Sounds of Summer

Kathryn Akers

Local Music Journalist

In honor of the summer solstice, I’ve curated a summer playlist with the help of my coworkers, the lifeguards of Texas State Aquatics. I figured, who knows summer better than lifeguards? While compiling suggestions from my coworkers, I found it super intriguing how so many different genres of music reminded the lifeguards of summer. Not only that, but almost everyone agreed with the other lifeguards’ suggestions. So even if these songs aren’t the kind of things you typically listen to, I urge you to give each song a listen-through before writing it off.

Could You Be Loved – Bob Marley & The Wailers

Starting off strong with an undeniably summery song. When my coworker said this song made her think of summer, I wholeheartedly agreed. “Could You Be Loved” is a perfect song for laying out at Sewell Park and enjoying the river. It’s warm and relaxing and lulls you into a state of peace.

Althea – Grateful Dead

The next song on this playlist is one of my contributions. A good chunk of the Greatful Dead’s discography pair well with summer, but I love this song more than a lot of their other songs. It’s nostalgic for me because every summer in grade school, I would play cards with my dad while he grilled, and he played this song a lot. Every time I hear “Althea,” I can almost smell steaks grilling.

Misses – Dominic Fike

If my coworker hadn’t suggested this song, it still would have a place in this article. “Misses” is the epitome of a summer song. Dominic Fike’s music is summery in general, but this song, specifically, sounds like driving along the coast with the windows down. Just imagine warm, salty air making your hair fly about, and crashing waves acting as backing vocals. That’s what “misses” sounds like.

Margaritaville – Jimmy Buffett

This song was recommended by my coworker whose hometown is on the coast. When I asked her what songs remind her of summer, she said, “Basically any song about a body of water.” A few minutes later, she came back and exclaimed, “OH, MARGARITAVILLE!” Even though this isn’t typically the type of music I listen to, I do love “Margaritaville” on a lake day.

Can I Call You Tonight? – Dayglow

Here’s my other contribution to this playlist. I absolutely adore “Can I Call You Tonight?” I saw Dayglow in concert a few years ago in November. Despite it being winter, when Dayglow performed this song, all of the cold melted away, and for four minutes and thirty-nine seconds, it felt like summer. It almost felt like the summer sun was warming my face and pulling freckles to the surface. “Can I Call You Tonight?” sounds like the backing track to an eighties rom-com.

Mystery Girl – Housecall

I didn’t know the name of this song until my coworker played a snippet when he suggested it. Sure, I had heard “Mystery Girl” before, but I hadn’t been able to find the name, so I’m super glad he brought it up. Anyways, the aforementioned coworker and I agreed that “Mystery Girl” sounds like a pool party on a warm night. Warm-toned lightbulbs are lighting up the night with some assistance from fireflies. “Mystery Girl” is playing over a speaker, partially drowned out by laughter and conversation from nearby friends.

This playlist is purposefully kept short. Every song was intentionally chosen, and they all have some kind of importance to the lifeguard who brought up the song. These six songs span over a few genres, but they’re all united by their summery nature. Hopefully these songs bring more vibrancy to your summer, because I know they will make my summer vibrant.

Listen to the playlist on Apple Music! https://music.apple.com/us/playlist/sounds-of-summer/pl.u-b3b8YkNfyVv5WLm  

Listen to the playlist on Spotify! https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4veRwVdw6dqioOQkbxBfPO