Summer is officially here – and even though that phrase has always been associated with things like vacations, beach trips, and rooftop bars in the past, this year is obviously very, very different. With Covid-19 still maintaining its status as a massive global crisis, we’re forced to view summer from a completely different perspective; one that involves a lot less social interaction and a lot more sweating under our masks when we leave the house.

But now that Fourth of July weekend means not going to parties and bars (seriously, don’t do it), people across the U.S. have to quickly scramble for other fun yet safe activities to keep that party spirit alive. Some helpful suggestions: backyard barbecuing, virtual hangouts, and drinking well before five o’clock from the comfort of our own homes.

Regardless of plans or lack thereof, having a good playlist to jam out to during a hot summer day – frozen margarita in hand, of course – may just be the pick-me-up we all need this season. Luckily, we’ve compiled a list of the most refreshing and upbeat songs that’ll quench you of your social thirst in no time.

 

“Watermelon Sugar,” Harry Styles

It’s really no secret that the entirety of Harry Styles’s second album, Fine Line, is a masterpiece. Seriously, it’s hard to choose just one feel-good song. But the standout anthem for the season is of course “Watermelon Sugar,” with summertime references and sexy innuendos galore. You can definitely expect to be singing that catchy chorus well after the summer ends.

“Cool,” Dua Lipa

Much like the Jonas Brothers and Gwen Stefani songs of the same name, Dua Lipa’s “Cool” will have you singing along almost immediately. Warning: it may inspire you to find summer love as well, which we suggest you do virtually.

“Yo Perreo Sola,” Bad Bunny

This iconic track (complete with an anti-machismo message in its music video) translates to “I twerk alone,” which is especially relevant right now. Fortunately, the song may just be exactly what you’ll need to lift up your mood this Fourth of July weekend – even if it gets stuck in your head for the rest of the week. Happy twerking!

“Little,” Jany Green

No matter what mood you’re in when you start listening to “Little,” we guarantee you’ll feel fireworks of inner joy before it ends. The beat, the lyrics, the melodies; this happy-go-lucky tune does everything right.

“Do It,” Chloe x Halle

We could all use a bit of a confidence boost right about now. Thankfully, Chloe x Halle never let us down. The duo’s hit, “Do It” can really make anyone feel confident and sexy, which is honestly a mood we should all strive for this season.

“Weekend,” Clubhouse

This song is ideal for chilling with a cold drink while floating in a (hopefully private) pool. “Weekend” feels just like the name suggests: a little time off to relax with nothing but good vibes.

“PORFA Remix,” Feid, Justin Quiles, J Balvin, Nicky Jam, Maluma, & Sech

Colombian singer-songwriter Feid and Puerto Rican singer Justin Quiles brought together some of the biggest names in Latinx music for this R&B-reggaeton track, instantly giving us the rhythmic, catchy magic of an ideal summer bop.

“Diamonds,” Megan Thee Stallion & Normani

This wouldn’t be a summer playlist without the “hot girl summer” queen herself. Repeating the classic phrase, “Diamonds are a girl’s best friend,” this Megan Thee Stallion and Normani collab reminds us that a single summer is really the best kind.

“TKN,” ROSALÍA & Travis Scott

After collaborating in the No. 1 hit “Highest in the Room,” Spanish singer-songwriter ROSALÍA and Travis Scott blessed us with another feisty bop for the summer. Although “no new friends,” as the song suggests, may be a painfully accurate message in these times, the badass energy will always be welcome.

“Malibu,” Kim Petras 

Need to mentally transport yourself to the beach? How about a beach in Malibu? Look no further than Kim Petras’s rave-inducing tune, featuring a celeb-filled, homemade music video!

“Rain on Me,” Lady Gaga & Ariana Grande

If you’re looking for a song that a) gets you dancing and b) possibly making up a whole choreography routine that brings you back to your middle school days, Lady Gaga and Ariana Grande have obviously got you covered. But honestly, with these pop icons, what did you expect?

“Savage Remix,” Megan Thee Stallion & Beyonce

We couldn’t help but feature Megan Thee Stallion twice on this list, but can you blame us when the Queen Bee herself is involved?! Beyonce’s addition to the TikTok dance hit, “Savage,” made it a top contender for the best song of the summer.

“Breaking Me,” Topic & A7S

If you’re really missing the clubs (as we all are), “Breaking Me” might just be the electro-pop number that transports you back to that crowded, sweaty scene we all hate to love.

“Experience,” Victoria Monet, Khalid & SG Lewis

An R&B tune fused with a retro, disco vibe, “Experience” is the little slice of joy that we’re craving during these strange times. Plus, you can totally jam out to this while hopping on that rollerskating trend.

“Borderline,” Tame Impala

The airy soulfulness of “Borderline,” which captures Tame Impala’s iconic instrumentals and relaxed, psychedelic sound, is the ultimate “take it easy” track that’ll still have you nodding your head to the beat. Although singer Kevin Parker made changes to the original “Borderline” single for the album, The Slow Rush, both versions definitely hit the mark this summer.

“After Party,” Don Toliver

So obviously the suggestion of an after-party doesn’t actually fill the void of a real-life one. However, this song is just as good to play in your own home, even if you find yourself vibing to it alone.

“Like That,” Doja Cat & Gucci Mane

If you’re on any type of social media, you’re probably familiar with rapper Doja Cat. Cranking out hit after hit, her Hot Pink album dominated nearly every platform for most of 2020. The 6th track, “Like That,” stands out as one of the best on the album and obviously has a special place in our summertime hearts.

“Summer Feelings,” Lennon Stella & Charlie Puth

The title says it all. This song perfectly encompasses our emotions this summer, both in the beat and in the lyrics. Although we’ll probably have to mentally envision that trip to the beach this time.

“Amarillo,” J Balvin

Let’s face it: J Balvin’s entire Colores album is a treasure in itself. But Amarillo is certainly the one that’ll get you moving just as quickly as you’ll be pressing repeat.

“Blueberry Faygo,” Lil Mosey

You probably know “Blueberry Faygo” from social media, but that doesn’t take away from how fun it actually is to jam to. So blast it as loud as it goes, maybe even do the dance, no one’s going to judge.