As we continue to live in this eternal chill that is Hamilton, what better playlist than one all about warmth? The sun, sweat, shorts and a T-shirt fuels us humans with energy and so much happiness. Without that sunshine, it can be hard to have motivation like we used to. Therefore, consider this playlist your healthy dose of vitamin D. Ranging in genre, era and vibe, I hope these tunes can propel you forward to a time without gloves or a puffy jacket. Just remember, before we know it, it will be warm again!
1. “The Light in You” — Loving (2024)
If a sunset sounded like anything, I think it would be “The Light in You.” Although this song has no words, the soft strum of the guitar and hum of the synthesizers provides me with that special introspectiveness that you can only get from the pinks and blues of the summer sky.
2. “Take It Off” — Aatig, FISHER (2023)
Ok, this is a vibe change for sure. Be prepared for a body part to start moving within the first ten seconds of this timeless house jam. Imagine you are boiling in the summer sun: “in that situation / where you just like, you just wanna take it off?”
3. “Golden Hour” — Luna Li (2024)
In many ways, this song is a sad yearning for connection and tenderness, but I love the setting Luna Li places her listener. Meeting in a meadow with a ‘lamenting sky’ and “grass taking sides,” this song beautifully outlines the inexplicable relationship between nature and human connection.
4. “Sunrise” — Norah Jones (2004)
It’s been a long day at the beach and you are walking home from dinner, drunk on heat exhaustion and a large bowl of pasta. Relax, let loose and let Jones take you somewhere special.
5. “Walkin’ on the Sun” — Smash Mouth (1997)
Groovy, groovy, groovy. This upbeat jam by early 2000s legends Smash Mouth creates a witty, clever and timeless tune.
6. “Shine” — Alice Phoebe Lou (2023)
As dramatic as it sounds, the softness of Alice Phoebe Lou’s music makes me feel like I am floating above the clouds. It’s true — her beautiful vocals alongside guitar strums lull me to a warmer place, whether it be under the covers or in the hot sun.
7. “April Come She Will” — Simon and Garfunkel (1966)
Ah, what a classic. Moving quickly from April to June to “[flying]” to July, this 60s anthem reminds us that time (and seasons) pass before you know it.
8. “Eternal Summer” — The Strokes (2020)
Whenever this song comes on, I strut my stuff. This really goes for any song by The Strokes, especially on the 2020 album “The New Abnormal.” What’s warmer than the idea of an “eternal summer”?
9. “SUMMER RENAISSANCE” — Beyoncé (2022)
Need I say much? As the closing song in Beyoncé’s utterly perfect album “RENAISSANCE,” the inclusion of Donna Summer’s “I Feel Love” is a call to movement, freedom and self-expression.
10. “Wading in Waist High Water” — Fleet Foxes (2020)
You can’t think of warmth without the wonderful and refreshing dips into “waist-high water.” The repetitive strum in the background of this song reminds me of the continuous ripples of rivers and streams. Oh to be back in a body of water on a warm, calm afternoon!
11. “HOTTIE” — BROCKHAMPTON (2017)
BROCKHAMPTON takes me right back to middle and early high school where I wore a questionable amount of eyeliner and one too many striped clothing items. Then again, I still find myself going back to their music. Hyper and in your face, this hodge podge of a song (and rap group) has an addictive quality that I just can’t get enough of.
12. “Flowers” — Real Estate (2024)
Something so special about the indie band Real Estate is their unreal guitar progressions and layering. The bass guitars in conversation with one another weave in and out to create an upbeat, special sound.
13. “Ocean Blue” — Moniker (2016)
Ending off on a strong note, this song was shown to me by my wonderful younger sister, Scout. Whenever I listen to this song, I am filled with love for my dog, awesome sisters and amazing family. “Ocean Blue” feels like neighborhood bike rides, long picnics and outdoor candlelit dinners.
