Summer wouldn’t be summer without the right soundtrack to enhance the moment. From road trips to beach days, these songs capture the essence of the season’s energy, nostalgia, and carefree spirit. Here’s a playlist of tracks that defined my summer.
“Walking Away”- Justin Bieber
As I think we all were, I have been eagerly waiting for a new Justin Bieber album for years. I think I speak for all when I say this album did not disappoint. Walking Away, although not even my favorite from the album, has been at the top of my playlists for months. The feel-good energy and the promising lyrics of a husband to his wife were what I needed when driving around the suburbs this summer.
Lyric highlight:
You are my diamond
Gave you a ring
Made you a promise
I told you I’d change
It’s just human nature
These growing pains
And baby I ain’t walking away
“You’ll Always Find Your Way Back Home” – Hannah Montana
Bringing some nostalgia to the playlist is always a good call, and what better way than some throwback Disney? As a camp counselor, I was listening to all kinds of throwbacks, but this is the one I would find myself queuing up outside of the camp day. If you’re reading this, it’s a reminder to appreciate how good Hannah Montana is.
Lyric highlight:
Your best friends, your little hometown
Are waiting up wherever you go now
You know that you can always turn around
“I’m Alive”- Jack Wolfe
Now, if you know me, you know I can never have a playlist without including musical theater somewhere. This summer, my theater kid was thrilled by the arrival of the West End recording of the musical Next to Normal,, led by CaissieLevyy and Jack Wolfe. This song is the top one on my on repeat and will remain there for the foreseeable future. I am addicted to it. The creepy lyrics, paired with rock undertones, make it a fun listen.
Lyric highlight:
I’m your wish, your dream come true
And I am your darkest nightmare too
I’ve shown you, I own you
“Whose You Are”- Jake Minch
Gonna dampen the mood for a quick second. If you aren’t listening to Jake Minch, I highly recommend that you start. Who you are has a deeply rooted message built into the lyrics, instrumentals, and vocal delivery from Jake. When I needed to crash out this summer, this was the song I would do it to.
Lyric highlight:
You touch my arm
And I believe that there’s a God
I’ve got so much shit to lose
And only one more thing to gain
“How to live” – Del Water Gap
To bring the vibes back up (sort of), we have a song by one of my favorite musicians, Del Water Gap. This song does have some objectively sad lyrics, but they’re masked by a fun and upbeat track, so to me, that’s a happy song. This is a great window down, breeze in your hair, one arm out the window singing to scream with your best friend on the way home from a great beach day.
Lyric highlight:
And I’m no stranger to the distance
But I’m missing her bad
I’m up at night and wishing
It could be simple as that
“Savannah”- Jensen McRae
For a morning drive to work, this was my go-to every day. Savannah has a calmness and melodic warmth to it, making it a standout track on McRae’s newest album, I Don’t Know How, but They Found Me. This song reminds you of how hard it can be to leave someone you once loved behind, finding that person everywhere you look, even when trying to move on. The word “Savannah” in this case refers to a place, a feeling, a person, and mental space.
Lyric highlight:
There is a bar you’re not allowed in on Bellevue
A bloody-faced comet, you were a time bomb
–Oct. 7, 2025–
