My summer 2023 playlist

To be frank, summer is not my favorite season. Because I've been working so much, it always feels like I'm missing out on making the most of my summer. In times like these, I turn to music to get me into a summer mindset. These are the tracks that have been in heavy rotation for me these last few months:

1. Timeless (TV) (FTV) by Taylor Swift 

This recently released vault track from Speak Now (Taylor’s Version) has me in a chokehold. I seriously cannot stop listening to this song. The guitar ballad recounts romances that last a lifetime - “the kind you don’t put down” as Taylor peruses around an antique shop. Reminiscent of classics like “Mary’s Song" from her debut album and crowd favorite “Love Story” from Fearless (TV), this classic love song reminds me why I will never stop loving Taylor Swift. I may or may not have cried the first time I heard this one (I did). 

2. Sexy Villain by Remi Wolf 

Remi Wolf has quickly and fairly recently become one of my favorite artists. This upbeat funk-pop tune has a super catchy hook paired with quirky lyrics about serial killers, including my favorite line: “yum yum yum.” Not to mention Remi’s vocals - it was hard to choose only one Remi song for this playlist. But then again - I do make the rules here. Cut to song #8…

3. Days Like This by Van Morrison 

Van Morrison may be a terrible guy, but boy does he make good music. This is truly a perfect song that feels like summer. His raspy voice accompanied by the breezy beat and uplifting lyrics make this a perfect windows-down, hair in the wind on a summer day song.

4. Grapejuice by Harry Styles 

I’ll say it - Harry’s House had to grow on me. I needed to spend some time with the album to really appreciate it. As the seasons changed, I found myself tuning into this track the most during the warmer months. Harry flows through this tune smoothly as his gorgeous vocals layer over the captivating hook. However, I think the verses are the real scene stealer on this song.“Grapejuice” is reminiscent of one of my favorite Harry songs ever - “Canyon Moon” from Fine Line. 

5. Now I'm In It by Haim 

LOOKING IN THE MIRROR AGAIN AND AGAIN...

If you see me walking down the street with a lil jig in my step, YES, I am listening to this song. The way this track is composed is clever and original, with maybe the catchiest verses of Haim’s discography. This melodic masterpiece was also featured in Netflix’s Maid - one of my favorite shows I watched this summer. 

6. F2F by SZA

SZA’s 2022 release of SOS left us with many hits and certified bops, but this punk-rock inspired track has been on the heaviest rotation for me. This song sounds like it could be played in an indie-coming-of-age film - which I am an absolute sucker for. I love the heavy drums and how SZA’s vocals absolutely soar on the chorus. 

7. Hits Different by Taylor Swift

After waiting months for this Midnights (3 AM Edition) track to be released on Spotify, she did not disappoint. With news of Taylor and Joe Alwyn’s breakup (which is pain for another day...) this track and many of the others on this album seriously do hit different. Taylor is known for always giving us a jaw-dropping bridge, and this song is no exception. 

8. Hello Hello Hello by Remi Wolf 

Hello again Remi! This eccentric tune is one of my favorites from Remi’s 2020 EP “I’m Allergic to Dogs!” along with "Disco Man." The track combines elements of a catchy pop tune with Remi’s humorous and funky flair. This song is like a gravitational pull the way it gets me up and grooving. 

9. Heaven by Maude Latour 

Maude Latour is one more song away from a complete breakthrough to mainstream pop music.“Heaven” was released back in February and makes an appearance on her latest EP, Twin Flame. This song is quick, catchy, vibey, and perfectly showcases Maude’s experimentation with techno and alternative styles. While this is my favorite song on the EP, the whole thing is definitely worth checking out. 

10. The Long Way Around by The Chicks 

The Chicks are one of my favorite artists of all time, and this sweet summery tune about moving away from home has been blasting in my speakers for a while now. Maybe it’s the fact that I’m about to be a senior in college, but this song tugs at my heartstrings. The Chicks have a way of storytelling in their songs that really captures truths about girlhood in a magical way, as exemplified in their other songs like “Long Time Gone,” “Ready to Run,” and the timeless classic “Wide Open Spaces.” 

Thanks for reading! If you so please, you can find my Spotify here: Spotify – Meaghan Murray