DRAM - Sweet VA Breeze

Occasion: What the kids call a “kickback.”

Recommended by: Fabian Carrasquillo

This song, with its swing and synth beats, creates an atmosphere that doesn’t need words. It fills the air with just the right amount of relaxation that you can slip it on when you get back together with your hometown friends. No need to spend time and energy catching up when you can let Sweet VA Breeze do all the talking.

Dey G - Sugar and Spice

Occasion: You’re grilling on the Fourth of July and you lowkey just burnt the f**k out of some burgers, but it's chill cause you can just put cheese on the bad side and tell the kids it’s “well done.”

Recommended by: Naiel Habtemichael (The Goobatron)

Everyone and their mom has done a 90’s music homage, so it’s about time that new jack swing had its comeback. DEY-G is the future.

Wilco - Summer Teeth

Occasion: Driving with the windows down on a sunny day with your friends or beach day

Recommended by: Hanya Hudgens

Super light and summery song, type of song that makes you want to stick your head out the window and let the summer sun soak in!

Animal Collective - Summertime Clothes

Occasion: Pool day!!

Recommended by: Hanya Hudgens

Super cute song about spending summer with the people you love!

The Rolling Stones - Miss You

Occasion: The PERFECT song to drive with the windows down in the summer

Recommended by: MP Marble

This song was the Stones' final number #1 single in the US, topping the charts in 1978!

Steve Lacy - Some

Occasion: Watching the sunset with someone you love

Recommended by: Jessica Lalwani

Steve Lacy is always amazing for a sunset watch party, but in my humble opinion, Some is the best song out there. It combines Lacy’s ethereal vocals, as well as a catchy beat and R&B aspect. Some is able to float in the background so you are able to fully soak in those beautiful summer sunsets with the people you love!

Donovan - Sunshine Superman

Occasion: Best for a moment of optimism

Recommended by: MP Marble

The lyrics of this song are so sweet; it follows a man who's in love and decides to become her superhero. Upbeat, 1966 classic!

Car Seat Headrest - Bodys

Occasion: Dancing freely, graced by the warm summer sun

Recommended by: Jessica Lalwani Bodys reminds us that life is truly all about experiencing. This song causes a type of uncoordinated movement that is necessary in life; it feels free, it feels warm, it feels right. With lyrics like “There’s no devil on one shoulder and angel on the other, they're just two normal people,” it grounds you in your human experience. This song is crucial to your summer playlist, to dance with your friends, to be outside soaking up the sun, or even to accompany you on those late-night talks with the people who watched you grow up.

Grateful Dead - Shakedown Street

Occasion: Throwing on a song on the beach

Recommended by: Jessica Lalwani

If you are chilling on a beach this summer, be sure to add at LEAST one Grateful Dead song to your queue, and if you want to add the best one, add Shakedown Street. The funk feel with classic Grateful Dead lyricism is an amazing combination of music to relax to, or to throw on while driving with your windows down!

BROCKHAMPTON - 1999 WILDFIRE

Occasion: Starting your day

Recommended by: Jessica Lalwani, who learned it from Kristine Nguyen

1999 WILDFIRE is the perfect song to start your day; with its catchy rhythm and chorus, it starts your day with a touch of whimsy and flow. BROCKHAMPTON is always going to make a song perfect for all occasions, whether that's a cookout with your friends or just moseying through your hometown thrift store. The bridge in this song is angelic and ties the song together beautifully; it's a must-add!