As the summer season approaches, editor Erin Patterson sat down to rank her top 10 summer playlist songs. 

10. “Just A Little While” by The 502s

My TikTok for you page brought this song into my playlists after its release in 2021. The folky pop style reminds me of the ocean breeze and happy memories. Anytime I listen to this song I can’t help but smile.

9. “California Gurls” by Katy Perry

California: the sunshine state. This song gives me major summer vibes due to the beachy, warm, sweet lyrics. Perry has ruled the summer with this song since 2010.

8. “Cruel Summer” by Taylor Swift 

As a devoted Taylor Swift fan, it was hard to not fill the entire playlist with Swift’s songs, but this was one that couldn’t be missed. The bridge is easily screamable and the chorus is simple to follow. Once you hear it, each listen grows more addictive as you continue to listen to this masterpiece.

7. “3 Nights” by Dominic Fike

The laid back tempo and light harmonies are easy to sing along with and nod to the beat. Dominic Fike’s most popular song is groovy and includes new beats to this alternative bop. 

6. “Someone to You” by BANNERS

The beat is unstoppable and constant throughout the entire song. The melody of the chorus is extremely catchy and is guaranteed to be stuck in your head for the rest of the day. 

5. “Toungtied” by Grouplove 

This song reminds me of late night summer drives with friends feeling released from daily responsibilities. It truly encompasses everything that summer is about: feeling free. The cheery beat sums all of these feelings into melody and rhythm. one song.

4. “La La Land” by Bryce Vine

 Bryce Vine brings summer to another relaxed level with this short two minutes and 34 second song. I recently found this song and have become obsessed with the mix of electric guitar and light drums. The references to California also influence the correlation with summer in my thought process. 

3. “August” by Taylor Swift 

The last month of summer before we return to school: August. The melodic instrument blend that leads into the calming lyrics brings me peace whenever I listen to it. This song reminds me of standing on the beach while the sun sets as your feet dig into the cool sand after a long day in the warm sun. Although the lyrics describe being someone’s second choice, the music composition contrasts the unwanted feelings that the lyrics describe. 

2. “Mr. Brightside” by the Killers 

A well known classic  remains one of the most played songs at school events. The introductory melody is recognizable from any setting. From my experiences, this alternative rock song leaves many people screaming, jumping and breathless after singing to the quick beat.

1. “Summer” by Calvin Harris

What is the most summer song you could think of? A song titled summer. Calvin Harris’ build up from the first verse into the chorus does not disappoint when the beat drops to the well known instrumental electronic beat. The energy is held throughout the entire song to make this number one on many summer song playlists. 

I hope that either known or not known, you take a listen to a couple of these songs and are reminded of the happy summer days coming soon. The playlist is publicly published under the username “Erin Patterson” on Spotify.