It was move-out day and my car was loaded with my clothes and other belongings that made my dorm home for a year. I turned on my car, plugged my AUX cable into my phone and opened my Spotify app. My drive home was only an hour, but that was just enough time for me to take in the sunshine and begin my summer playlist. 

Summer is too short to not have a prime playlist to go with it. Here a few songs that have to make your list!

‘Hey Look, Ma (I Made It)’ – Panic! At the Disco 

The first song I listened to as I pulled out of BGSU’s parking lot was this song by Panic! At the Disco. I wouldn’t consider myself a huge Panic! At the Disco fan, but this was the first song to pop into my head as I was headed to my car. For me, this song reminds me of the victory of completing one year of college. No matter how well your year went, we can all say in unison that we made it. Summer is officially here!

‘Lush Life’ – Zara Larsson

“Lush Life” is a careless song about having the best summer you can. For this song, I envision a sunny beach day or a day at Cedar Point. Unfortunately, not all of us experience the sand between our toes this summer. The reality is I’ll be spending most of my summer working. However, this does not mean we can’t love every moment of the sunshine that winter withheld from us!

‘Shotgun’ – George Ezra

“I’ll be ridin’ shotgun underneath the hot sun,” is the chorus of this song by George Ezra. Following in the same theme as “Lush Life,” this song embraces the careless attitude of relieving stress and allowing the sun to soak into your skin – just as long as you don’t burn in the process. Loving your summer, regardless of your situation, is key to having the best summer. 

‘Good Life’ – Rachel Platten

Besides her hit, “Fight Song,” Rachel Platten hasn’t been in the spotlight as much as she should be. I first heard “Good Life” in the Starbucks line on campus, and it has since stayed with me, quickly becoming one of my favorite songs. This song easily makes my day better or makes me appreciate a good day even more. “Good Life” forces me to focus on all of the good parts of my life when I don’t feel like moving from my bed to get to work. It makes me stop and take a breath once in a while. 

‘Truth Hurts’ – Lizzo

If you’ve heard anything from Lizzo, you know that she’s the queen of self-empowerment and loving yourself. “Truth Hurts,” for me, is a perfect song to “bop” to on the highway on my way to work. It’s a song that picks me up and helps me to believe love towards myself is the most important love in my life. On top of that, the high-energy beats in this song will help you get over any summer flings that could be dragging you down. 

‘Sucker’ – Jonas Brothers

The Jonas Brothers are back and delivering bops as always. If this song hasn’t been played in your car since its release, it needs to start. “Sucker” is a beyond perfect song for the summer. It has everything a summer song needs. I personally love this song for its high-energy beats and its catchy chorus. The Jonas Brothers album was released in time for summer and I can’t wait to listen to the album all break long. 

‘Bright’ – Echosmith

This song has been a favorite of mine for an incredibly long time. I remember when it was played on the radio constantly and as for me, it is still played in my car. “Bright” helps me to envision a summer bonfire or the stars shining at night. It makes me think about toasting s’mores on a fire. The song makes you feel as if there’s no better time to be in than the present. 

‘ME!’ – Taylor Swift featuring Brendon Urie

You’d be completely wrong if you thought I’d leave this song out of my must-have songs for the summer. When I first heard this song, I have to say I was slightly disappointed. It did not have the big metaphors of her latest album, and the chorus was lackluster. However, the song does deliver in upbeat and fun beats. All the negative points I thought when I first heard the song disappeared when I realized the time of year. “ME!” is the perfect song to be played on your summer drives or afternoons by the pool. The lyrics are simple and to the point, but that’s what summer is about. Summer is about simple. Summer is about relaxation. This song checks all of those boxes. 

Some bonus tracks:

Falcon media staff joined in on the summer playlist fun and added our own favorite jams to this WBGU-FM playlist. Be sure to listen and share!