So in the name of #content, here are twelve songs (in no particular order) that should be on your summer playlist to get you in the sunny mood:
Madonna - Holiday
Even if you're not going away, you probably wish you were. So whether you're on your way to the airport or on your way to the office, Madonna's classic gives off such summer vibes it is absolutely guaranteed to lift your mood. Remember these wise words: "you need a holiday".
With 'Discovery' being one of the best albums ever made, it's basically required listening at any time of year. Digital Love sounds especially vibrant in the summer though, with its funky production, robot vocals and THAT middle eight synth solo. (N.B Get Lucky also a solid choice)
Every summer brings with it a song of utter nonsense, but few sound as cool as 2014's Farrah Fawcett Hair from Capital Cities. Maybe it's the influence of André 3000, the drag remix from the American Apparel Ad Girls, or simply the jazz-funk production, but this really is good sh*t.
Years & Years - King
Everyone's favourite new band already brought summer to a cold winter when they released King at the start of the year. No other song sounds as joyous - as long as you're not sick of it yet (HOW VERY DARE YOU).
Kygo & Kyla La Grange - Cut Your Teeth Remix
And if we're going with current artists, then Kygo's tropical dance production is probably the sound of summer 2015. Yes, the Norwegian DJ's songs all sound the same, but this remix of Kyla La Grange's underrated comeback single from 2014 is a personal favourite.
Groove Armada - At The River
After all that uptempo stuff, you'll be wanting to chill out. At The River, therefore, is a must. Because nothing says 'sunset beach vibes' like the relaxed beat, Patti Page vocal sample and lazy trombone solo of this piece of summer genius from way back in 1997.
Empire of the Sun - Walking On A Dream
If there's any country that knows how to 'do' summer, it's Australia. So if you prefer to relax in more electronic fashion then this is the track for you: the icy synths, jangling guitars and cooing falsetto vocals will put you in the summer mood quicker than you can make some sort of shrimp/barbie joke.
Lana Del Rey - Summertime Sadness
And then it all gets a bit too much. The sun gives you sweat rash. You've got sand stuck up your arse. Those free Club Tropicana drinks have gone to your head. And your summer crush is off bonking someone else.
Cue Lana.
Katy Perry feat. Snoop Dogg - California Gurls
There's no pick-me-up like Katy Perry though, especially if you fancy squirting cream out of your chest and eating jelly babies. "Nothing comes close to the golden coast" - Katy kindly reminds us all of this important fact of life. Bonus points if you can do the whole rap off by heart.
Basement Jaxx - Romeo
Frankly, you could put any of Basement Jaxx's back catalogue on a summer playlist (Raindrops was a close second choice), but Romeo was basically the sound of summer 2001 and deserves to be the sound of every summer since. For a more relaxed vibe choose the acoustic version. Either way, sassy Bollywood dancing is not optional.
Röyksopp - Eple
Forgive me an indulgence for a moment. You know how music often takes you back to a specific time and place? Well it was in 2003 that I not only finally bought a copy of 'Melody AM', but I also treated myself to a spangly PS2 and Final Fantasy X mere days before heading off on holiday to southern Spain with the parentals. And so at 3am one August morning I was transported to the tropical fantasy paradise of Spira before jetting off to my own paradise where I preceded to listen to this album on repeat. Any track will do, but the dizzying whirl of Eple will forever hold this memory.
Nicole Scherzinger - Wet
"Let's get a little wet" - isn't that what we all do in summer?
