As summer comes to a close, many students may be counting down the days until they return to Grounds. However, these last weeks of break are the perfect time to listen to familiar songs from countless students’ childhoods. Whether students spend this summer on vacation, at an internship or at home, these four pop tracks encapsulate the vibe of early- to mid-2010s nostalgia for everyone to reminisce on the past era of decade-defining summer sounds.
“Roses” by The Chainsmokers featuring ROZES
The massive commercial hit by The Chainsmokers from 2015 has a recognizable instrumental that utilizes a synth line and drum, making the song feel full even with a simple production. “Roses” is an iconic pop track with similar electronic dance influences to popular artists today, like underscores and Jane Remover. This track evokes feelings of a summer night during simpler times, when the dog filter on Snapchat was first introduced and people still rode on hoverboards.
The Chainsmokers produced a simple love song with synthesizers and a drum beat that is able to be played again without fatigue. Singable lines like “Deep in my bones, I can feel you / Take me back to a time only we knew, hideaway” can be well-received if played at a summer rendezvous. Even listening to "Roses" alone at home can allow students to reminisce on simpler times while enjoying their breaks and preparing for the fun of the semester ahead.
“Boom Clap” by Charli xcx
As the first single on her second studio album — 2014’s “Sucker” — “Boom Clap” catapulted Charli xcx into pop stardom. Even a decade later, her sixth album “Brat” was named the top album of 2024 by Rolling Stone, proving Charli xcx’s lasting cultural relevance today. The song’s electropop style with a signature synth sound gives an enjoyable listening experience, coupled with many students’ childhood nostalgia of when it was first released — that summer which was dominated by the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge, “Mario Kart 8” and Vine videos.
One of the most enjoyable moments of “Boom Clap” is the vivid imagery of the song’s opening lines — “You’re picture perfect blue / Sunbathing under the moon / Stars shining as your bones illuminate” — before immediately launching into the punchy chorus. This summer anthem is sure to entertain students looking for a familiar track to sing along to.
“A World Alone” by Lorde
To a college audience, Lorde’s “A World Alone” may contain the most relatable lyrics on this list. With the lines “All my fake friends and all of their noise / Complain about work / They're studying business, I study the floor" empathizes with many who feel trapped in the University’s competitive environment. As Lorde was only 16 when she released this track in 2013, the themes of an effervescent adolescence throughout the song allow college students to look back on their high school years fondly.
Lorde counsels listeners in the song’s chorus with the lyrics “Let 'em talk, 'cause we're dancing in this world alone / World alone, we're alone.” This advice pertains well to summer break, which could be better spent relaxing instead stressing about academics. If students need a slower, yet upbeat song for their summer mixtapes, “A World Alone” offers a contender.
“Light it Up (Remix)” by Major Lazer featuring Nyla and Fuse ODG
For those looking to channel their reminiscence through reggae, DJ group Major Lazer produced a classic track in 2015 that evokes summer nostalgia. “Light It Up (Remix)” by Major Lazer featuring Nyla and Fuse ODG is an upbeat song with a bright trumpet melody — perhaps its greatest strength considering its popularity over the original song which lacks a strong instrumental.
The wide range of artists featured on this song also helps to flesh out the remix, with additional backing vocals from Fuse ODG — a singer-songwriter who specializes in Afrobeats and reggae music. Nyla, the other featuring reggae artist, sings "We live where the war is raging / Chasing our crazy dreams," encouraging listeners to pursue their passions even in times of struggle. With a track that was originally going to be a love song turning into one about persistence, audiences may find relatability in “Light It Up (Remix).” Overall, the message speaks to any students looking for a motivational listen to help them get through the last weeks of break.
With less than a month until students return to Grounds, this soundtrack can be used to rest and relax before the stressful semester by reminiscing on familiar times. Whether students find themselves vacationing at the beach or back home dreaming of the fall, these four decade-defining pop tracks are sure to give listeners a taste of previous summers spent enjoying music.
Read More
Virginia Theatre Festival unites Charlottesville and Broadway talent
By Carter Horner | 3 days agoThe Virginia Theatre Festival began in 1974 as a University semi-professional drama program and recently returned to Charlottesville for its 52nd iteration.
‘Spider-Man: Brand New Day’ soars despite a few tangled threads
By Preet Manukonda | 3 days agoAlthough “Spider-Man: Brand New Day” occasionally gets caught in the web of uneven pacing and franchise expectations, the film excels in returning Peter Parker to the qualities that make him a beloved hero.
Singer Malcolm Todd announced as Wahoo Welcome Concert headliner
By Amelia Lucien | 4 days agoThe Wahoo Welcome Concert is a free concert for University students of all years organized by UPC and hosted at John Paul Jones Arena.
