Reminisce in seasonal nostalgia with our favorite ‘songs of the summer’
Words by Noor Qayyum
As summer dwindles, and the chirps of birds in the morning are replaced by alarms and school bells, and we’re thrusted into the responsibilities of fall, we might want to look back at one of the most essential aspects of summer: music. What better way to honor this than to talk about some of our favorite songs of the summer. Therefore, I have taken the liberty of gathering the song of the summer picks of the team here at Best Left Magazine... So, if you’re feeling nostalgic for summer, maybe some of these tunes will help emulate the summer vibes we oh so miss.
Kendall - Espresso by Sabrina Carpenter
Starting off strong, “Espresso” by Sabrina Carpenter may be one of those songs of the summer we’ll be listening to every year, month, week, day, hour… Okay, I think you get the gist. We cannot stop listening to this one. The lead single off her sixth album Short n’ Sweet, “Espresso” was released on April 11 2024 through Island Records. This catchy tune combines elements of pop, disco, funk and synth-pop. The record was written by Sabrina Carpenter, Amy Allen, Steph Jones and Julian Bunetta, with Julian Bunetta also producing.
Here's what Kendall had to say about it!
“Espresso came out just when the summer was getting started. Immediately it was a hit. Radio stations were playing it 24/7. Everyone and their mother knows the lyrics to that song, it’s very diverse.”
Julia - Sunshine Baby by The Japanese House
TikTok has been a game changer for music the past few years, and this song is no exception as it started making waves through the platform in May of 2023. This one is definitely for those summer nights when we’re feeling that familiar sense of yearning, but still want to imagine ourselves driving through a beachtown with the windows down. The third single from The Japanese House’s second studio album In The End It Always Does, “Sunshine Baby” combines synths, drums and all the elements necessary for indie pop magic–featuring backing vocals from The 1975’s frontman Matty Healy. The track was written and produced by The Japanese House’s Amber Bain and co-produced by George Daniel.
“The Japanese House’s music is meant to be listened to in the summer, and this song specifically captures the warmth of the season but also the bittersweet feeling of something that has passed. Also they were on tour all summer!!” - Julia
Abby and Sydney - Favourite by Fontaines D.C.
The next track is a special one because two Best Left friends chose this one as their song of the summer. Their favorite, if you will. The second single from Fontaines D.C.’s fourth studio album, Romance, “Favourite” is one of those tracks that is a theme song of a summer night out (or in!) with your best friends. Released through XL Recordings, the track was composed by members Carlos O’Connell and Conor Curley with production and mixing by James Ford. The song debuted live in NYC in May of this year. If you’re in need of an upbeat shoegaze tune intertwined with fun jangly instruments, then this song of the summer may become your new favorite.
“Heard it at their show at Brooklyn Warsaw before it officially came out and loved it and then they released it and I went OH MY LAWD THIS IS EVEN BETTER THAN I REMEMBER! #irelandforever” - Abby
“It was released right at the beginning of summer and has been on a constant loop ever since. The instrumentals are so catchy and I love the lyricism. Top song of the summer for me for sure, especially since hearing it for the first time live before it was even released. It's truly my ‘favourite’!”- Sydney
Ava - Taste by Sabrina Carpenter
Try as I might, sometimes my humor is limited (see previous song description for overused pun usage), but the next song on this list is one by perhaps the most quintessential witty singer/lyricist. Yes, she has made her way back onto the list–Sabrina Carpenter. If you enjoyed the wit behind the lyrics of “Espresso”, Carpenter maintains her clever one-liners in the third single, “Taste” from her sixth studio album, Short n’ Sweet. A medley of pop and rock, “Taste” is co-written by Carpenter, Julia Michaels, and Amy Allen with production by John Ryan and Ian Kirkpatrick, along with contributions by Julian Bunetta. With this one, hone into one of your five senses and maybe you’ll be able to taste that sweet summer breeze.
“it's a groovy and electric song that gets people in and out of their seats. It makes you want to dance and groove with your friends and never stop listening to it!” - Ava
Matt - Burns Out At Midnight by Waxahatchee
Perhaps your summers consist of time spent on the countryside rather than on the beaches. If that sounds like you, this next folky tune may be for you. “Burns Out At Midnight” by Waxahatchee, a music project led by Katie Crutchfield, was released March 22nd 2024 and is a single off of her sixth studio album, Tigers Blood. This track includes percussion that blends with the sweet swing of a harmonica to create an aura of running through fields in the countryside. Written and composed by Crutchfield, the song was produced by Brad Cook with vocal harmony credits to MJ Lenderman.
“It’s been a Waxahatchee summer, and she has delivered one of the greatest songwriting records of possibly the last ten years” - Matt
Katherine - The Kill by Maggie Rogers
When I think of Maggie Rogers, I think of summer festivals. So it is no surprise she has made it onto this list. Rogers has a knack for producing nostalgic music, both lyrically and sonically. “The Kill”, a song off of her third studio album Don’t Forget Me, is no exception. Here, Rogers and her co-producer/writer Ian Fitchuk combine a story of heartbreak with upbeat indie pop/rock sounds to create a classic song for those times where we want to listen to sad music but still dance around with our friends at a festival (or alone in our bedrooms).
“DFM is probably my favorite album of the year and The Kill is super catchy and fun! Great car song and I also got to hear it live on The TODAY Show a few weeks ago.” - Katherine
Olivia C - California by Lorde
If there was one place in the United States that encapsulates the word summer, a lot of us would think of the title of this next vibey tune. “California” is the third track from Lorde’s third studio album, Solar Power, released in 2021. This vibrant pop song is one that is perfect for those summer days where you just want to lie by the poolside and let the sun kiss your skin. The consistent breathy and falsetto vocals in the song imitate a fresh summer day, with synths and drums adding bubbly tones. If you’re looking for something to replicate the relaxation of summer, give this one a listen!
“Good for a summer roadtrip ride.” - Olivia C
Kiera - Apple by Charli XCX
Whether you agree or not, Brat summer has taken the world by storm and one of the facilitators of this glorious event was the ‘apple dance’ popularized on TikTok. At this point, I think the whole world knows the apple dance and if you don’t, then you eventually will. “Apple” has been the song of the summer for essentially the entirety of Gen Z and I am sure will be for generations to come. This electropop/synthpop track is the third single from singer Charli XCX’s sixth studio album Brat through Atlantic records. With the album releasing early June of 2024, “Apple” gained immediate traction due to its catchy sound thus becoming the perfect song for a dance phenomenon on Tiktok. The song was produced by A.G. Cook and written by Charli XCX. May our summers always be Brat.
“Brat summer took over the world and took over my heart. I’ll never look at neon green the same” - Kiera
Olivia S - Dizzy on the Comedown by Turnover
If you’re on the hunt for an indie rock, dream pop track to be the background song of your daydreams, this one is a great listen. “Dizzy on the Comedown” is the fifth track off of Turnover’s second studio album, Peripheral Vision, released on May 4th, 2015 through Run for Cover Records. The use of drums, crunchy guitars and laid back vocals transports listeners to a dream pop haze, and is a perfect tune for a stroll around your college town. Written by members of Turnover, the song was also co-written and produced by Will Yip. Although the song has been around for a while, there is no denying it is a classic pick for song of the summer.
“I know Peripheral Vision is known as a fall album, but what I also know is that every summer once it hits at least 75 degrees, my car windows are down, and Dizzy on the Comedown is playing” - Olivia S
Amanda - Coping on Unemployment by Del Water Gap
Looking for a tune to blast when you’re driving alone and need something to belt to? “Coping on Unemployment” by Del Water Gap would perhaps be a good fit for that. The song was released as a second single for Del Water Gap’s, a solo project from musician S. Holden Jaffe, second studio album I Miss You Already + I Haven’t Left, released in 2023. The song was composed and produced by Jaffe as well as Sammy Witte. With combinations of synths, drums and poppy guitar riffs, this song is an instant indie classic. The build up to the chorus each time catapults listeners into an experience that can be best described as a coming of age film.
“it’s so FUNN!!! i genuinely feel like i have to speed on the highway every time I turn it on.” - Amanda
Kate - Panama by Sports
Last but not least, this groovy song is sure to transport you to a coastal beach day. “Panama” by Sports is the fifth track off of the bands debut album Naked All The Time, released in 2015. Using funky guitar riffs, drums, synthesizers, and even shakers, this song is the epitome of the word beach. The flow of vocals and instrumentals bring a magical, romantic element to the track. Cale Chronister and Jacob Theroit are credited as composers while production is credited to Cale Chronister, Christian Theriot, Jacob Theriot and Chad Copelin, mastering and mixing done by Chad Copelin. If you’re looking to explore some sub genres of indie pop, this french indie track should be the perfect introduction.
“panama perfectly embodies the feeling of sunshine on your skin. i’ve been looping this song since june and it has without a doubt been my summer theme! perfect to play with the windows down on car rides and early mornings on the beach. can essentially feel the ocean and smell the sea foam when this plays, easily a banger” - Kate
And with that, we wrap up our list of 2024 Songs of the Summer. Whether you had a brat summer, or had one too many shots of espresso, we hope you’re able to discover some new music or perhaps re-discover some classics.
Below you can find a playlist of our picks along with some bonus songs to bring you back into the summer groove, in case you ever need it.
