A Whole Load Of Summer Songs To Make You Forget The Weather

Many of my friends are off on holiday this week so I thought it was appropriate to create a nice, relaxing summer playlist. If you are off on holiday, these songs are perfect for lounging by the pool, bronzing on the beach or chilling at the bar. If you're not on holiday this week then this is perfect for taking your mind off the awful weather and escaping to wherever your mind wants to go. So sit back, relax and enjoy some soothing summer songs...

At The River by Groove Armada

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OM7WPPzQ_ZI 

It's one of those pieces of music that you've probably heard over and over again but had no idea who it was by. I was like that for years until I stumbled upon The Best of Groove Armada and realised I'd heard most of their songs before but had no idea who they were by. I decided to put the full length song up rather than the single because you miss the beautiful intro in the shorter version.

Pictures by Benjamin Francis Leftwich

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l6N3jUDKzq0

I was introduced to Benjamin Francis Leftwich when he supported Fleet Foxes and I have loved him ever since. His voice makes you drift off and, as such, he is perfect for falling asleep by the pool or on the beach.

Jump In The Pool by Friendly Fires

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ofRCldHb7X0

This is pretty self explanatory. It's a song about jumping in a pool. It's a great summer song in general and, like many Friendly Fires songs do, it just has a sunny vibe to it.


Spanish Sahara by Foals

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YaVE4WVlsDQ

I could have chosen a number of Foals songs but this is my absolute favourite. A beautiful track that, whilst not being the most upbeat song, still gives a sense of relaxation whilst you are lying in the heat of the sun.

All I Need by Air

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Aw8i28bNoYY

I really love Air and think they're extremely under-rated. The video is slightly frustrating with all the talking but I would encourage anyone to download this track. In fact, I'd encourage anyone to download Moon Safari, it's a brilliant album.

Let Forever Be by The Chemical Brothers feat Noel Gallagher

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s5FyfQDO5g0

Something a lot more upbeat now and, if you're like me and you leave all your cares at home when you go on holiday, then this is the song for you. It's basically Que Sera, Sera for the electronic generation.

Sunchyme by Dario G

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BY2OFztWiuY

No holiday playlist is complete without some kind of catchy euro-pop summer anthem. I had to include this as it has summer written all over it. Yes, it may be old and yes, it may be cheesey but I love it.

Albatross by Fleetwood Mac

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dAefTj7GXwQ

Probably most well known these days for helping M&S sell food, this was actually a huge hit in the late 60s for Fleetwood Mac. It's lazy, drifting guitar gives a sense of ultimate relaxation.

Sitting, Waiting, Wishing by Jack Johnson

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ffgsf3pqaD8

Jack Johnson makes me happy. So do holidays. Therefore this makes a perfect holiday song. It probably helps that he spends most of his time on the beaches of the Caribbean but this only adds to his ability to make a great summer song.

Happy Up Here by Royksopp

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pJvVHAh_INM

A very upbeat and positive song from Norweigan Electro group Royksopp, another very under-rated duo. This is quite a surprise as Norway isn't known for it's blistering temperatures, however their happy demeanour creates a great summer tune.

Sun Hits The Sky by Supergrass

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OJ8TYNpJdLg

Another band that I could have chosen any number of songs from, Supergrass have always been known for their energy and for their cheerfulness. This song in particular would be great for listening to in the sun whilst having a few drinks.

Run by Vampire Weekend

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ptQ8nb-PhuI

Vampire Weekend are a great summer band and are always good to listen to in the sun. I went travelling round the south of France a couple of years ago and they were on non-stop. Both albums are wonderful to listen to whilst lounging in the sunshine.



Many songs have been written specifically for holidays. There are in fact many songs simply called "Holiday", I'm thinking of Dizzee Rascal and Madonna to name but two. Hopefully, however, this will provide you with some kind of alternative to the usual holiday songs whilst your jetting off to find some sun. It's only just stopped raining where I am, hopefully the weather will be better wherever you're off to this summer.