(Student reading book while listening to music on headphones. Photo credit: Garish (Luci) Kugathasan, 2025)
Before we get started, this article is brought to you by Jenita Kingston, President of ‘Wusic’, Western’s music club, as she shares her personal picks and insights into the ultimate summer playlist.
You may be sad that summer is over, but that doesn’t mean you can’t revisit it any time you want. Summer doesn’t have to be a season; it can be right around the corner with the right songs. Summer is all about good vibes, great adventures, and, most importantly, the perfect soundtrack. Whether you’re reminiscing about a great summer book, cruising down an open highway, relaxing on the beach, or sitting by a bonfire with friends, the right music makes it all more vivid. Because who doesn’t want a bit of escapism here and there to relax while being a uni student?
Here’s a playlist that delivers a unique mix of flavour.
Tip: If you have time during your mid-semester break, or any break in your teaching session, use this playlist to bring back the summer vibes.
- Road Trip Anthems – Songs That Keep the Wheels Turning
No road trip is complete without music that makes you want to roll the windows down and sing at the top of your lungs.
- “Fuel” – Metallica
Perfect for when you’re hitting the gas and feeling the rush of the open road.
- “Highway Star” – Deep Purple
Classic rock at its finest, tailor-made for long drives.
- “Take Me Home, Country Roads” – John Denver
Nostalgic and soulful, it transforms every journey into something special.
- “Go Your Own Way” – Fleetwood Mac
A timeless track with the right amount of drive and emotion.
- “Kickstart My Heart” – Mötley Crüe
If you want high-energy, this is the song to blast on an empty highway.
- “Everlong” – Foo Fighters
A perfect mix of emotion and power to keep you company on long stretches.
- “Dil Chahta Hai” – Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy
Bollywood’s ultimate road trip anthem, filled with nostalgia and adventure.
Pro Tip: Throw in some instrumental tracks like Tesseract’s “Of Matter” if you want a cinematic feel to your drive.
- Beach Day Bangers – Sun, Sand, and Sound
Lounging on the sand, playing volleyball, or just soaking in the sun? These songs set the perfect mood.
- “Surfin’ U.S.A.” – The Beach Boys
Classic. Enough said.
- “Heat Waves” – Glass Animals
A dreamy, wavy track that matches the summer haze.
- “Calm Down” – Rema & Selena Gomez
Smooth and tropical, easy on the ears.
- “Smooth Sailing” – Queens of the Stone Age
A groove-heavy rock track that feels just right for a lazy summer afternoon.
- “Summer of ’69” – Bryan Adams
Nostalgia in a song, perfect for warm evenings.
- “Stranded” – Gojira
A heavier pick, but that crushing groove fits a sunset like nothing else.
- “Levitating” – Dua Lipa
Upbeat with a danceable rhythm, great for beach games or dancing by the shore.
- “Jai Ho” – A.R. Rahman
A high-energy Bollywood anthem with a vibrant international appeal.
- “Ya Rayah” – Rachid Taha
A fusion of Algerian folk and rock that brings an exotic, rhythmic vibe to the beach.
Playlist Hack: Add some ambient wave sounds between tracks for a fully immersive experience.
- Party Anthems – Turn Up the Volume
Whether it’s a backyard BBQ, pool party, or just hanging out, these tracks bring the energy.
- “Uptown Funk” – Mark Ronson ft. Bruno Mars
Funky, catchy, and impossible to resist.
- “One Dance” – Drake ft. WizKid & Kyla
Smooth summer vibes that keep the energy light.
- “Superstition” – Stevie Wonder
Timeless and full of groove.
- “Party Hard” – Andrew W.K.
If you want to really turn things up, this is your song.
- “Sweating Bullets” – Megadeth
A unique pick, but if you appreciate some high-energy, slightly chaotic fun, it works.
- “The Way You Used to Do” – Queens of the Stone Age
Danceable rock with an edge.
- “Shake It Off” – Taylor Swift
A bubbly, carefree pop anthem that’s great for letting loose and having fun with friends.
- “Habibi” – Amr Diab
An Arabic classic with smooth and energetic beats, perfect for a summer dance session.
- “Sheila Ki Jawani” – Vishal-Shekhar
A Bollywood banger that guarantees a fun, high-energy dance session.
Pro Tip: Alternate between mainstream hits and unexpected rock/metal tracks for variety.
- Chill & Sunset Vibes – Slow Down and Breathe
After a long day, sometimes you just need music that helps you unwind.
- “Sunflower” – Post Malone & Swae Lee
Laid-back and smooth.
- “Better Together” – Jack Johnson
Acoustic magic that fits a sunset mood.
- “Golden Hour” – JVKE
Soft piano and dreamy vibes.
- “Ain’t No Sunshine” – Bill Withers
Soulful and warm, like a summer evening.
- “Celestial” – Skyharbor
If you want something atmospheric, immersive and a perfect combination of ambient mixed with upbeat.
- “Lazarus” – Porcupine Tree
Perfect for quiet moments of reflection.
Because even summer has its wistful, dreamy moments.
- “Tum Hi Ho” – Arijit Singh
A deep and emotional Bollywood track that blends perfectly with sunset vibes.
- “Alf Leila Wa Leila” – Umm Kulthum
A legendary Arabic song that brings deep emotions to the golden hour.
Relaxation Tip: Pair this playlist with a hammock and a cold drink for peak summer vibes.
Create Your Own Playlists
This playlist is just a starting point. The best summer playlists mix personal favourites with timeless classics, growing with every adventure. One approach to curating your perfect mix is by letting AI help. Play a song you like on a service like Spotify or YouTube Music and use their “Thumbs Up” and “Thumbs Down” buttons to refine your recommendations. Before you know it, you’ll discover hidden gems and hum along to tracks you never expected to enjoy.
Summer isn’t just a season. It’s a feeling, and music brings it to life. Whether you’re reminiscing about warm days, imagining a road trip, or just need an escape from uni stress, the right soundtrack makes every moment unforgettable. Hit play and let the memories begin!
