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Since 2017, festivals have been a staple of my summer. Every year a new one is added to my list and I can't help but start planning my outfits and instagram posts months in advance. So, as summer 2020 is just around the corner, I am reminded of all of the festivals I was supposed to be attending this year. From Lovebox to British Summer Time, all of my favourite fests have inevitably been cancelled. Despite this tragedy, summer is still carrying on. So, to make up for the lack of concerts, I thought I'd share some of my favourite feel-good tunes that you should add to your summer soundtrack.
1. DOIN' TIME, LANA DEL REY
"Summertime, and the living's easy"
The first track I want to share is a cover of Sublime's 'Doin' Time' by Lana Del Rey. I don't always enjoy covers but, in true Lana fashion, she adds her own spin to this and manages to deliver a song that sounds just like one of her own. The laid-back beats and airy vocals make this the perfect song to sunbathe, drink and chill to this summer.
2. BORDERLINE, TAME IMPALA
"We're on the borderline, caught between the tides"
Next is a song by Australian one-man band, Tame Impala. I first heard this song being used in the background of Tiktok dances and didn't think much of it, but when I spent three months in Australia this soon changed. Every good road trip had this song on the playlist. It's catchy, upbeat and definitely deserves a spot on your summer playlist.
3. JAMMING, BOB MARLEY & THE WAILERS
"I want to jam it with you"
Next is another song (and artist) that I didn't really care for until my trip to Australia. I always thought that this type of music just 'wasn't my vibe.' It wasn't until I was sat in the back of an old coach, drinking cans of cider and being driven along an Australian freeway with the doors wide open, that I realised it actually is very much 'my vibe.' Now, this song will always remind me of that strange journey, which actually turns out to be one of my favourite summer memories.
4. YOU MAKE LOVING FUN, FLEETWOOD MAC
"I don't have to tell you, but you're the only one"
I'm a big Fleetwood Mac fan, and have been for a while now, but I've only just started giving this song the recognition it deserves. I love the lyrics, the guitar breaks and the overall vibe of this track; I can just imagine it playing in the background of a summer BBQ!
5. COME DOWN, ANDERSON PAAK
"You drank up all my liquor, come on, what I'm supposed to do now?"
I'd never heard of Anderson Paak until I was watching his set at Lovebox in 2018. He opened with this song and, as soon as he walked off the stage, I added it to my playlist. The beat and the lyrics seemed to capture the essence of the crowd that day and, since then, Come Down has been one of my favourite summery songs.
6. LOSE MY COOL, AMBER MARK & FRANC MOODY
"You know I'm feeling it like, I just need to speak my brain"
Although it was released in 2017, I only heard this song recently and I'm still surprised that it's so underrated. The electrifying bassline compliments Amber Mark's voice perfectly and the lyrics are extremely fitting for the situation we're all in at the moment. I know this song will stay with me for many more summers to come!
7. SUMMER GIRL, HAIM
"Walk beside me, not behind me"
The next track is bought to you by three American sisters who are known as Haim. This song is jazzier than what Haim usually produce, and more mellow than the other songs I've shared so far. But, something about the simplicity of the saxophone and vocals displayed here make this an irresistible song for the summer.
8. SWIM GOOD, FRANK OCEAN
"Imma try to swim from something bigger than me"
My love for Frank Ocean began back in 2015, and this is one of my favourite songs by him without a doubt. A tale of loss, love and personal growth, Swim Good has a deep meaning that contrasts the feel good beat. Still, this song has been a firm favourite on my summer playlist for a while now and I think you should add it to yours too.
9. HAVE SOME LOVE, CHILDISH GAMBINO
"Have some time for one another, really love one another"
In my opinion, Donald Glover is a genius. He is an amazing comedian, successful actor and makes great music under the stage name Childish Gambino. This particular song spreads such an inspiring message and, after listening to it for the first time, you'll definitely want to go and spread so much love far and wide. If that doesn't make you think of the spirit of summer then I don't know what does!
10. CANTALOOP (FLIP FANTASIA), US3
"Brace yourself as the beat hits ya"
I'm actually shocked that I love this song as much as I do. It's a jazz-hip hop fusion tune that feels out of place compared to the other songs on my playlist, but something keeps drawing me back to it. The funky beats and lively lyrics still make this song sound fresh, despite it being released 27 years ago. It's the perfect song to include in your soundtrack this summer!
I really enjoyed compiling this list of my favourite summery songs. Whether you add these to your playlist or not, you should play some music today and get in the mood for summer! Feel free to comment some of your favourite tunes below as I'm always looking for recommendations.