The ultimate guide to soundtracking your summer

Summer is known for a few things, like pool parties, cookouts and bonfires. And, of course, the constant music. It blares through every water park speaker and sets a comforting ambiance as you eat burgers in the summer sun. I’ve compiled a list of the best songs to act as the only playlist you’ll need this summer.

‘Take It Easy’ — Eagles

Summer is all about relaxing, and this is the perfect soundtrack to do just that. Even if you’re not standing on a corner in Windslow, Arizona, you can still appreciate the carefree vibes and good banjo.

‘Reelin’ In the Years’ — Steely Dan

Though the electric guitar at the beginning doesn’t exactly scream relaxation, the chorus is a yacht rock classic.

‘Love Shack’ — The B-52’s

Bring your jukebox money for this one, because it’s bound to get everyone dancing. It’s fun and has a part for everyone. Plus, who can resist yelling “Tin roof/ Rusted” at the end?

‘Son of a Lovin’ Man’ — Buchanan Brothers

When I first heard this in Quentin Tarantino’s “Once Upon a Time… In Hollywood,” I knew it was going to be a playlist staple. It perfectly encapsulates the hippie vibe that was prevalent in the late 60’s.

‘Time of the Season’ — The Zombies

Featuring some of the worst pick-up lines I’ve ever heard — “Whose your daddy?/ Is he rich like me?” — this song is perfect for late nights with that special someone under the stars, relaxing and enjoying their company in the cool summer breeze.

‘Brandy (You’re a Fine Girl)’ — Looking Glass

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One of my criteria for a good summer song is if it’s good to lie out tanning to. Looking Glass’s hit easily clears this criteria. The chorus is impossible not to sing along to, and it’s a fun, easy listen.

‘Escape (The Piña Colada Song)’ — Rupert Holmes

While I don’t endorse the infidelity in the song, you can’t deny how much of a banger it is — not to mention its relatability. I also am not into yoga.

‘Saturday in the Park’ — Chicago

Growing up, it was always a special day when my mom planned for us to grill hot dogs and eat on the back patio. This song is the embodiment of that for me. I don’t have much to say about it, but I would be remiss not to include it here.

‘Rich Girl’ — Daryl Hall & John Oates

I can say confidently from experience that this is one of the best songs to play while driving around a beach town in a golf cart. It’s a good driving song in general or in any situation where you can sing while the wind blows through your hair.

‘Don’t Stop’ — Fleetwood Mac

Given the dramatics some Fleetwood Mac songs have — shoutout to the girl in my dorm singing her heart out to “Silver Springs” by the way — this is a light and airy one that reminds you exactly how many drugs the band was, in fact, doing. Don’t stop thinking about tomorrow — and don’t stop listening to older music.

hannaer@miamioh.edu

Elise Hanna is The Miami Student’s Digital Media Editor and a first-year strategic communication major. Alongside writing, she is involved in Kappa Alpha Pi and enjoys the Detroit Lions, the Muppets and learning about the Watergate scandal.