Whether you’re relaxing at the beach or having a picnic with friends, the warm sunlight calls for some upbeat songs to get you into a lively mood! Music is something that makes or breaks the mood of the whole gathering. Like, imagine you’re playing beach volleyball on a hot day, and someone whips out their sad music playlist — weird. 

To avoid that awkward scenario, here’s a playlist that’ll elevate your state of mind, regardless of what summer activity you’re doing!

“Feels” by Calvin Harris feat. Pharrell Williams and Katy Perry 

I had to start the playlist off with a nostalgic throwback! The first guitar strum of the song already puts you in a great mood, and it’s hard to be down when you’re listening to this upbeat melody. It’s also an added perk that this song reminds me of summer 2017 — a legendary time. 

“Tongue Tied” by Grouplove

This is truly a classic teenage summer song! Maybe you feel like living vicariously through the lyrics or perhaps you’re just in the mood for an uplift. Either way, this song can do it all for you! The hollering is what pure chaos and happiness sound like. It always gets me feeling euphoric!

“Cruel Summer” by Taylor Swift

Obviously, I can’t create a summer playlist without adding this Taylor Swift song. The first notes of the song confirm that this song is the epitome of summer! Of course, you also can’t help but scream the chorus at the top of your lungs whenever you listen to it, which definitely raises spirits. Whenever I’m creating a summer playlist, this song is a staple. 

“Summer Nights” by John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John 

“Grease” is a classic summer rom-com that makes you want to get up and dance! But even if you haven’t seen the movie this song will surely get you feeling jovial. It’s also a wonderful karaoke song because it’s so easy to sing along!

“Keep It Gold” by Surfaces

Any of Surfaces’ songs encapsulate summer — from the calm melody to the beautiful album covers! I’d even recommend adding half of the band’s discography into your summer playlist. However, if you’re only going to choose one, I personally love “Keep It Gold” because it puts me in such a relaxed state of mind, which is perfect for many summer occasions. It would be cool if I liked camping and the great outdoors because I’d play this song while I’m gathered around a campfire! 

“Our Last Summer from ‘Mamma Mia’ ” by Colin Firth, Pierce Brosnan, Stellan Skarsgård, Amanda Seyfried, Meryl Streep

Hearing this song makes me wish that I was dancing around the coast of a beautiful European island — I just love this movie so much! This is my favorite song from the ‘Mamma Mia’ soundtrack because it’s simultaneously sentimental yet uplifting. Although the ABBA version is excellent, the whole cast singing as a chorus is my favorite part.

“I Wanna Get Better” by Bleachers

This song makes me feel that sprinting across the sand — very uncharacteristic of me because it would tire me within seconds. That just goes to show how good this song is! Something about the bright tone energizes me so much! I also love when songs sound like the whole chorus is full of hollering, like this Bleachers song does. It definitely sets a summer’s day. 

“Hot Rod” by Dayglow 

I physically can’t make a summer playlist without a Dayglow song. This song makes me reminisce about memories I haven’t experienced, but in the best way possible. I love the buildup of the song. This groovy tune puts me in such a good mood! 

“We Are Young” by fun. Ft. Janelle Monáe

I remember listening to this song as a kid thinking about living the kind of life as described by fun. I haven’t, but it’s okay because this song is still fantastic! I honestly feel invincible whenever I listen to this song because I’m able to live through the band’s experiences. 

“Mr. Brightside” by The Killers

Whenever I listen to this song, I desperately wish I was a teenager in the early 2000s. The whole melody is so upbeat. You’re determined to get into that summer, carefree spirit while listening to this song! 

No matter where you are, I’m sure this summer playlist will make you a bit happier! I could probably create a summer playlist that would last for hours, but hopefully you enjoy this one for now!