What are Linfield students adding to their summer playlist? For me a summer playlist is often a mix of new releases and songs that I can belt with the windows rolled down. Well, this year I collaborated with Linfield students to create a curated track with a variety of artists, genres and decades. The songs collected have been specifically ordered to create the best flow much like a DJ might during their radio show.
The playlist opens with “Hard to Explain” by The Strokes, an artist that often makes guest appearances in my own listening habits. This particular selection was one of the songs suggested by junior environmental science and philosophy major Sage Henke. It is a high energy way to start. Its rhythm makes it perfect for driving down roadways with windows down and volume up.
The Strokes is followed by a section of female indie rock singer-songwriters with artists like Ethel Cain who was recommended by sophomore history major Hope Bazzi. Songs that can be belted as the street lights come on and the sun dips behind the horizon, or listened to silently from the backseat with your hand drifting up and down on the wind.
After that, the energy begins to change, entering into pop. Artists like Lorde and Harry Styles are featured in this section. While the first section was for car rides, these bops make a great soundtrack for walks in the sunshine with your headphones on. They’ll inspire a head nod to the beat and maybe a sidestep as listeners enjoy a beautiful sunny day. This section ends with a light detour into rap, specifically the song “Pursuit of Happiness” by Kid Cudi as recommended by junior law, rights and justice and psychology double major Rana Gerges.
The playlist then makes its sharpest turn into funk, including “Boogie Wonderland” by artist Earth, Wind and Fire, a song suggestion from junior nursing major Nausicaa Cromwell. While the vibe is different, this section still feels very much like summer. Except now it’s time to pull on some roller skates or eat ice cream along a pier, the ocean waves crashing along with the music.
As the playlist moves to the finale, the songs begin to circle back around to rock, starting with Lord Huron and Jim Croce who offer up a folksy Americana twist to rock. These songs are for the sweltering summer evening spent on the porch waiting for the night to cool the air. Or for fishing out on a tranquil lake in the early mornings.
The playlist ends with “Needles,” a song from heavy metal artist System of a Down as recommended by junior creative writing and philosophy double major Jamison Nemecek. Much like how we started, this song has a heavy beat that carries momentum through the song except with the intensity turned up. This feels more like when the sun is beating down and there’s no escaping the heat. It feels like being cooped up because it’s just too hot to do anything. But it’s also a great way to escape that feeling, taking out imaginary drumsticks and thrashing around to the beat.
Thank you to all the Linfield students that contributed to this playlist. Be sure to check out this Summer Mixtape by clicking on the link attached to this article. Have a great summer!
