If there is one thing I pride myself on, it is my ability to create a good playlist. 

Making a playlist is an artform that many can do, but little can master. It’s about meticulously selecting songs to curate the perfect combination of them. 

For my summer playlists, it is important I have a good mix of songs for screaming in the car, lounging at the pool or the beach and ones that just indescribably feel like summer. 

Related: OPINION: USF and Tampa music scenes need more female representationHere are some of my essential summer songs USF students should add to their own playlists, beyond just The Beach Boys. 

“Miserlou” by Dick Dale & the Deltones

What is summer without some classic surf music? 

I love surf rock, especially from the 1960s. There is something special about that iconic jangly, loose guitar of the decade. There is no better person to get this fix from than the “King of the Surf Guitar,” Dick Dale. 

The song is best known for its feature in “Pulp Fiction” and also blaring from my car radio on the hottest days of the year. A fun fact about this track is it is rooted in Arabic, Greek and Jewish origins, with Dick Dale & the Deltones’ surf cover bringing it into Western culture. 

Combined with the high energy trumpet solos and insanely fast guitar, it is all grounds for accidently earning my first speeding ticket. Maybe this will finally be the unfortunate summer.

“Ocean Avenue” by Yellowcard

From my pop punk middle and high school roots, this song is a forever staple. This is one of the therapeutic “scream in the car” songs I mentioned earlier. It captures summer imagery in a perfect way, through nostalgic lines of longing for a simpler time. 

Nothing gets more early 2000s angsty beach teen than when the chorus kicks in with “If I could find you now, things would get better, we could leave this town and run forever.”

Best part is, Yellowcard is from Jacksonville. Although Ocean Avenue is actually Ocean Boulevard – the former just rhymed better – there is a real Cherry Street as mentioned in the song that I’d like to visit someday. 

“Everywhere” by Fleetwood Mac

I grew up listening to Fleetwood Mac and they played through my house all times of the year, but they always felt like a summer band to me. Naturally, whenever they come on the radio I want to put on a shawl and twirl around in a meadow. 

Related: USF Battle of the Bands showcases music scene ahead of Bullstock

I’m not sure if it’s Christine McVie’s serenading vocals, the dazzling keyboard intro, the rhythm of the drums or just the power of one of the best American bands of all time, but this track feels just like the excitement of an unknown summer laid out ahead of you. 

I love listening to this one on hot and sweaty evenings, with a slight breeze blowing. It is a great song to dance to. 

Seasons sound different to everybody, but these are just a few favorites from my summer playlist that get me in the right mood. 

Whatever you like to listen to this summer, listen to it loud and with an ice cold drink in your hand. 

You’ve earned it after this busy school year.