When it comes to taste in music, mine is all over the place. There are some songs that will always be catchy, and whether the song is "Shower" by Becky G, "Trap Queen" by Fetty Wap, or "Street Fight" by Smallpools, I do not discriminate. Those three songs belong to such different genres, yet I love them all. However, that does not mean I will listen to Fetty Wap radio on Pandora, but I will listen to the Today's Country playlist. In fact, I'm listening to it right now as inspiration to write this piece.

Whether it's January 21 or June 21, you can find me listening to country music. Sam Hunt, Kenny Chesney, Keith Urban, Tim McGraw --I love them all. For some people, country is a summer fad. During three quarters of the year, country music is a dormant genre to them. However, as soon as the weather starts to get warmer, country music playlists are being made. If the sun were audible, it would sound like country music. Conversely, for me, country is an all year, 365-day genre of choice. It brings me sun and warmth during the winter doldrums, and puts me in the beach mood when I'm packing my bags to go to the Cape or Martha's Vineyard. Blasting country music from my dorm room occurred frequently, and it's impossible to not tap my fingers at my desk while I listen to it at work. Although I love country music year round, there is something about listening to it during the summer that brings even more joy, so here are some ways country is just better during the summer.

One reason country music sounds even better in summertime is the way the lyrics tend to talk about summer and warm weather. Rascal Flatts even have a song called "Summer Nights," which is the epitome of every single summer night you have ever spent with your friends. It's so summery, you can practically smell the bonfire and hear the tide coming in. Of course, we cannot forget Frankie Ballard's "Sunshine and Whiskey" whose name simply explains itself. Summer. Sunshine. Whiskey. I'm not sure what else I have to say.

Country music also focuses in on the simple aspects to life, and how appreciating the little things can really enhance your life. I know for me, I try to focus on simplicity during the summer, since the school year is so hectic and filled with so many different stressors, so country music reminds me to be thankful of the little things. "Homegrown" by Zac Brown Band reminds me that all I really need are my good friends and time to spend with them, "Raised On It" by Sam Hunt makes me feel grateful for the place I was raised in (let's go, Boston), and "Little Bit of Everything" by Keith Urban emphasizes the point of not needing or relying on tons of material things to gain happiness.

Country music can fit any mood, too. There are some slower country songs, then more upbeat, fun country songs. While some can be cheesy, country music videos are always set at an idyllic beach with the sun setting in the background, a backwoods swimming hole with a cool rope swing, or at a party with tons of friends. Besides the fact that these settings are so fitting for summer, the artists who sing the songs that accompany the videos are pretty easy on the eyes. Hunter Hayes, anyone?

So keep this in mind while you make your next summer party playlist--maybe "House Party" by Sam Hunt will end up in the mix.