As summer is fast approaching, it’s time to refresh your playlist with songs that feel like sunshine. Whether you’re driving with the windows down, roasting marshmallows at a campfire, or walking barefoot through the grass, this playlist has something for every kind of summer moment.

“Flowers in Your Hair” – The Lumineers

The sweet acoustic guitar on this beautiful track is enough to light up any summer night. It has a bright melody that captures the excitement of summer and the beautiful days that are coming up. The best way to describe this song is a beam of sunlight.

“Kids” – MGMT

“Kids” has a nostalgic, upbeat sound that reminds listeners of carefree childhood days. Its energetic beat makes it a great choice for summer parties or hanging out with friends under the sun. It’s great for those moments when you want your music to match the excitement in the air that comes with summer.

“Beige” – Yoke Lore

With its soft vocals and dreamy sound, “Beige” is an emotional break in your playlist. The heartfelt vocals and layered instrumentals make this a song to listen to when you’re watching the sun go down or walking alone. It is for the quieter, more introspective moments of summer. Its beautiful lyrics capture how much someone can really mean.

“Amber” – 311

This laid-back song has a calming vibe that fits perfectly with summer beach days and calm afternoons. “Amber” is the kind of song that makes you want to kick back and soak up the sun. It’s made for relaxing and warmth, with reggae rhythm and smooth vocals.

“Here Comes the Sun” – The Beatles

This classic song symbolizes the new beginnings of summer. Its optimistic message and gentle melody make it a necessity for any summer playlist. It’s a reminder that after long winters, there is always warmth ahead. “Here Comes the Sun” fits every summer mood, from early mornings to peaceful nights.

HM: George Harrison version

“Could You Be Loved” – Bob Marley

This classic brings upbeat rhythm, feel-good sound, and positive vibe. It’s a song that instantly puts you in a better mood with its uplifting lyrics and good beat. Whether you’re sitting in a hammock, hanging out with friends, or taking a walk on the beach, “Could You Be Loved” captures a carefree summer.

“Gypsy” – Fleetwood Mac

“Gypsy” has a free-spirited sound that captures the thrill of being young and exploring. It is a great song for road trips or traveling somewhere new, as it has an adventurous tune while still possessing Fleetwood Mac’s signature sound and lyrical depth.

“Strawberry Wine” – Noah Kahan

This song has a breathtaking soft guitar that carries throughout the entire tune. Noah Kahan’s voice carries a softness that matches the song’s themes of memory, love, and being young and growing. It’s a song that can be enjoyed on late-night drives or in between moments of a summer night.

“Feathered Indians” – Tyler Childers

Tyler Childers’s raw emotion and country sound make “Feathered Indians” a perfect song for summer. His beautiful storytelling and heartfelt lyrics along with a catchy guitar makes this song good for quiet drives or late nights around a fire.

“Rich Girl” – Hall & Oates

“Rich Girl” is a fun throwback that still holds up. It’s upbeat, catchy, and great for when you just want something lighthearted to listen to. Its style and memorable chorus make it a great choice for the more carefree parts of summer, like going out with friends or getting ready for a fun summer day.

“Good Days” – SZA

This song’s smooth production and thoughtful lyrics give it a reflective, melodic quality that stands out. SZA captures the feeling of trying to stay grounded while everything around you is changing, something that feels very real during the summer. There’s a calmness to the song that makes it perfect for quiet moments. Summer days are good days, and this song is a reminder to appreciate them while they’re here.

“Cherry” – Harry Styles

“Cherry,” with soft, beautiful production and emotional lyrics, is just the calming melody you need on your summer playlist. It’s for days by the pool or at the beach, relaxing in the sun while listening to the beautiful and quiet guitar.

“The Less I Know The Better” – Tame Impala

Tame Impala’s typical blend of dreamy sound and laid-back rhythm gives this song a perfect place on a summer playlist. The lyrics carry a freeing message about letting go and not caring so much about what other people think, which adds depth behind the uplifting tune.

“We are the People” – Empire of the Sun

This song sounds like a summer adventure in musical form. It’s upbeat and has a kind of freedom to it that makes it feel perfect for road trips and weekend plans. It’s a reminder that summer is a time to be out in the world making new memories and having fun.

“Ribs” – Lorde

“Ribs” hits especially hard for graduating seniors. It’s a song about the almost unreal feeling of growing up and realizing that childhood is ending. There’s a quiet ache in the song that feels like when you know something important is coming to an end but you can’t put it into words. “Ribs” explores the connections between us and how they shift as we grow older, capturing the bittersweetness that comes with change.