Midsummers is upon us once again, and everyone is looking forward to going feral with their friends after a long two months apart. Here is a curated guide to a perfect Midsummers playlist, guaranteed to radiate immaculate vibes for every road trip and party during this summer reunion weekend.
1. “Bad Habit” by Steve Lacy
Perfect for the windows-down summer drive back to Charlottesville, Steve Lacy’s “Bad Habit” was released June 29 and immediately took off on both the top charts and TikTok. Written and produced by Lacy himself, the song explores a failed relationship tied to satisfying lo-fi synth beats and beautiful harmonies. “Bad Habit” starts slow, but is definitely vibey and will win over all listeners.
2. “Everybody Wants to Rule the World” by Tears for Fears
The 1985 classic “Everybody Wants to Rule the World” by Tears for Fears has made a resurgence among Gen Z — and for good reason. The song's addicting production is easy to leave on repeat, not to mention the muddy nostalgia everyone feels toward this song. Whether you are trying to prove how well rounded your music taste is to your parents or trying to host a successful pregame this song promises a serious karaoke session.
3. “touch tank” by quinnie
What started as an unreleased audio snippet that went viral on TikTok transformed what some might consider the song of the summer. Quinnie’s newest release “touch tank” has received the utmost praise for the singer-songwriter undertones, melancholic yet upbeat production, and relatable lyrics. This song would fit in perfectly while getting ready to go out with girlfriends, or getting ready to get Bodo’s in the morning.
4. “Feathered Indians” by Tyler Childers
It wouldn’t be a playlist for the middle of summer without at least one country song. Childers, who is known for his specific voice and sound within the country sphere, created a summertime anthem with “Feathered Indians.” Even those like myself who don’t gravitate towards country music can find a special place in their hearts for this song, as its thoughtful lyrics and charmingly rural feel can’t help but make you want to say “yee-haw!”
5. “I Ain’t Worried” by OneRepublic
The overwhelming captivation with Miles Teller is still lingering, and with it, so is the praise for “Top Gun: Maverick.” The movie was a blockbuster hit, making over a billion dollars at the box office, and this OneRepublic track for the movie did not disappoint. Capturing the ultimate summer, carefree, we’ll-only-be-this-young-once feeling, “I Ain’t Worried” is the epitome of fun, and maybe even some mischief.
6. “Undercover Martyn” by Two Door Cinema Club
Perhaps a forgotten track of the early 2010’s, “Undercover Martyn” by Two Door Cinema Club perfectly exemplifies the feeling of revving up to go have a good time. The band sings about convincing someone the unlikely choice might be the right one, and the importance of trust in taking a leap of faith. The song reflects those ideals with an extremely upbeat intro of chorus, but pulled back verses. The feeling of anticipation radiates throughout this song, cultivating excitement among those who listen.
7. “Sex” by The 1975
Whether you are on board with resurgence of the 2014 Tumblr aesthetic or not, The 1975 remains an unlikely crowd pleaser. “Sex” is a standout from their debut album, and withstands the test of time. Nothing beats screaming the chorus to this song with your friends on a summer joyride. Not to mention, The 1975 is readying to release their fifth studio album October 14 — “Being Funny In A Foreign Language” – meaning there is no better time to brush up on their old hits.
8. “Running Up That Hill” by Kate Bush
It is no surprise the classic “Running Up That Hill” by Kate Bush makes this playlist, as it has nearly taken over the world this summer, and rightfully so. Used as a major plot device in the fourth season of Netflix’s “Stranger Things,” the song currently sits at number one of Spotify’s Top 50 in the U.S. The ominous and cloudy feeling of the song perfectly encapsulates the sweltering summer heat and strength of ride-or-die friendships.
9. “WESTWORLD” by EVAN GIIA
“WESTWORLD” is a pregame anthem which walks the line between slow burn pop and head banging EDM. The thrilling production keeps listeners on the edge of their seats, while also wanting to keep the party going. This is a great pick for those who want everyone to be satisfied with their aux-ing abilities, while not drawing from the typical party playlist picks.
10. “Doses and Mimosas” by Cherub
The one hit wonder Cherub managed to put out debatably the most beloved partying song of the 2010’s with “Doses and Mimosas.” The introduction alone is enough to get the crowd screaming, and the song only builds as it reaches the unbeatable bridge and breakdown. Guaranteed to get anyone on an elevated surface, this song is dangerously euphoric. If you don’t hear this at least five times over the weekend, are you even Midsummer-ing?
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