The Ultimate Summer Playlists

With a week of warm weather ahead, two of InQuire’s newest editors select their favourite summer songs to complement that pitcher of Pimm’s and lemonade. Hit play below, sit back and enjoy!

 

Max Beckett Recommends…

The 1975 – Girls: This song opens with the pop-and-hiss of a can opening, which instantly throws you into any swimming pool, park beach anywhere. The 1975 at their best.

alt-J – Left Hand Free: Created to mock the American lifestyle of summer road trips and pool parties, it’s perfectly styled to suit the careless blissful chaos summer causes.

Arctic Monkeys – Fluorescent Adolescent: The Arctics in their prime: a bright, happy-go-lucky riff complementing Alex Turner’s adolescent lyrics. A singalong in the sunshine.

Ben Howard – Old Pine: Ben’s acoustic fingerpicking and India Bourne’s cello combine to make the most beautiful, sun-soaked song about the incredible world we live in.

Jamie T – Sheila: Nostalgia, nostalgia and more nostalgia radiates from this song. Everyone our age knows the chorus, and isn’t afraid to bellow it out at any party anywhere.

Jungle – Busy Earnin’: If Jamie T is nostalgia, this band is funk. Modern funkadelic synths and jumpy falsetto vocals make this song fitting for any outdoor summery event.

The Kooks – She Moves In Her Own Way: You want more nostalgia? You’re getting more nostalgia. This Kooks track from their first album is perfectly suited to sitting-and-swaying on the grass with the sun in your eyes.

Kyla La Grange – Cut Your Teeth (Kygo Remix): Kygo may have recently made a name for himself with Firestone, but in my opinion this remix has even more of a summer appeal.

The Libertines – Don’t Look Back Into The Sun: Sports Editor Henry Sandercock made many good decisions last year in InQuire’s 2014 Summer Playlist, and this was one of his best. No more explanation needed.

The Maccabees – Pelican: This song will have you tapping your feet to the infectious rhythm as you sip from your cider at the summer festival of your choice.

Cucurucu – Nick Mulvey: Written about the far corners of the world, describing sunny native islands and life on the beach, you understand Nick Mulvey is a well-travelled man, and you will feel the same after this song.

Oasis – Morning Glory: One of the standout anthems from their famous album of (nearly) the same name, this song is another that’s meant for the voices of thousands at festivals as they wait for the next band to come on.

The Smiths – This Charming Man: The charming riff of this song and Morrissey’s distinct vocals blend together perfectly in the chorus – one that will be remembered by many on a summer’s eve. If only Morrissey were as pleasurable in real life.

The Tallest Man On Earth – Love Is All: This raspy-voiced folk artist is a master at setting the scene of a summery day, and his excellent fingerpicking puts you in a state of utter bliss when the sun is out.

Vampire Weekend – Cape Cod Kwassa Kwassa: A soft and very unique song by a band who are excellent at putting you in a happy-go-lucky mood. Sit back, relax and bask in beautiful vocals and bongo drums.

Con Mi Guaguanco – Ray Armando: Did someone say Samba?! Get your dancing shoes on and move your hips to this groovy Latino instrumental.

Crystal Blue Persuasion – Tommy James & The Shondells: Using similar instruments to Vampire Weekend, but forty years previously. Listen to lyrics about rising suns and sway to this musical gem.

Vampire Weekend – A-Punk: I did say that Vampire were good at this. Here you have a very recognisable and likeable song meant for the summer singalongs of many.

Kendrick Lamar – i: The penultimate track on Kendrick’s To Pimp A Butterfly (an album that in a mere few weeks has cemented itself in Hip-Hop history. Seriously. Listen to it.), and you’ll definitely want to love yourself and others after this joyous, addictive song.

Radiohead – Karma Police: Because Radiohead.

 

 

Jess Duncan Recommends…

Skirts – The Other Tribe Since discovering this track a couple of years ago, it’s been a personal summer favourite. The songs sound is unique, combining pipes at the beginning with a more dance tempo during the chorus, making for a song which altogether makes for a great summer track.

Trouble – Iggy Azalea ft Jennifer Hudson Combining her rap ability with Jennifer Hudson’s powerful vocals to create a powerful duo, Iggy Azalea’s new song makes for a retro sounding track fitting for any summer playlist.

Love Again – Rae Morris With a upbeat pop tempo and effortless vocals, this dreamy tune is a perfect song for lying on a beach sunbathing, or relaxing after exams!

Rabbit Heart – Florence + the Machine Despite being one of the band’s older songs, this early tune is full of harp and summery vibes, as well as a catchy chorus.

Red Balloon – Charli XCX From the soundtrack of the film ‘Home’, this track is catchy and can put anyone in a good mood. Having a more electronic sound to other songs on this playlist, the voice of Charli XCX will sound great on a road trip with the windows down and volume up!

T-Shirt Weather – Circa Waves This seasonally appropriate song is a must for any summer playlist, as with it’s catchy guitar and lyrics, it’s easy to imagine yourself at a beach BBQ.

Higher – Sigma and Labrinth This collaboration between the two has generated a catchy dance track that is sure to sound great at any festival this summer, or get any party going!

Pray to God – Calvin Harris ft Haim Since its release, this song has had the sound of a single that’s here to stay for the sunny months. Harris’ catchy beat paired with the beautiful vocals of HAIM, makes for a faultless record, and one which will be the soundtrack to this summer. ​