At long last, the breezy and hellish winter storms have come to an end, bringing with it the familiar scent of spring. As we all get ready for long drives with the windows down and picnics in the park, I think that it’s important that we get out of our winter moods and remember what it’s like to be outside. Summer break is on its way! If there is one thing that makes summer really feel like summer, it is the music that people choose to listen to. The following is a collection of songs that I think reflects the brilliance of summer, enhancing the wonderful experiences and memories.

Yoshimi Battles The Pink Robots Part 1: The Flaming Lips

This song is a perfect summer jam. Its chill vibe and lightheartedness make it a great song to sing along to with friends.

Blue Boy: Mac DeMarco

Blue Boy’s wavy guitar lines and groovy bass help solidify it as a fantastic summer time song candidate. Mac’s beautiful harmonizing vocals and warm, inviting tone help enhance the summer atmosphere.

Time Away From Home/Driving to Hawaii: Summer Salt

Summer Salt’s unique and vibrant sound perfectly characterizes a warm August breeze. If you are looking for a song to play on the beach, any one of Summer Salt’s songs will do.

California: Childish Gambino

If you haven’t blasted this song while driving to the beach, then have you really experienced summer? The opening electric guitar and piano creates a wonderful and happy tone that will surely brighten anyone’s day.

Diamonds on the Soles of Her Shoes: Paul Simon

Paul Simon offers another great summer track by mixing both Western and South African music seamlessly into a very unique song. The song features a South African male choral group, Ladysmith Black Mambazo, as well as several different percussion instruments, making it a great upbeat tune to relax to.

Under African Skies: Paul Simon

One of the greatest parts about this song is the beautiful imagery it depicts. No matter where in the world you may be, Simon’s tune really does paint a vivid image of a lush African Sky, using the harmonizing vocals and light guitar lines to paint a perfect picture.

FloriDada: Animal Collective

FloriDada may not be for everybody, but it is definitely a great hype song to listen to on the road. Its crazy layered techno sounds and incredibly fast vocals make it a ton of fun to jam out to.

Here Comes the Sun: The Beatles

A real classic. This tune is an absolute standard in terms of summertime music. Nothing can get you out of a winter mood better than George Harrison’s mesmerizing guitar playing.

Feels Like Summer: Childish Gambino 

A groovy beat, great vocals and tasty acoustic guitar lines solidify this song as another great jam to get you in the vacation mood. Talk about a song that makes you want to soak up the rays.

Mind Mischief: Tame Impala

This song can only be described as one thing: a total banger. The song features some really incredible drumming, as well as a high energy psychedelic guitar hook and psychedelic vocals that soar over song beautifully.