There are so many emotions that come with the warmth of the upcoming months. From feelings of nostalgia, freedom, unending joy, and a touch of careless abandon, Summer gifts us the chance to step away from the chaos of our daily lives and soak in the beauty of the world around us. Music has the remarkable ability to capture these feelings, forging soundtracks that are synonymous with sunny days, sprawling sunsets, and late-night adventures. But what exactly gives music that classic summer feeling? Let’s dive into the elements that make certain songs the perfect companion for the warmest season of the year.
1. Instrumentation: Songs that demonstrate feelings of Summer often have bright and easy-going instrumentation that often evoke images of clear skies, breezy, coastal shores, and never-ending sunshine. This can include instruments such as acoustic guitars, brass sections, and ukuleles, and tropical features like steel drums and marimbas which can transport listeners to beachside paradises. These can go even further with the harmonica, bongos, and the accordion. The use of major keys and lively chord progression enhances this effect. All of these instruments display vibrant sounds that bring warmth and rhythm to an atmosphere.
Examples:
Brown Eyed Girl- Van Morrison
Everywhere- Fleetwood Mac
Margaritaville- Jimmy Buffett
2. Catchy and Upbeat Melodies: You know when you find yourself humming a song long after initially hearing it? This is the essence of a good summer staple. This type of catchiness makes the music easy to listen to and remember, and even better, easy to sing along with. There is nothing quite like belting the lyrics of a song with your arms out the window, a friend at the wheel, and the warm breeze on your face. This type of communal enjoyment is what makes some of the best memories, and the best songs.
Examples:
So Good- Alex Blue
Espresso- Sabrina Carpenter
Good Vibrations- The Beach Boys
3. Feel-Good Lyrics: Lyrics play a crucial role in matching the sweet ambiance of summer. They must focus on the positive experiences that celebrate the joys of the season, which often are expressed in themes of romance, adventure, relaxation, and quality time spent with those closest to us. They lift the everyday pressures we face off our shoulders and allow us to slip into the blissful moments of a cloudless day. This is why Summer is often linked with the idea of freedom, where we are given the space to let go and give into relaxation.
Examples:
Super Rich Kids- Frank Ocean, Earl Sweatshirt
Dancing Queen- ABBA
Feathered Indians- Tyler Childers
4. Nostalgic Themes: Summer is in most cases associated with heightened emotions, especially in our younger years where we truly had the time to rest and restore our minds, giving a general sense of well-being and happiness. Hearing songs from these periods, and even songs that sound similar to them can trigger vivid memories of these times. The repetitive nature of this music, mixed with the psychological highs of the season, holds consistent and intimate spaces in our minds, forever to be replayed.
Examples:
Great Wide Open- Ruthie Collins
Bus Driver 2 (It All Matters After All)- Derek Webb, Caedmon’s Call
Summer- Modest Mouse
5. Cultural Influences: Music with regional influences, specifically from tropical or coastal areas, often embodies the vibe that we associate with this season. Genres like Reggae, Calypso, and Latin music bring with them a sense of community that is exhibited at festive gatherings and warm weather. These types of music are seen as timeless tracks that can be linked to summer through their cultural expressions and smooth-going sounds.
Examples:
Could You Be Loved- Bob Marley & The Wailers
Why Kiki?- Iam Tongi
Yo No Soy Celoso- Bad Bunny
“That Summer Feeling” Playlist!