Summer Playlist — Songs That Transport Us
As many of us return from a much-needed summer break and prepare ourselves for whatever our “new normal” currently looks like, let’s take a moment to enjoy the last of those relaxed summer vibes. We hope the sunshine sticks around for a bit longer and this playlist provides the perfect accompaniment to a Gin Fizz, Mojito or iced tea on a sun-dappled terrace somewhere. Failing that, run yourself a bath and repeat after me: “I am in paradise.” We all know the power music has to transport us, so let’s use it to our advantage. Whether it’s a beach in Italy, a bar overlooking a Caribbean harbour or a deckchair on the Cornish Riviera, close your eyes, visualise your favourite spot and listen to the sweet music.
1 . Club Tropicana – Wham!
“Let me take you to the place where membership's a smiling face”
Possibly the only club worth risking it for right now, Club Tropicana is a timeless wonder. Let Wham!’s fun-loving summer anthem transport you to a Balearic poolside. Why not pretend your cocktail has a tiny umbrella? It’s summertime baby!
2. Besitos – Selena Y Los Dinos
Possibly one of the happiest love songs of all time, Besitos translates to little kisses (and lots of them), but not those awful reality TV snogs. No, no, no, we’re talking true summer romance in the back of a jeep sort of stuff (all PG of course).
3. Could You Be Loved – Bob Marley
Could you? Probably. Why not go wild and find out? It’s still summer after all!
4. Summer – The Carters
Here, Beyonce and Jay-Z conjure a really lovely picture of sun-kissed skin stretching out on a glorious sandy beach. For many of us it’s more likely a paddling pool on the astroturf, but as long as there’s an ice-cold beverage it’s all gravy baby.
5. Loving Is Easy – Rex Orange County
As laid-back as a midday coffee on a Sunday, this is the perfect tune for a summer road trip or a quick dash to the petrol station for an ice cream before it shuts -- too specific? It’s possibly not one to play around the kids, but you’ll forgive the cheeky F-word in the chorus for that gloriously lazy melody.
6. BKLYNLDN – Shura
I’m fairly certain that’s meant to say Brooklyn-London, but who am I to question a genius? Shura’s bewitching voice, playful synths and bittersweet lyrics combine to conjure hazy dreams of a transatlantic summer romance. If this doesn’t transport you, I don’t know what will.
7. Time of the Season -- The Zombies (Chelsea FC & Harvey Gunn Remix)
This is a really fun remix, taking the energy up but keeping that cool, 60s feel. The original’s quite the throwback - all the way to 1967 in fact - but it’s got ALL of the vibes. Serving you summer of love, Hammond organ, and questionable lyrics with a few too many uses of the phrase ‘who’s your daddy’ for anyone’s liking, it’s really the epitome of a classic.
8. Summertime — Edenhill
The most recent release from indie-pop rising star Edenhill has such a lovely carefree feel and a great story behind it. “Ironically, ‘Summertime’ was written In the Autumn of 2020, after me and some friends spontaneously decided to go swimming in the sea at midnight. Although it was cold, dark and reckless, we all felt so free in that moment.”
9. Real General — Tobes44, Nelly2x
Although laid-back, Tobes44’s brand new track boasts a confident Afrobeat rhythm that makes you want to get up and move. Not fast enough to put down your drink, but just enough to keep you warm on a summer’s evening.
10. Malibu — Enny, Kinkai
“I’m talking one glass of Malibu mixed with some mango juice, enhanced the memories of sun and you”
From the opening line that so perfectly sets the tone to Enny’s poetic storytelling and quietly powerful delivery, Malibu is a real gem. Will it transport you much further than South London? Possibly not. Could it be your new favourite? Absolutely.
11. Get Sun (Pocket-Size Radio Edit) — Hiatus Kaiyote, Arthur Verocai
Jazzy and sunny with stunning R&B harmonies, funky horns and soaring strings, Get Sun is just wild enough to grab your attention, with enough depth and melodic direction to keep you tuned in right until the very end. It really makes you wish you could pick up a musical instrument without complaints from your neighbours.
12. Escapémonos (salsa version) — Marc Anthony, Jennifer Lopez
“Escapémonos tan lejos de aquí” / “Let’s escape far away from here”
I actually feel a bit cruel leaving you on this track, because you’re bound to want more. It really doesn’t get much better than Marc Anthony & JLO harmonising over a gorgeous salsa track. If you do like this one, you’re in for a treat because these two have been around the block and made a fair few Latin records between them.
And on that note, I could use another Margarita. Ciao for now!