As you lounge by the pool, headphones on, and just vibing to your new summer playlist, it begs the question: What is a “summer” song? Perhaps it's songs that make mention of the August months (august by Taylor Swift wink wink). Maybe it's just an upbeat song that radiates energy. Whatever your opinion is of a summer song, these songs have proven time and time again to be timeless.

To me, summer songs are high-energy, “glitter gen-pel songs” — ones you can dance to when bored or bop your head to. Songs that radiate pure vibes, regardless of lyrics are the ultimate Summer Songs. Sorry Swifties, if you're looking to find folklore in this playlist, it would not be the place to read. (1989 is the ultimate summer album though!!)

Supercut - Lorde

“I'll be your quiet afternoon crush/Be your violent overnight rush /Make you crazy over my touch”

Image Credit: Luhaers from Wikimedia Commons

Featured on her sophomore album Melodrama, Lorde's “Supercut” is an emotional song discussing her feelings over the failure of a relationship. While emotional, the song, paired with Jack Antonoff's production, was categorized as pop music. Its thrilling beats and fun melody are the perfect song to describe summer: upbeat, bright, and exciting. This song is perfect to dance to and encapsulates exactly what it means to love.

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Espresso - Sabrina Carpenter

“I'm working late 'cause I'm a singer / Oh, he looks so cute wrapped around my finger”

Released just days before Sabrina Carpenter's Coachella debut, “Espresso” has taken the world by storm. The music video has Carpenter dancing alongside beaches and draped over surfboards, and fighting as a contender for Billboard's Song of the Summer. The song is breezy, groovy, and fun — radiating carefree energy that effortlessly joins people worldwide. It is that same energy that gives the song so much power and status as a bop.

Close to You - Gracie Abrams

“I burn for you / And you don't even know my name / If you asked me to / I'd give up everything / To be close to you.”

Image Credit: Lee from Wikimedia Commons

Released with Gracie Abrams's sophomore album The Secret of Us, “Close to You” has been a long-awaited release for any fans of Abrams. The song first gained traction on social media when it was posted as an unreleased piece, with fans flooding the comment section asking Abrams to post it. The song highlights the complexities of wanting to be close to someone and yearning for their love and attention but not receiving it. Its upbeat production and Abrams's singing worked to create a summer anthem that has fans thrilled to hear more from her new album.

Lady Killers II - G-Eazy

“Make her disappear just like poof / Then she's gone"

“Lady Killers II” was a remix of G-Eazy's original “Lady Killers”, originally released on November 14, 2013, before being rereleased on March 17, 2024. Its resurgence and rerelease was due to TikTok, the song acting as background audio in videos of people walking alongside beaches, lip-syncing to the lyrics. The song portrays G-Eazy's carefree attitude as the song continues. The energetic rhythm and sense of relaxation make this the perfect song for parties and beach outings.

Dancing Queen - ABBA

“You are the dancing queen / Young and sweet, only seventeen"

Released as a single on Arrival, “Dancing Queen” was recorded and then released in the mid-70s. So, of course, there is no doubt about the groovy disco tunes heard throughout the song. While reflective of a 70s piece, “Dancing Queen” has brought generations of people together to dance to this very piece.

The lyrics and the song's rhythm capture the joy of youthfulness, allowing us to be reminiscent of seventeen. Since its release, the song has been regarded as a pop classic and perfectly portrays the magic of summer.

Call Me Maybe - Carly Rae Jepsen

“Hey, I just met you / And this is crazy / But here's my number / So call me, maybe."

Image Credit: Witchger from Wikimedia Commons

When asked about the most popular song from the 2010s, there are a few songs that come to mind. “Call Me Maybe” by Carly Rae Jepsen is one of them. Named the Song of the Summer in 2012, the song highlights the feeling of yearning for love and the infatuation that Jepsen holds over her next-door neighbour. The song, when released, became an instant blockbuster hit and led the charts due to its appeal to youth.

Described by many as the “perfect pop song”, “Call Me Maybe” features a boppy and synthesized opening and tells the story of a girl meeting a boy and falling in love. Since its release, the song has been the soundtrack to some of today's teens' earliest memories.

To me, this song played every time I was in a car as I pretended to dial a number on my pretend phone, twirled my finger around my head, and shrugged my shoulders up and down. These lyrics defined crucial moments in my childhood and continue to showcase the impact that Jepsen created with this tune.

Good Luck, Babe! - Chappell Roan

“And guess I'm the fool / With her arms out like an angel through the car sunroof."

Image Credit: Martin from Wikimedia Commons

The song that started Chappell Roan's rise to stardom, “Good Luck, Babe!” tells the story of unrequited love through a lesbian perspective. Roan sings about a closeted girl who refuses to accept her relationship with a woman. She creates music that boasts callbacks to the ‘80s, reminiscent of Cyndi Lauper’s music.

The song features upbeat pop and catchy lyrics that are enough to make anyone get up and start dancing. The campy energy of the song itself is what makes “Good Luck, Babe!” so addictive and helps listeners to ponder the future.

New Romantics (Taylor's Version) - Taylor Swift

“'Cause, baby, I could build a castle / Out of all the bricks they threw at me / And every day is like a battle / But every night with us is like a dream."

Originally released on the deluxe version of Taylor Swift's 1989, “New Romantics” has, perhaps, been underlooked when considering its energetic pop sounds and messages of courage. ("New Romantics" has always been and always will be that girl.) Swift sings: “And every day is like a battle / But every night with us is like a dream." Her lyrics encapsulate the underappreciated summer nights. Next time you drive down a highway with your windows down and feeling carefree, turn this track on and allow yourself to groove to the melody and tempo of the song.

While this list only includes 8 songs, I hope it encapsulates exactly what summer feels like: breezy, carefree, and full of energy. As the air turns warmer, the grass greener, and the sky bluer, these songs stand as a testament to the energy brought forth in Summer and demonstrate just how fun life can be.