15 Best Pop Songs You Need On Your Summer Playlist

If you’re looking for the best songs for your summer playlist, scour no further, as we have compiled the best pop songs to live your best summer life.

06.30.23
15 Best Pop Songs You Need On Your Summer Playlist (Natasha Moustache/TAS23 via Getty Images for TAS Rights Management)

NashvilleYour summer aesthetic, no matter what it may be, simply has to have its own soundtrack — no matter if you’re on the beach, in bed or going for a drive. So, if you’re looking for the best songs for your summer playlist, scour no further, as we have compiled the best pop songs to live your best summer life.

A-O-K by Tai Verdes (indie pop)
The perfect song to start out your summer playlist – blending a solid beat with quality vocals and happy-go-lucky lyrics, Tai Verdes creates a fun song to get you in your best summer mood.

Backyard Boy by Claire Rosinkranz (pop)
Though this song went viral back in 2020, it wouldn’t be right to have a pop summer playlist without this classic. Backyard Boy clears all the necessary summer playlist boxes and belongs on any summer playlist.

Electric Love by BORNS (pop)
Within the first five seconds, this innuendo-ridden song will surely have you hooked. It’s great for a duet at any time of day and you will feel yourself catching the dancing bug from the first second to the very last.

Yellow by Coldplay (indie)
Yellow, a classic song for any bright-and-happy mood, is synonymous with love songs and summer sunsets. With excellent instrumentals and fun lyrics that will have you grinning ear-to-ear, this song is a must for any good-times playlist.

Out of My League by Fitz and the Tantrums (indie)
This song, performed by six-person pop band Fitz and the Tantrums, is perfect for a car windows down type of night. You will tap your foot to the beat, sing, and feel the odd urge to air guitar at any given moment.

Shampain by Marina (indie pop)

There are many Marina songs that could go on this playlist. If you’ve never stared up at a summer sky while singing Marina, I suggest you remedy that with Shampain as your starter. A bittersweet song for a hot night, this song has safely secured its place on this list.

Slow Dancing by Aly and AJ (pop)
Slow Dance is a fun, ballad-like song to dance to with a friend or romantic interest. Perfect for a duet or soft interlude to an otherwise fast-paced playlist.

Paper Rings by Taylor Swift (pop)
No matter your opinion on Taylor Swift, Paper Rings is a contagiously upbeat song that will have you singing, dancing, whistling, or humming. This song is perfect for any summer-aesthetic night.

I Ain’t Worried by OneRepublic (indie)
I Ain’t Worried, which rose to prominence after its place in “Top Gun: Maverick” deserves all the hype it received. Just like the beach scene in the aforementioned movie, this song is perfect for blasting at the beach, pool, or while cruising through your neighborhood.

California Gurls by Katie Perry and Snoop Dogg (pop)
No summer playlist could be complete without California Gurls. If you know it, make sure to save it a place on your queue. If you don’t, go listen. Now. California Girl or night, you won’t be able to resist singing along.

Overdrive by Conan Gray (pop)
As an obsessive Conan Gray fan, I can safely attest that this is one of Gray’s best happy songs. Though his tracks can sometimes err on the side of sad, this song sticks sharply out of his norm and does so boldly and with an immense amount of talent.

August is a Fever by Ella Jane (pop)
August is a Fever is perfect for your summer playlist; it’s in the name. Though Ella Jane hasn’t (yet) risen to great prominence, she is a fantastic young artist with great talent, especially in the upbeat song arena.

Fallin’ (Adrenaline) by Why Don’t We (pop)
I am not a boy band fanatic and will not try to claim that. However, Fallin’ (Adrenaline) is an absolutely excellent song for any hype occasion.

Strawberry Sunscreen by Lostboycrow (indie)
Strawberry Sunscreen stays true to its name. While listening, you’ll find yourself daydreaming of eating strawberries on a Florida beach. It is a summer must that you will find yourself constantly humming throughout your day.

One More Weekend by Maude Latour (pop)
One More Weekend is the perfect end to any summer playlist. One More Weekend is one of the best bittersweet ending songs which is a fun listen to help cheer you up. Dripping with nostalgia, you can’t go wrong with this song.

Emmie Wolf-Dubin (she/her) is a high school student in Nashville who covers anything from entertainment to politics. Follow her on Instagram: @redheadwd07.

Edited by Nykeya Woods

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