Seeing Past ‘Blurred Lines’ – My 2013 Summer Music Playlist

It’s a foregone conclusion that “Blurred Lines” by Robin Thicke and “Get Lucky” by Daft Punk have been battling it out for Song of the Summer. Indeed, these are perfect summer jams. Helmed by smooth vocals and disco beats straight from 1977, they’re fun and totally frivolous. I went through three straight weeks with these songs on repeat, but there’s more to my summer music playlist. These songs are not as shiny and new, but I still get happy when I hear them. They’re perfect for riding with the sunroof open, stereo blasting, without a care in the world.

1. “Find a Way” – Elastic Bond

Elastic Bond (pictured above) is a Miami band done good. I first saw them a few years ago when they opened for Los Amigos Invisibles, and I’ve been a fan ever since. This summer they signed with Nacional Records, released their new album, Real, and were on NPR’s World Cafe. One of the songs featured, “Find a Way” has elements of laid back, ’50s surf music. It’s perfect for a day at the beach.

2. “Live in this City” – Dragonette

Dragonette finally played a full gig in Miami in June, making this summer extra special. I listened to this song about a million times in preparation for (and in coming down from) the concert. It’s from their third album, Bodyparts, released in 2012.

3. “Under the Sun” – Cheryl Cole

Being in the States, we don’t get to see enough of Cheryl Cole. It’s a shame, really, because she embodies everything that a pop star should be: gorgeous, somewhat talented, and absolutely gorgeous. This song was released last year, and I admit it: Listening to it makes me feel as good as Cheryl Cole looks.

4. “La Que Me Gusta” – Los Amigos Invisibles

This is the debut single off of LAI’s 2013 album, Repeat After Me. The old hits of Motown inspired the band to create this song, and it shows. It has a warm, light, and bouncy vibe, along with really sweet lyrics (although the video takes it to a dark place).

5. “End of Night” – Dido

This song celebrates stepping out of the darkness, e.g., a bad relationship, into the light of freedom. “I can smile now and turn away. Come over here so you can see me walk away and celebrate the end of night.” I’ve found that it’s actually great to play at the end of the night, on the way home, as an affirmation against bad, late-night decisions.

6. “Heart Attack” – Demi Lovato

Oh, Demi Lovato. I’m 10 years older than you, but your song reminds me of the summer of my youth (no really, it’s basically late ’90s pop). I can’t get it out of my head. Plus, I like to pretend that I can belt the chorus without coughing. Damn you, Lovato.

7. “Out of My League” – Fitz & The Tantrums

Fitz & The Tantrums mixes their ’60s-inspired soul with ’80s new wave in this single from their latest album, More Than Just a Dream. I loved their previous album of more traditional soul stylings, so it took me a couple of listens before I started to like “Out of My League.” But it’s fast-paced, punchy, and goes well in the rotation.

8. “Bonafied Lovin'” – Chromeo

In some respects, this is an anti-“Blurred Lines.” Although both songs draw heavily on old-school beats and feature sensual lyrics, the difference is that Chromeo is in on the joke. Dave-1 pretends to be smooth, but with lines like, “I’ll give you bonafied lovin’ – the type that makes me feel old,” how can you take him seriously? It’s more innocent yet it doesn’t sacrifice the fun.

So what songs are you listening to this summer? What are your all-time favorite summer jams?