Your Guide to a Windows Down Summer Soundtrack

With the weather being super amazing, I’ve been lately inspired by jams to unabashedly blare with the windows down. I also realized that I have been aching for a list of all-time favorites, which prompts this post. Hope you enjoy the suggestions/reviews below!

“Midnight City” M83
A recent indie goodie with absolutely disgusting beats, which have previously inspired the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show in December and a Kanye West/M83 mash up (“Midnight Life” by White Panda). A great blast for a pregame for a night out in the city or an awesome morning pick-me-up listen. Not feeling the beat? Wait for the sax to come in at the end for a retro-flare; fills the soul right up. Favorite lyric: “City is my church/it wraps me in sparkling twilight!!!!!” Listen and watch the video below.

“Separate Ways (Worlds Apart)” Journey
A great alternative to the played-out “Don’t Stop Believin,” the song has intense hands-off-the-steering-wheel (with caution) guitar solos and rocker screams, which we’ve come to expect from Journey songs and are essential for a sing-a-long (or scream-a-long). A Saturday afternoon favorite for me – I have to resist the urge to reach for some torn jeans and leather jacket post-jam.

“Could You Be Loved” Bob Marley
Okay, true, it’s in every Adam Sandler rom-com, but there is nothing quite like the island-feel to this tune. I suggest an open-sunroof, if you have access, on a deliciously sunny day. It feels good on every listen.

“Bittersweet Symphony” The Verve
I like to imagine I’m in a vintage Jaguar convertible, wind in my hair, big black sunglasses, and my dead lover’s revealing, justice-dolling journal at my side while listening to this song…wait, maybe that’s from a movie?

“Mustache Man” Cake
The kick ass trumpets in this song make me forget how creepy the lyrics are (thankfully). Also, the instrumental pieces to this song are not embarrassing to be caught listening to at a red light, and due to my neglect of the creepy lyrics, you don’t have to worry about singing off tune (or at all).

“Italian Restaurant” Billy Joel
It’s best to follow up a non-singing song with a song made for belting. I particularly enjoy the momentum changes in the song – it starts off like a great date, flashes forward to a missed chance, then to a divorce, and back to that fabulous date on the street. I fancy a bottle of white myself.

“This is How We Do It” Montell Jordan
Wanna travel back in time for a second? Try 1995, back to the time of the original gangsters (OG for you true players) and representing your ‘hood. Indeed, a great party song, but also a great piece of nostalgia. So tip up your cup and throw your hands up…but wait till you get to your destination.

“Cri de Coeur” Edith Piaf
I like to give this a spin when I need to feel transported to Paris circa 1930s. Despite the fact that I have no idea what the song means, the sounds of it remind me of a carnival, which inevitably makes me think of childhood summers.