Good Vibrations
Congrats WIDR listeners, you’ve miraculously survived yet another crippling winter season! Temperatures are finally climbing and we know you’ve got that sweet sunshine on your mind. There’s no better feeling than winding down those car windows and cranking up the volume on a bumpin’ summer playlist. Whether you're road tripping, hitting the beach or roasting smores, we’ve got the tunes to see you through.
Listen to WIDR's Good Vibrations playlist here.
1. “Good Vibrations” by The Beach Boys off the album Smiley Smile
Had to start off the playlist with this feel good tune! Let the boys’ tight harmonies and nostalgic surf sound lead you on your first trip to Lake Michigan.
2. “Lovesick” by Mura Masa off the album Someday Somewhere
I never thought a song with steel pans and marimba could bump this much. This young artist has magically created an electronic tropical paradise for listeners.
3. “In My Mind (Summertime)” by JR JR off the album JR JR
This catchy pop tune is off of the duo’s first self-titled album since changing their name from Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jr. to just JR JR. The lyrics are a friendly reminder that the cold winter has finally gone away.
4. “Heartland” by Stick Figure off the album Burial Ground
This song always brings me an ear-warming feeling of euphoria. Driven by progressive drum rhythm and loads of percussion, the smooth vocals and warm reggae groove effortlessly deliver their uplifting message.
5. “Lazuli” by Beach House off the album Bloom
The first 30 seconds of this song puts you into a trance with its sequence of dreamy arpeggios. After a fuzzy symbol wash, it breaks off into a blissful feeling of warm sunlight.
6. “Swing Tree” by Discovery off their LP
You can always count on this light and airy combination of bass and electro pop to make you feel good- rain or shine.
7. “Wood” by Rostam off the album Half-Light
This summer morning tune leads with the enchanting sounds of the Indian tabla. Rostam Batmanglij’s (former musical leader of Vampire Weekend) soothing vocals pace lightly with the blooming string arrangements.
8. “Bassically” by Tei Shi off a single
This song is shimmering with an 80’s ambiance of glitter and glow sticks. The serene vocals, drowned out and auto-tune melodies slowly climax into a vocal pop paradise layered with synth and tribal beats. Beach day with friends? Crank this song with the top down so no one hears you struggle to hit those high notes.
9. “In the Summertime” by Mungo Jerry off the album In the Summertime
I had to include this recognizable oldie. The catchy melody and bouncy banjo plinking makes for a classic 1970’s blues tune.
10. “Diamond Eyes” by Innerwave off the album Sun Transmission
This swirling psychedelic tune will leave you daydreaming in the sun until you’re greeted with its funky bass line and upbeat tempo.
11. “One Million Lovers” by The Growlers off the album Hung at Heart
The 60’s surf inspired psychedelic rock vibe leaves me wanting to take a long sunny drive around town. I dig the whirly reverberated keyboard flutters and loping bass.
12. “Come Let Go” by Xavier Rudd off the album White Moth
The breezy tempo and alluring chord progression interacts effortlessly with Xavier’s serene yet gritty vocals. The mix of mellow slide guitar, organ, and dazed harmonica make for a perfect reggae groove at your late night beach hang.
13. “Sun Halo” by Oberhofer off the album Chromovision
This charming, mid-tempo number lands last on this summer playlist. The orchestral gestures lift your spirits while the all too appropriate lyrics will keep you floating on cloud nine all summer long.
Happy listening!
