Every summer has a soundtrack. Whether it’s a song that defines a vacation, a job, a person, or a memory, time periods often have a score. As we shake off our spray tans and bundle up for the coming months, we asked our WebStaff to share their Song of the Summer.
Ella Altman – “Cactus Tree” by Joni Mitchell
I live in Los Angeles, and during the summer, my friend and I would often frequent the Canyon Country Store in Laurel Canyon. We’d just sit outside and listen to music, and Cactus Tree was always in our queue. It’s a beautiful song about independence and love. I love a song with a clear story and characters all packed into 4 minutes, and Joni Mitchell does that perfectly. She sings about deep care for all the romantic relationships in her life, but also battles how those kinds of connections interfere with her desire for freedom.
Isabella Alvarez – “To Love Somebody” by Holly Humberstone
Holly Humberstone somehow found the perfect way to encapsulate every single emotion that comes with summer—whether it is missing someone or just being happy to be with the ones you love. It is happy, it is upbeat and it is positive: everything I need in a summer song. Listening to this song with the windows down in a car full of friends was the highlight of my summer!
Tennessee Beck – “Zombie” by Fela Kuti
This summer I rediscovered “Zombie” by Fela Kuti. The title track of the album, released in 1976 by Coconut Records, is a mockery of the Nigerian military regime, poking fun at their lack of individuality and how they fulfil orders without question. Marching, firing, and killing on command. Void of humanity, they are dubbed Zombies. Fela’s rhythm and groove are the antithesis: where they are dead and unthinking, Fela is alive and questioning. Fela’s mockery was so severe that the military converged upon Kalakutta, his independent compound: assaulting men, raping women, and throwing Kuti’s mother down a flight of stairs. This African odyssey appeared fantastical, except once it was placed against my own fears as the daughter of an immigrant living in the ICE age of America. The story of the song instantly turned into an anthem of intellectual rebellion. Where other summer songs tell you to love, to laugh, or to sing, “Zombie” tells you to do all of that while giving the finger to corrupt government. Fela told me to rebel from the fear, something I think American teenagers need to hear.
Lincoln Beihl – “Need for Speed” by Kim Petras
Coming off her “Unholy” Grammy win, in 2026 Kim Petras has publicly requested to be dropped by Republic Records, gone behind her label’s back to put out tracks for free on SoundCloud, and dropped the most cohesive and well-written album of her career, “Detour.” The standout track, “Need for Speed”—named after the classic driving series—meditates on her and her labels’ ceaseless desire to create “pop perfection.” Kim, in many ways, relishes the haste of the insatiable music industry, but as the track’s bridge illustrates, this chase for greatness has led her to lose the sincerity that made her iconic in the first place. The harsh club synths and frantic electro-pop production provide an instrumental reminiscent of the exhausting reality of an overworked pop star, sure to transform any summer commute into an amphetamine-fueled rave-on-wheels. On “Need for Speed,” Kim Petras shows listeners that, despite her label-controlled image, she is so much more than a pop star or Britney disciple; Detour is a cry for help, and if the masses don’t listen, she warns, she’s gonna disappear—“you already know.”
Chris Diaz – “The Deeper In” by Drive-by Truckers
This summer, I spent a large chunk of my time driving through the depths of Southern Arizona. I relied on my car’s CD player to keep me occupied on these long drives as most of the time I had no broadcast signal to listen to the radio and my aux chord was no help given my car’s as old as I am. Decoration Day by Drive-By Truckers never left the rotation of CD’s in my center console. In fact, the disc never really left my CD player. So just about every time my key turned in the ignition, Patterson Hood’s raw vocals on the album opener were almost always how I’d start my drives. The wave of slow drums and electric guitars that picked up after the first few lines created the perfect soundscape to drive on empty single lane highways lined with mile markers and roadkill.
Quinn Durso – “The light in the painting” by Lizzy McAlpine
Following the release of Lizzy McAlpine’s album Older and its deluxe version Older (and Wiser) in April and October of 2024, respectively, fans have been waiting with bated breath to see the artist’s next move. McAlpine, originally from the suburbs of Philadelphia, PA, has had a fairly quiet presence in the music industry since her debut in 2018. Until a couple of years ago, she was best known for her song “doomsday,” which became a hit on TikTok, with over 1 million videos on the platform using the song. Her fanbase has steadily grown, especially after “Pushing it Down and Praying” from Older (and Wiser) had a similar trajectory on the app. So, when she finally released “The light in the painting,” the lead single from her newest album, Angel, some fans felt underwhelmed. The song features soft chords created by synth, gentle guitar strums, and McAlpine’s breathy vocals. It picks up toward the end with the inclusion of percussion but seemed to some like an anti-climactic follow up to the drama and power of her last hit. But, to me, the song marks a new era of McAlpine’s music. It explores the simple beauty of new love and the devotion she has for her partner. It’s certainly less gut-wrenching than some of her past music, but it still has her classic twinge of melancholy and insightful, introspective writing. It’s pleasant and thoughtful, and it builds to something, all markers of a great song in my book.
Logan Finn – “Iceblink Luck” by The Cocteau Twins
My song of the summer is “Iceblink Luck” by Cocteau Twins, despite it coming out in 1990, and for reasons almost purely accidental. I’d been a fan of the band and the album this song comes off of for a while (despite never understanding a single lyric, thanks to the lead vocalist’s heavy Scottish accent drowning in floaty, warm guitar pedals and electric noise), but this track never stood out to me in the past. I always caught something about a lighthouse and cherry Coke, but it moved me in any particular way. Then I revisited the band while trying to listen to Scottish music on my drives to work at the Scotland World Cup games, and I began coming back to this song more and more, so much that it joined my main rotation that month. It frequently played in my car and just so happened to be playing the first time I kissed my now girlfriend. So for almost completely emotional reasons, that would be my song of the summer. But it’s also an amazing piece of dreamy pop music that I think everyone should listen to, if not the whole album it comes from.
Emily Freeland – “The Boxer” by Simon & Garfunkel
Something about the sweetness of growing up and getting older, yet still dealing with the same struggles really spoke to me. The soft acoustic instrumentals of Simon and Garfunkel’s folk rock sound, paired with devastating lyrics, teach us that carrying your baggage either consumes you or forces growth. “The Boxer” shows that loneliness and fear, all while trying to navigate a new chapter of life, are terrifying. But “the fighter still remains,” and I have hope!
Hattie Hale – “Williamsburg Bitch” by Zachshots
Zachshots is an all-timer. Zach and Annika’s voices sound perfect together, and “Williamsburg Bitch” is a glowing example. Their lyrics are witty and often meta-ironic, but they somehow maintain this undeniable authenticity. This is why, when thinking about ways to describe their music, the word I always land on is “alive”. Zachshots is alive. This song feels like riding your bike. It smells like a summer night. It sounds like a bonfire with your oldest friends. It’s so intimate that it quickly becomes not only something that you listen to, but something that you live with. Every song on this single is the kind that is meant to be sung by lovers on living room couches. This, I think, is the beauty of Zachshots: the songs feel like they belong to you, like they fit as perfect puzzle pieces in your life. This track framed my whole summer, and I’m so excited to see what they put out next.
Carter Hillsdon – “Keep It To Yourself” by Love Spells
Born from the pipeline of BROCKHAMPTON by-products, Love Spells creates a new form of atmospheric pop-R&B that makes you think, dance, and cry all at once. “Keep It To Yourself” is a culmination of the best parts of his sound – for those who have fallen in love with Quadeca or DERBY – Love Spells is for you. His sound dances around, making for a perfect sound to dance amongst the sunflower fields or through the warm summer rainstorms. If your summer wasn’t soundtracked by Love Spells — you should probably have a Love Spells fall.
Lola Hubbell – “Thank You For Leaving” – David Wimbish & the Collection
David Wimbish is undergoing a musical transformation – and you probably saw a clip on Instagram Reels. Released as part of his single “Sermon,” Wimbish continues to lean in to his newly deconstructed, carefree spirit. His lyrics, although occasionally dependent on cliche, reflect the tension inherent in this evolution – proclaiming “I’m still alive even if just to my surprise.” As part of his upcoming album, Heavy Love (releasing on November 13), “Thank You For Leaving” fits in nicely with existing singles, providing a nuanced picture of how to meaningfully respond to change. In a summer full of transitions, it only feels appropriate that this track was on repeat.
Lucy Imhoff – “Joy” by The Lemon Twigs
In their latest album, “Look For Your Mind!”, released in May of this year, the Lemon Twigs center their songs around insecurity and heartbreak in their typical 60s-esque style. The acoustic track, “Joy,” stands out on the album as a slower, more emotional ballad that breaks away from their typical pop-rock feel. While the whole album emulates The Beatles’ sound, “Joy” in particular feels like a modern rendition of “Yesterday,” both in theme and style. The combination of acoustic guitar, horns, and the D’Addario brothers’ harmonies creates a track you will want to keep on repeat.
Ellery Kaye – “Closer to the Sun” by Slightly Stoopid
Close your eyes. Are they closed? Ok, picture this: you’re at the beach, toes in the sand, drinking something delicious out of a coconut. On this perfect, albeit imagined, summer day, what are you listening to? Not Big Thief or Jane Remover or any other indie nonsense that my peers at WVAU might suggest — you want to enjoy your day. No, you want five white guys from San Diego playing reggae. Closer to the Sun by Slightly Stoopid is undeniably the song of the summer. A two and a half minute banger by the thinking man’s Sublime, the scholar’s Sugar Ray. Put down the wired headphones and pick up your speaker. It’s ok to be happy.
Callan Lavery – “Champagne Supernova” by Oasis
Blasting Champagne Supernova by the iconic band Oasis while driving in a car with your friends on a summer night is a feeling I can only describe as euphoric. The melancholic yet energetic vibe is so unique and can make one feel many emotions at once. The slow start with the sounds of waves in the background going straight into a more upbeat chorus creates a nostalgic feeling that replicates the fleeting nature of summer itself. The repetition of the words “while we were getting high” while the music slowly comes to an end really ties this song together and creates a sense of unity throughout the piece. I would attribute “(What’s The Story) Morning Glory?” by Oasis as the perfect summer album, but for this particular season, this song shines above.
Nate Livingston – “AMERICAN GIRL” by Tiffany Day
Every track on Tiffany Day’s second studio album, “HALO,” is a fantastic contender for song of the summer, but “American Girl” is THE standout track. Although the track was originally released as a single over a year ago, in September 2025, her album’s debut in April 2026 propelled it forward and made it the anthem of the summer. The song is everything you want for a song of the summer: an electropop song with a fantastic vocal performance, a fast-paced electronic beat, and catchy lyrics revolving around ideas of identity, belonging, and love. The song tackles the struggle and emotions of fitting into American society as an Asian American woman in a way that, despite the topic, somehow makes you smile, bop your head, dance, and sing along.
Shea Lozano – “everything” by Joey Cash
Low wage, bad management, and a blistering heatwave left me and many other camp counselors feeling down. It was difficult to find a reason not to quit mid-summer. The only thing that got me up and gave me the energy to look after 42 teenagers was ‘Get Back Up Again’ from the movie Trolls. It made me realize they’re all depending on me to create their summer experience, and that I was ready to take on anything. Every morning, waking up to this, was like riding on a rainbow. Me and my coworkers felt cooler than a pack of peppermints, and we hadn’t been this excited since… we couldn’t remember when! However, I began thinking that this may have been a big mistake, and that this job was something I couldn’t take. However, I can’t think that way, because nothing can knock-knock me over, because I will get back up again.
Molly McCullough – “Talk About It” by Post Sex Nachos and The Greeting Committee
“Talk About It” was my go-to song on sunset drives this summer, with the windows rolled down, the volume up, and my friends next to me. The vibes of this song echo that of a sort of friend group montage, resurfacing memories of good summer laughs when played. When I hear this song, I think of camping this summer with my friends, and the road trips spent talking and laughing, just happy to be together. Additionally, the version of the song with a feature by the Greeting Committee brings the perfect flowy offset to Post Sex Nachos’ spunky beat, combining two very unique sounds into one harmonious pop song.
Samantha Morris – “Pothole (feat. Jaden)” by Tyler, the Creator
“Pothole” by Tyler, the Creator is the epitome of how I feel on a calm, crisp drive. The chill, low-energy feel of the beat coupled with a smooth flow of lyrics helps the song embody relaxation. The best feeling coming off of a spring semester is driving my own car again, and picking up as many of my friends as we can fit (semi) legally that evening. I hear it and I’m sent back to all of the most memorable snapshots from the past few months. Knowing that the song uses the metaphor of avoiding potholes as avoiding faulty friendships, it’s a solid grounding reminder to enjoy the serenity of the summer by surrounding yourself with the coolest cats, who you’ve likely missed all year. We’d jam on late nights rides, drives to and from the beach, and when narrating the endless kitchen shifts with no AC. My friends and I tend to bump Tyler’s whole discography, but Pothole stood out as a strong keeper this year.
Ella Noy – “Soda” by BETWEEN FRIENDS
Soda is hazy and starry-eyed, meshing a soft pop and new wave electronic sound. Climbing synths and a rumbly electric guitar lift you to sway around in your room alone, or out of the sunroof to run your hands through the air current. The lyrics of a short, sweet, and simple fling speak to my sun-bleached California summer spent crushing on the boy who works the snack shack at work. A quintessential summer experience: don’t think about anything, you can share a soda with me!
Javier Rivas – “The Feeling” by Steve Lacy
Steve Lacy released this song right at the start of the summer, on June 5th, and it was playing throughout my summer everywhere I went. At the beach, in my car, during dinner with my friends. I think it perfectly captured the feeling of the summer season.
Zach Slovonic – “Get Back Up Again” by Anna Kendrick
Low wage, bad management, and a blistering heatwave left me and many other camp counselors feeling down. It was difficult to find a reason not to quit mid-summer. The only thing that got me up and gave me the energy to look after 42 teenagers was “Get Back Up Again” from the movie Trolls. It made me realize they’re all depending on me to create their summer experience, and that I was ready to take on anything. Every morning, waking up to this, was like riding on a rainbow. Me and my coworkers felt cooler than a pack of peppermints, and we hadn’t been this excited since… we couldn’t remember when! However, I began thinking that this may have been a big mistake, and that this job was something I couldn’t take. However, I can’t think that way, because nothing can knock-knock me over, because I will get back up again.
Stella Stefani – “Snuff” by Slipknot
Late night drives in the summertime were almost always accompanied by Slipknot’s “Snuff.” With the car’s windows down, fresh air in my face keeping me awake, “Snuff” brought a sort of nostalgia that reminded me summer was ending almost as soon as it began. Life would permanently change when fall came with the shift to college, yet listening to this song grounded me in each memory I made before it. Now, I am reminiscent when turning this song on; the ballad connects me to the memories I made, and the joy I felt during them is transfused back to me through the music.
Emma Stephens – “PQC” by daine
daine’s lead single, “PQC,” from their upcoming debut album “In Endless Awe & Agony” is an ode to embracing radical sensitivity in the form of a sing-songy, electropop earworm. Between thumping drumbeats and sparkly piano melodies, they deliver a catchy confessional on the fear of failure, the allure of attachment and the throes of human connection. By turning their deepest anxieties into a bittersweet and danceable masterpiece, daine ensures that their debut album will be an absolute must-listen.
Brady Sternberg – “silence” by 00showgirl
I found “silence” by 00showgirl by accident when going through new music releases. I liked the cover art on the single, it reminded me of Graceland by Paul Simon. 00showgirl has a really fun sound, and between their musical energy and creative marketing on social media, I think this duo will be something to keep an eye on.
Collin Szustakowski – “Temptation (Substance Version)” by New Order
One of my all-time favorite New Order tracks took on a new life for me this summer. Not long after rewatching Trainspotting and hearing it in the soundtrack, it became the soundtrack to a wonderful new experience, and fulfilling an enormous dream with a person I always thought I’d be too scared to ever say a word to.
William Torres – “SUMMER NIGHTS” by Haywire 617
“SUMMER NIGHTS” by Haywire 617 is the perfect song to describe a trashy summer night out with friends. The pop-punk/post-hardcore instrumentals, with vocals screaming about how great it is to hang out with friends; this song is the definition of a fun time.
Ale Vela – “(I Used to Make Out With) Medusa” by Bring Me The Horizon
MySpace Metal is back, baby! After twenty years, Metal band Bring Me The Horizon has returned to their Deathcore roots, re-recording their legendary debut “Count Your Blessings” from the ground up with a brutal new production style. “(I Used to Make Out With) Medusa” may have benefited the most from this facelift, more akin to a sonic frontal assault than a song, and perfectly capturing all of the cutthroat riffs and tongue-in-cheek humor that earned them their cult following on MySpace twenty years ago. For veterans of that era and even fans of the current metalcore revival, this was *the* record on repeat this Summer.
Sophy Zao – “JoyRide” by CORTIS
“JoyRide” is described as a song about experiencing small moments of freedom and escapism amidst the routine of daily life. From the music video that is mostly edited in reverse to the mellow sound of the song itself, it evokes a sense of nostalgia and longing for the freedom of youth. Personally, I refer to this past summer as my “last summer of youth,” where I basically just relaxed and reset, an experience I might not be able to repeat in the future since I’ll be focused on working and my career. There were moments—and probably will be moments in the future—where I looked back on past summers and missed the sense of excitement and freedom I felt. “JoyRide” is a representation of that feeling in a song.
Daniel Zuzovsky – “Play Tough” by The Apples in Stereo
Play Tough by The Apples in Stereo combines the polished pop of the 60s and the grit of 90s indie from which the band originates. The song is beyond shameless in its simplicity—almost flaunting the band’s talent through the effortlessness that radiates off the track. The lyrics, too, complement this swagger, with the few unique lyrics sanctifying Saturdays. It has the arrogance of early MGMT, the timelessness of the Beatles, and the grittiness of Guided by Voices. It is unambitious and yet completely ingenious, and one of the easiest songs to listen to constantly.