Summer Cruisin' Playlist

April 25, 2018

With just three short weeks left in the semester, most of us are getting ready to pack up and bring it on home for the season. While the prospect of parting with your roommates and late night mozz sticks for three months may seem less than ideal, going home means seeing family and old friends, taking some well-deserved time to unwind, and, for many of us, having access to a car again (!!!). So, I present to you a playlist full of chill, sunny tunes to bump to while you’re driving this summer—cruisin’ music, if you will.

Cooking Up Something Good – Mac DeMarco

Mac DeMarco’s signature guitar strumming and mellow voice are perfect for moseying through town on a lazy summer day. This song will make you want to put on your shades and soak up some sun.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rGh97zsBfWk=

The Keys – Matt Duncan

This sunshiney tune by Matt Duncan is teeming with happy vibes. Once the chorus hits, you’ll catch yourself tapping your fingers on the steering wheel, I guarantee it.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dlr2YdgduaA

South of the River – Tom Misch

Tom Misch’s voice combined with the instrumentals in this song are just too dang smooth.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nEJk2FJJ18c

40 Day Dream – Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros

All I’ll say about 40 Day Dream is that it is a windows-rolled-all-the-way-down kind of song—if they aren’t already, now’s the time.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_7nD1T7mjp8

Don’t Be Cruel – Elvis Presley

Like most Elvis songs, Don’t Be Cruel is just a bop—it’s impossible to listen to it and not be in a good mood. (Bonus: stick your arm lazily out the window and let your hair blow in the wind to feel like you’re in an old-timey movie!)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M_Lv6cHgnjo

July, July, July, July – Billy Paul

The title of this one is clearly appropriate for a summer jam, and the song itself is just as fitting.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eXdMASGOkUA

Can I Kick It? – A Tribe Called Quest

The ultimate chillin’ song. Lean back in your seat (not too far back, I mean, still drive responsibly), relax, and let the rhythms of Tribe wash over you.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7D_JwgIM-y4

Più di te (I Won’t Tell) – Mina

You can’t beat the dulcet melodies of Mina. Sì, it’s in Italian, but you don’t have to understand the lyrics to enjoy this zesty, upbeat song.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JVTgUDDahD0

Sunshower – Dr. Buzzard’s Original Savannah Band

The intro to this song is a little long, but just wait for it. It’s swingy, soothing, and lovely for warm-weather listening.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J1IFV1ncIOQ

Sweet to Me – Summer Salt

Sweet to Me gives summery Beach Boys vibes, but in a more chilled-out, indie way that will make you want to float around on a pool raft for a few hours.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B7gyPjAjhys