SUMMER PLAYLIST

Welcome to the last playlist of the month this year – SUMMER 2018! Unlike the other playlists of the month, I have chosen the songs I thought best represented the summer mood we have all been feeling. If you have any recommendations for playlists for next year or would like The Beacon to feature your own personal playlist, leave a comment down below or contact Prerna (who will be taking over all playlists) at 08kanjip@aisgz.org.

I have only discussed my opinions and ratings for the first 15 songs on the playlist, but there are several more that I think you’d enjoy.

Feel free to follow The Beacon and any playlists you like on Spotify! Stay tuned for future playlists and for some incredible recommendations. Have a great summer!

1. Old Friends

• Artist: Jasmine Thompson, Jonas Blue
• Genre: Pop, Dance
• Rating: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
• If you like this, try this: “Stay” by Kygo
• Why I like it: This song very sweet and soft discussing new changes in the singers life. It is a sped-up version of the original song which is much boppier now. This is a great song to listen to and sing along to – especially over the summer.

2. Barcelona

• Artist: Ed Sheeran
• Genre: Pop
• Rating: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
• If you like this, try this: “Eraser” by Ed Sheeran
• Why I like it: The song is very energetic and an ideal summer song in Spanglish! Exotic. It is a great song to dance to and sing along over the summer and if you are traveling to Barcelona – even better!

3. Bibia Be Ye Ye

• Artist: Ed Sheeran
• Genre: Pop
• Rating: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
• If you like this, try this: “Lay it on Me” by Vance Joy
• Why I like it: This song reminds me a lot of Barcelona because of the upbeat feel and is definitely a song that you can dance to. It was released in the summertime of last year and the title of this song is translated to “all will be well” in Ghanaian. The song definitely makes you believe that!

4. Capsize

• Artist: FRENSHIP, Emily Warren
• Genre: Pop/Electronic/Dance
• Rating: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
• If you like this, try this: “More Than You Know” by Axwell/\Ingrosso
• Why I like it: Not the newest song out there, but a great song to listen to and dance along to anywhere during the summer.

5. El Mismo Sol

• Artist: Alvaro Soler
• Genre: Pop
• Rating: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
• If you like this, try this: “Sofia” by Alvaro Soler
• Why I like it: This is originally in Spanish but there are English versions and collaborations with Jennifer Lopez and remixes. It is an oldie, but there are many versions to make sure it stays new. I think this song is the best song that represents the summer mood in Spanish.

6. It Ain’t Me

• Artist: Selena Gomez and Kygo
• Genre: Pop/Dance
• Rating: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
• If you like this, try this: “Stay” Kygo
• Why I like it: It may not be the most recent song, since it was released mid-last year, but I can’t think of a song with more emotion and it’s a great song to dance and sing along to. Even though this song was released last year, it hasn’t gotten old and this is why it’s a great summer song.

7. Wonderful Life

• Artist: Matoma
• Genre: Pop
• Rating: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
• If you like this, try this: “All Night” by Matoma
• Why I like it: This is such a cute and lighthearted song that just brings happiness in all who listen to it (probably because it was a song in the Angry Birds movie). Nevertheless, this slightly-repetitive song is an ideal song to listen to over the summer.

8. September Song (Acoustic)

• Artist: JP Cooper
• Genre: Pop
• Rating: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
• If you like this, try this: “September Song” by JP Cooper (original)
• Why I like it: A song that is always associated with the summer with its flowy feel and title (duh). The song has to do with teenagers around our ages and could possibly be relatable with some of your summers!

9. No Vacancy

• Artist: OneRepublic
• Genre: Pop
• Rating: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
• If you like this, try this: “Counting Stars” by OneRepublic
• Why I like it: A rather old song, but I think it can fit into the summer category (especially because of the album cover). I really think that this slightly-repetitive song has a great beachy feel about summer love.

10. Sunset Lover

• Artist: Petit Biscuit
• Genre: Dance/Electronic
• Rating: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
• If you like this, try this: “Mood” by Ehrling
• Why I like it: This song is much different than songs that are usually on The Beacon’s playlists. There are absoluely no words and is a song more about sounds and how you interpret them. I think this music grows on people and why not change your music taste to more songs like this over the summer?

11. Summertime

• Artist: The Mowgli’s
• Genre: Pop
• Rating: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
• If you like this, try this: “Pumping Up Clouds” by Urban Cone
• Why I like it: The title speaks for itself why it’s featured on our playlist. It’s a really sweet and innocent song about summer love that just makes the listener feel good and lighthearted. The song is one that can get old so I recommend listening to it as soon as summer starts!

12. Wish U Were Here

• Artist: Cody Simpson
• Genre: Pop
• Rating: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
• If you like this, try this: “Love Story” by Taylor Swift
• Why I like it: “Wish U Were Here” is a song full of summer vibes, love and traveling around the world. When listening to this song, I think about how I wish friends were by my side while having fun over the summer. What do you think of? Even though it’s another old song on the playlist, it’s an oldie, but a goodie.

13. Cleopatra

• Artist: The Lumineers
• Genre: Pop
• Rating: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
• If you like this, try this: “Hey Ho” by The Lumineers
• Why I like it: A relatively new song on this playlist, but isn’t the happiest song of the lot. Regardless of the sad feel, a really sweet melody to listen to. If you aren’t a fan, “Hey Ho” is a much happier option

14. MIC Drop Remix

• Artist: Mike Perry
• Genre: Dance/Electronic, Pop
• Rating: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
• If you like this, try this: “Mama” by Jonas Blue
• Why I like it: The song that I associate MOST with summer is this song. Another relatively old one, but it simply cannot get old when listening to it over the summer – especially at the beach or on a warm, sunny day. It brings out a light mood in the listener and is just a feel-good song that I really recommend as one of the first songs to listen to once school’s out.

15. Malibu

• Artist: Miley Cyrus
• Genre: Pop/Indie
• Rating: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
• If you like this, try this: “Younger Now” by Miley Cyrus
• Why I like it: Such a peaceful song that makes the listener feel relaxed and release all stresses caused by schoolwork and general life. This is a very groovy song and unlike several songs on this playlist, her voice also really compliments the feel of the song.

*click the playlist to listen to more summer-related songs that weren’t discussed in this article*

I hope you enjoy this playlist and remember if you have any song recommendations, feel free to email us and have a great summer!