Summer is top of mind for many students as the school year comes to a close, and with the season approaching comes the inevitable online debate about what this year’s song of the summer will be. Though it’s impossible to say for certain what song will define pop culture in the coming months, our staff has picked which songs they will have on replay this summer.
Paul Tibbets — “California Kids”
As I grow older, it has been harder for me to keep up with all of the new music coming out every day. Lately, I have been turning back to the past to see what years before have to offer. Power pop rock band Weezer was the first concert I ever went to, and as I am seeing them again later this year, I have had their albums on repeat. One standout song I will be playing all summer is “California Kids,” the intro to their “White Album.” It is such a breezy rock song that perfectly soundtracks a road trip to the beach. The best way I can describe it is a grungy Beach Boys song in the best way possible. My summer is going to be endless laidback adventures and this fits it to a T.
Savannah Boynes — “Buzzcut Season”
My hair has grown from a pixie cut to now reaching my waist, and I sometimes get the urge to buzz my head. Since summer awaits me after the horrors of finals, the urge is stronger than ever with this Louisiana heat and sweat running down my scalp. My song of the summer, “Buzzcut Season,” perfectly captures why I will not buzz my hair this summer. The song speaks to summer memories of sitting by the poolside, soda fizzing in my mouth and reminiscing on the year so far. My long hair measures the time spent since these summers and what comes after.
Mia Hattaway — “CRANK”
This year, I have sought to be a truly outrageous woman. Obnoxious laughs, nonsensical sayings and pure joy have been my underlying goals for the past few months. As spring turns to summer, there is only one song that fully captures this essence: “CRANK” by Slayyyter. With an experimental, high energy track, Slayyyter crafts a song loud enough to drown out all of my troubles. The levels of overstimulation this song brings me tip over into a sense of euphoria I have never previously reached, which is just the feeling I hope to carry with me all summer long.
Sarah Walton — “Drop Dead”
Every summer, there are always a few artists that have their moment to shine. We all remember Brat Summer, and I would like to call it now that this summer will belong to Olivia Rodrigo. No matter what style it’s in, her music becomes a cultural moment, and her new album will be no different. Rodrigo’s new song “Drop Dead” is so perfect for summer and for all the girls with an overactive imagination. The colorful, fun and whimsical visuals in the music video make everything even better.
Paige Cheramie — “American Cars”
If summer is a time of reset and relaxation for you, then you’re probably looking for music that sets a mellow tone and connects you with your surroundings. A part of Noah Kahan’s newest album, “American Cars” is a mellow folk song that talks about returning to a place after being called home by someone you care about. It’s great for those evening drives after a day of fun and reflecting on what matters to you most.
Charlotte Trentalange — “Summer YoMuthi”
Two summers ago, when trying to find new music, I came across a feature on Apple Music that listed the top 100 songs from countries around the world. Curious to hear something different, I clicked on the Zimbabwe playlist and found “Summer YoMuthi” by Blaq Diamond. From that first listen, it stood out with its energy and rhythm, creating an instant serotonin boost. My friends and I were immediately hooked on the song, playing it on the way to the beach and on the weekends. Two years later, it’s still my summer anthem that makes me think of warmer weather and relaxing afternoons.
Lily Centola — “Bathroom Light”
It is a Mt. Joy summer for me. The band recently performed in New Orleans, and I saw a video of Matt Quinn singing Radiohead with the Revivalists at Preservation Hall. This has sparked a Mt. Joy phase for me. Their music reminds me of the calm breeze of hot summer nights. “Bathroom Light,” specifically, is my song of the summer. I believe the song is beautiful and allows one to take a step back while looking at life which is the perfect way to take in summer.
Laura Allen — “Watch Your Mouth”
When I’m queuing up a playlist for the summer, I’m looking for laid-back, upbeat songs to soundtrack my drive to work or day at the beach. For me, “Watch Your Mouth” by The Backseat Lovers is the perfect mix of gritty vocals, nostalgic lyricism and chill instrumentals to put me in a warm-weather mood. I have also just been listening to more and more alternative rock lately, so “Watch Your Mouth” perfectly sums up the energy I’m taking into this summer.
