A stellar playlist is the perfect way to kick off the school year, from relaxing study music to fast-paced hype songs for walking to class. This playlist captures that bittersweet transition from summer sun to campus days. Featuring an eclectic mix of songs and genres — from niche artists to fan favorites — this is your guide for study motivation and summer reminiscence.
“August” by flipturn
This song captures the nostalgia of lost summer love. The lyrics “But now you’re a stranger / And I’m still July / But don’t you remember / August, honey, you were mine” invoke feelings of loss and yearning for the past. Dillon Basse’s crooning vocals set against an angsty electric guitar will have you dreaming of hot summer days.
“Citrona” album cover. Image courtesy of flipturn.
“Let’s Go Swimming” by Palace
The title of this song was likely a familiar phrase for many of us this summer, wanting to just “Come outside, the day’s fine / Just dance like the daylight.” The song’s flowing sound evokes the physical sensations of pool water against tan skin.
“Kokomo” by The Beach Boys
In this summer classic, The Beach Boys sing longingly about different vacation spots and falling in love. This upbeat energy pairs well with a juicy drink on the white sands of a hot beach. The Beach Boys sing, “That dreamy look in your eye / Give me a tropical contact high,” bringing listeners to the beach with their heads in the clouds.
“Still Crusin'” album cover. Image courtesy of Capitol Records.
“Dandelion Wine” by Gregory Alan Isakov
The soft, melancholy tune and haunting lyrics, such as “Summer days were just a magazine,” set a tone of forgetting that transports listeners to a midsummer evening with fireflies blinking among the trees.
“This Empty Northern Hemisphere” album cover. Image courtesy of Suitcase Town Music.
“I Think I Like When It Rains” by WILLIS
Summer is known for its brief, yet frequent, pop-up thunderstorms. In this song, WILLIS says, “I dreamed of things you said to me / We stayed at your place while it rains,” allowing the rain to serve as a reminder for time spent with a lover after school.
“1979” by The Smashing Pumpkins
This song channels the sort of “teenage dirtbag” energy that was prominent in indie movies from the ‘80s and ‘90s. “And we don’t know just where our bones will rest / To dust, I guess” channels the distress felt by many students whose summers are coming to an end. It is the perfect introduction to fall and will make you want to skateboard with your friends in a parking lot at 1 a.m.
“Melon Collie and the Infinite Sadness” album cover. Image courtesy of Virgin Records.
“Cruel Summer” by Taylor Swift
No summer playlist is complete without this chart-topping record. Its catchy beat and sassy lyrics, such as “I snuck in through the garden gate / Every night that summer just to seal my fate” are timeless, making it perfect for both summer and the start of the semester.
“Lover” album cover. Image courtesy of Republic Records.
“Where’d All the Time Go?” by Dr. Dog
This is a perfect melody for those mourning a summer that went by too fast. “She’s on the go, way too fast and way too slow” portrays the loss of time for listeners in a way only music can, bringing about bittersweet emotions. This song became popular in 2024 but has remained popular thanks to its timeless lyrics.
“Shame, Shame” album cover. Image courtesy of Anti Inc.
“End of August” by Noah Kahan
This song has been on everyone’s playlist recently for good reason. Focusing on love and loss, it captures the angst and anxiety of romantic frustration in the midst of life’s complications. With lyrics like “Late August angst and a pointless night / Ooh, and the feeling of being alive,” this song is a great one to listen to while driving to campus with your windows down.
“The Great Divide” album cover. Image courtesy of Mercury Records.
“We’re Going to Be Friends” by The White Stripes
This is a song that captures the simplicity and joy of children going to school. The lyrics “Back to class, through the hall / Teacher marks our height against the wall” help create the perfect positive listening experience tempered with nostalgia to kick-start your school year.
“Under Great White Northern Lights” album cover. Image courtesy of Third Man Records.
