someone’s true emotions beneath the surface of what they might outwardly display. Although the lyrics are somewhat sad, they foster feelings of hope, as well as love for somebody that is hurting. On sunny days, this song makes me feel a sense of comfort that I also feel with the arrival of warm sunshine.

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