Summer is finally here for MCHS, and music is one of the most important parts of summer, from long rides with the windows down, to a picnic with someone you love. 

Here’s a playlist to help fuel the summer vibes that everyone has been looking forward to all year, these are just some of the highlights.

1. “Kilby Girl” by The Backseat Lovers (2019)

I overheard that she was nineteen / She’s got a fake ID and a nose ring / Those kind of girls tend to know things / Better than I do

The Backseat Lovers are a band from Salt Lake City, Utah. This is where the term “Kilby Girl” comes from. Kilby is a group in Utah who are a part of the alternative/punk/indie scene. This song is the epitome of having your windows down in the car and the wind blowing through your hair. It’s about getting to know someone, but not really knowing them even if you spend time with them. This song feels like wasting away a summer night with friends in a field while playing a game of “Never have I ever…” it feels infinite. 

2. “Vowels (and the Importance of Being Me)” by HUNNY (2016)

You can’t spell pain or kiss / Or run away or little mistake / Without me, or A, E, I, O, U

“Vowels (and the Importance of Being Me)” by HUNNY has amazing writing and great word play. Not to mention the track in the background has great drum lines as well. There is something about this song that makes people want to dance in the sun while listening to it. The album cover being yellow really fits in with this song, as it feels like the sun on your skin and golden hues in the eyes of the person you love.

3. “Dance, Baby!” by Boy Pablo (2019)

Dance with me, baby, dance with me, baby / Let’s get lost right here.

If “Vowels (and the importance of being me)” is the sun, “Dance, Baby!” by Boy Pablo is the moon. It fits in with the prospect of teenage love in the middle of summer at a party with friends. It feels like holding hands with someone you love and screaming the lyrics at the top of your lungs. This song feels like flashing neon lights at a party with your childhood friend that you’ve had a crush on forever. It has an infectious sound to it, and will leave anyone wanting to dance with someone they love while looking at them like they are their whole world. 

4. “Concrete” by Lovejoy (2021)

All this over a kiss / You weren’t there, why you pressed by this? / Now it’s turning three in the morning / The bouncer’s put you on his third warning / But I’m still here, I’m not leaving

“Concrete” by Lovejoy has an amazing drum backing and the lead singer has an awesome raspy voice that brings a smile to people’s faces. Everything about this song screams summer vibes. From catchy lyrics, to a great bass line, to the drums, it will have you wanting to grab that hairbrush microphone you used when you were 10 and scream the lyrics at the top of your lungs. “Concrete” will get stuck in your head for days on end and make you want to sing the lyrics louder and louder each time you listen. 

5. “Strawberry Blonde” by Mitski (2013)

I love everybody / Because I love you / I don’t need the city, and I / Don’t need proof

“Strawberry Blonde” by Mitski is the definition of spending summer having a picnic with someone you feel very strong positive feelings for. This song is the song that would play in the background of an indie film as the characters run a hand and hand through a field casting love filled glances at each other. From the soft flutes and violins in the back to Mitski’s soothing voice, this song screams a lovely cottage core summer under the sun with the person you care for most. 

6. “I Want To Be With You” by Chloe Moriondo (2021)

I can’t take it / All I want’s right in front of me / I can’t fake this / Say what you mean / I want to be with you

“I Want To Be With You” by Chloe Moriondo has amazing lyrics that will leave even the most stone faced person saying, “aww.” This song about young love and pining has an iconic beat drop and drum line that has a smile on people’s faces when they listen. “I Want To Be WIth You” feels like driving with the windows down and your arm out the window feeling the wind threading through your fingers.