Everything Else Is Muzak: A Soundtrack for a Simple Season

By Isa Eugenio

Now that summer break is a few calendar boxes away, students are bubbling over in anticipation for a season marked by the avid abandonment of all responsibility. Summer break highlights the end of the stressful school year and the beginning of excitement-filled adventures–unless of course, students are entering the twelfth grade and by tradition are unwillingly marched toward months upon months of the torturous college application process (hang in there!). Still, for most, summer is wonderful and Witherly Heights has compiled the following list of songs from varying genres that could help you get into the vacation mood.

“September” (1978) by Earth, Wind & Fire

Album: September

“September,” a tune considered by many to be one of the happiest, is a perfect song to get anyone in a good mood for summer.

“Broke” (2018) by Samm Henshaw

This catchy and upbeat single reflects Samm Henshaw’s musical style, which many, including Henshaw himself, describe as a mixture of hip-hop and gospel. The piano and trumpets, combined with Henshaw’s voice, make for a great feel-good song, despite its less-than-cheerful lyrics.

“Sunflower” (2017) by Rex Orange County

The lyrics of “Sunflower,” a song dedicated to singer Rex Orange County’s girlfriend Thea, mention staying positive through difficult times, adding to the cheerful mood of this playlist. The music video, too, contains lots of summery imagery and furthers the theme of staying positive.

“New Light” (2018) by John Mayer

Though it’s not as fast-paced as many of the other songs on the list, John Mayer’s groovy yet upbeat single–which is quite different from the rest of his music–still manages to provide a great mood fit for the upcoming break. Plus, the music video is great.

“Simple Season” (2017) by Hippo Campus

Album: Landmark

“Simple Season” is a song about holding on to the best of youth which, for many, might be the memories made and experiences had over summer break, making this catchy tune not only sonically but also thematically appropriate for summer.

“Hooked on a Feeling” (1974) by Blue Swede

Album: Hooked on a Feeling

A cover of the 1968 pop song originally performed by B.J. Thomas, Blue Swede’s “Hooked on a Feeling” is perhaps best known for being featured in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 1–as well as the chanting, which was inspired by Jonathan King’s cover of the same song.

“Sucker” (2019) by the Jonas Brothers

After six years of silence, the Jonas Brothers have announced their reunion with this new hit single. In addition to being a catchy song overall, “Sucker” brings happy memories to many who were fans of the Jonas Brothers’ music during the 2000s, when older hits like “Burnin’ Up” and “Lovebug” were released.

Playlist link: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLaz21DGMSb_oI9kJc74hxC9jXcd6IJRj7