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The Top 10 Songs That Define My Summer

For when you're driving with the windows down, on the beach, or anything in between.

Lauren Amour

May 16, 2018

Rider University Millennials of New Jersey

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Summer is so close, yet so far away. As I'm writing this, I currently have three finals to study for and two papers to write, and I want nothing more than to be laying on the beach under the warm rays of the summer sun, while my biggest worry is whether I put on enough sunscreen or not.

Since April was basically a second winter, I am missing summer more than I usually am at this point in the year. As a result, (and you definitely knew this coming) I created a playlist with my favorite summer songs. To prepare you for the upcoming summer, I have narrowed it down to my top ten songs to recommend to you for the best season of the year:

10. "Heaven Sent" by Best Coast

"Heaven Sent" by Best Coast has been a staple summer song for me the past few years. I'm not sure if it's because of the album cover or what, but something about the song just says summer to me. If you don't believe me, give it a listen!

9. "Rollercoaster" by Bleachers

"Rollercoaster" by Bleachers embodies the freedoms of summer. Listening to this song just makes me feel free, and allows me to envision myself driving in my friend's car with the sun roof open with it blasting in the background. It's difficult for me to put into words how this song makes me feel--but I suppose the best word to use to describe the feeling is "alive."

8. "Drink Up" by Train

"Drink Up" by Train is an absolute perfect summer song. I mean, just look at the album cover. It is meant to be a song for summer. Listening to it in the fall or winter just wouldn't be right. The song reminds me of being on the beach with my friends, with the sun shining down on us without a care in the world. It's a reminder of that small escape from reality that the beach allows you to enjoy, at least for a little while.

7. "First" by Cold War Kids

Ah, yes. "First" by Cold War Kids is a song that reminds me of the more "nature" side of summer. Rather than the beach, it takes me to driving through or visiting the park, walking amongst the trees and breathing in the fresh air. A beautiful feeling we all wish to experience during summer is being one with nature for a short while, and feeling a sense of peace within the rustling of the trees from a cool breeze and the sun shining through the tree branches.

6. "My Body" by Young the Giant

"My Body" by Young the Giant is another song that resonates with the feeling of freedom and driving around with my best friends with the windows down. It is one of my favorite feelings in the world.

5. "Riptide" by Vance Joy

"Riptide" by Vance Joy will NEVER get old. It is a timeless summer song. Although it primarily reminds me of Summer 2015, it overall applies to every summer. Of course, with it's lyrics being about the ocean, and the soft tune of the ukulele, it screams summer. This list would not be complete without it.

4. "Island in the Sun" by Weezer

Just as "Riptide," this list would also not be complete without "Island in the Sun" by Weezer. A perfect song to listen to on the beach. Or a song to remind you of the beach. Or daydream about being on the beach. Kind of like what I'm doing right now. Have I mentioned I love the beach?

3. "The Beach" by All Time Low

Since the title of this All Time Low song is literally "the Beach," I feel as if I don't have to explain too much as to why this is a summer song. However, definitely give it a listen, the lyrics emphasize the summer-ness even more. According to lead singer Alex Gaskarth, the song is about Ocean City, Maryland, which makes me love it even more because I love it there!

2. "Ocean Avenue" by Yellowcard

"Ocean Avenue" by Yellowcard has always been everything I wanted my summer to be. "There's a place off Ocean Avenue where I used to sit and talk with you..." I mean really, isn't this all our summer dream? A summer fling at the beach? Yes, of course. I also realized after listening to this song that almost every beach has an Ocean Avenue. It made me happy.

1. "Malibu" by Miley Cyrus

"Malibu" was the beginning of Miley's comeback. This song was released about a year ago, and it will forever reminds me of that time period of my life. Summer 2017 was truly defined by this song for me. It's hard for me to detach the song from last summer. Nonetheless, "Malibu" with it's lyrics and melody are a perfect fit for your summer playlist.

Here's to a great summer 2018! ♥

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This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.

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The Top 10 Songs That Define My Summer

For when you're driving with the windows down, on the beach, or anything in between.

10. "Heaven Sent" by Best Coast

9. "Rollercoaster" by Bleachers

8. "Drink Up" by Train

7. "First" by Cold War Kids

6. "My Body" by Young the Giant

5. "Riptide" by Vance Joy

4. "Island in the Sun" by Weezer

3. "The Beach" by All Time Low

2. "Ocean Avenue" by Yellowcard

1. "Malibu" by Miley Cyrus

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All names should be "unisex names."

1. Communicating via email can be awkward.

2. Appointments usually accompany weird looks.

3. Introducing yourself to someone is never without a hitch.

4. You’ve probably thought about changing your name.

5. You’re often asked why you have the name you do.

6. You get excited when you meet someone of your gender with your name.

7. You feel awkward when you meet someone of the opposite gender with your name.

8. You’ve had someone say to you, “I knew a [your name], but they were [your opposite gender].”

9. You’ve heard a bad joke/pick-up line or two about your name before.

10. People are surprised when they see you.

11. You’re extra sensitive to other unique or unisex names.

12. You’ve fought with your parents about it.

13. All things considered, you’re happy your name makes you unique.

You know that all of these things apply to you. You'll just never tell.

I get it... I'm pale.

1. At least I can't lose you in a crowd!

2. Oh my goodness your skin is like glow-in-the-dark.

3. Can't you just get fake tan?

4. Do you tan or just burn?

5. Your kids are going to look like Casper the Friendly Ghost!

6. *holds arm against your arm* Look how much darker I am compared to you!

7. *holds pale arm against another pale arm* Aw, at least you're darker than her!

8. I laid out by the pool almost every day over break!

9. I haven't used sunscreen since I was, like, five.

10. *adjusts selfie lighting to their face* Oops, where'd you go??

11. *after working out* Your face is SO red!

12. *wears white* Look! You're all one color!

13. You need to get some sun.

14. Aren't you excited for summer?

The struggle bus is real.

1. Child prodigies:

2. Hearing other musicians in the practice room next door and accepting that you will never be as talented as them:

3. That anxiety that takes over before every performance:

4. Taking a million 0 credit classes:

5. When there's a paper due the next day, but you have to attend yet another concert in order to pass a 0 credit class:

6. When your friends try to encourage you after a performance, even though you are criticizing everything in your mind:

7. Knowing that there's always that one professor during juries:

8. The oh-so-attractive band/choir uniforms:

9. Realizing that a college campus is maybe not the best atmosphere to finish your latest composition:

10. Hearing "Oh, you sing opera? I LOVE Phantom of the Opera!" for the hundredth time:

11. When people think finals week is a breeze for you.

12. When you're drowning in the stress that comes with 18+ credits (and not to mention all those 0 credit classes) and people ask you how you are:

13. When it all comes down to it, though, you know that at the end of the day, music is your passion:

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6. holds arm against your arm Look how much darker I am compared to you!

7. holds pale arm against another pale arm Aw, at least you're darker than her!

10. adjusts selfie lighting to their face Oops, where'd you go??

11. after working out Your face is SO red!

12. wears white Look! You're all one color!