23 Songs for Summer ’23

With Memorial Day weekend already wrapped up, summer 2023 is right around the corner. The infinite barbecues, trips down the shore, and road trips are fast approaching. So, I’d like to offer some of my top picks and predictions for the vibe of summer ’23. This extensive playlist encompasses different genres and decades of music, and I believe nostalgia will take the wheel this summer. (I’m sensing equal parts High School Musical and equal parts coastal grandmother). If you add a few (or all!) of these songs to your playlist, your summer ’23 is guaranteed to be superb!

1. “Band on The Run” – Paul McCartney & Wings (1973)

Though Sir Paul McCartney is best known for his contributions and success concerning The Beatles, his artistry with his later band, Wings, does not disappoint. Their music presents the lightheartedness of summertime in verse.

2. “Salvatore” – Lana Del Rey (2016)

Lana never disappoints. Not her most well-known song, “Salvatore,” depicts a romantic summer with an Italian backdrop.

3. “Oh Honey” – Delegation (1977)

An easy-going journey into 70s R&B/Soul, “Oh Honey,” has a smooth and classy sound.

4. “Malibu” – The Driver Era (2022)

Musical duo Ross and Rocky Lynch channel summer as we know it, especially if you’re a Malibu local.

5. “Last Friday Night (T.G.I.F)” – Katy Perry (2010)

Summer Fridays are unparalleled, and Katy Perry never fails to encapsulate teenage summer fun!

6. “Summer Nights” – John Travolta & Olivia Newton-John (1978)

It’s camp, it’s seemingly thirty-year-old high schoolers, it’s Grease! Enough said!

7. “What You Won’t Do For Love” – Bobby Caldwell (1978)

1978 must have been an eventful year because this song by Bobby Caldwell is immaculate. Silky summer vibes are in for 2023.

8. “Flowers” – Miley Cyrus (2023)

Miley Cyrus once told us, “Nothing breaks like a heart,” but at least we’ve got some flowers to patch it up! This record-smashing hit is sure to stay in the dog days of summer.

9. “Let’s Get Lost” – Chet Baker (1955)

Cool jazz icon, Chet Baker, reminds us to “defrost in a romantic mist,” setting a tone for summer ’23.

10. “Satellite” – Harry Styles (2021)

“Satellite,” off Harry Styles’s sophomore album, Harry’s House, is like a dreamy summer night. With a music video detailing a satellite’s journey, “Satellite” reminds us of summer nights, staring at the stars.

11. “La Ciruela” – Nico Play (2022)

Like a lazy ride down a river, “La Ciruela” is the sound of summer. Sung entirely in Spanish, you don’t need to be a Spanish speaker to appreciate the tranquil guitar and velvet sound.

12. “July” – Noah Cyrus (2019)

Both Miley and Noah Cyrus shine as singers, and “July” is aptly titled for an introspective summer song.

13.  “La Isla Bonita”- Madonna (1986)

Get ready for vacation with Madonna’s lush description of San Pedro.

14. “After the Storm” – Kali Uchis ft. Tyler, The Creator & Bootsy Collins (2018)

Reminiscent of the 70s, this song is made fresh for summer ’23.

15. “Solar Power” – Lorde (2021)

Off her album, Oceanic Feeling, “Solar Power,” it’s as if Lorde was born to embody summertime.

16. “Fabulous” – Ashley Tisdale and Lucas Grabeel (2007)

High School Musical 2 is a blast into Disney’s past. A silly, catchy song about happy times, “Fabulous,” will make you pool-party-ready!

17. “Coast” – Hailee Steinfeld ft. Anderson .Paak

This song leaves complex lyrics behind and opts for a classc pop sound, without sacrificing any fun!

18. “Cruel Summer” – Taylor Swift (2019)

Off of the album Lover, Swifties far and wide claim this song to be their summer anthem, and they’re not wrong.

19. “Another Day of Sun” – La La Land Cast (2016)

From the cinematic musical La La Land, this opening song sweeps listeners into an optimistic, summery state.

20. “Boys in the Trees” – Carly Simon (1978)

A strong storyteller, Simon’s “Boys in the Trees” illuminates summers of ages past through a feminine lens.

21. Karma – Taylor Swift ft. Ice Spice (2023)

Even before her appearance with Taylor Swift at Metlife, Ice Spice was making waves in the music industry, and a couple of her feisty hits will undoubtedly be a part of your summer playlist.

22. Unwritten – Natasha Bedingfield

Let Natasha Bedingfield “illuminate the words that you cannot find” this summer, and let out your expressive side!

23. Supalonely – BENEE feat. Gus Dapperton (2019)

Not just a TikTok hit, BENEE’s “Supalonely” is “glamorous summertime loneliness” at its peak.