Inspire Great Music for Summer 2019

There is nothing quite like the experience of listening to the perfect summer song. Maybe you're on a road trip with your friends. What do you do along the way to fill up the space? Listen to music. You sing along, bop your head to the beat and rhythm, and you lose yourself in the emotions and feelings of the music.

Music becomes a constant companion on your road trip. You blast your favorite songs and sing at the top of your lungs like no one is listening. Even if someone is listening to you, who cares? Keep singing and enjoying the songs that symbolize all of those good summer vibes.

Recently, I've been listening to five summer songs on repeat. These songs are simply fun. I don't have to think much about the lyrics. Instead, I can dance along to the music, sing as loud as I want, and they're perfect to listen to whether I'm in the car, sitting outside watching the sunset, sitting poolside, and more. Have fun with these songs and welcome to my current playlist. You won't be disappointed.

1. "Southbound" - Carrie Underwood 

Carrie Underwood (photo/Rolling Stone)

Have you ever wanted to experience summer in the South? With the help of Carrie Underwood's latest single, "Southbound," you don't have to imagine it anymore. The song represents the ultimate summer party vibes: pontoon boats, margaritas, pool parties, fishing, etc. Carrie sings, "Little bit of heaven on the water right here...Gotta love this time of year." 

As someone who loves summer, I couldn't agree more with the country music superstar. There isn't anything better than the summer season, and there's nothing quite like summer in the South. So, if you want to have the best time of your life this summer, head on down to the South, where they will show you how to have a good time. Get a little southbound, southbound...It's that simple.

2. "Senorita" - Shawn Mendes and Camilla Cabello 

Shawn Mendes and Camilla Cabello (photo/Celebrity Insider)

If you haven't heard Shawn Mendes and Camilla Cabello's smash hit, "Senorita," where have you been? Released in June, the single has already been praised as one of the best songs of 2019. A collaboration from two of the most talented vocalists in the industry, Mendes and Cabello's voices harmonize together in a duet that just makes sense.

With an intoxicating mix of slowed down Latin guitar and brain-burrowing chorus, this summer hit is all about a sudden summer romance. Two people connect and they can't fight back their attraction towards one another. They're perfect for each other, and as far as I'm concerned, Mendes and Cabello's voices are perfect for each other, too. "Senorita" is one of this summer's sexiest tracks, and you can't help but sing along to the enticing chorus.

3. "Me" - Taylor Swift (feat. Brendon Urie)

Taylor Swift (photo/Vanity Fair)

Whenever Taylor Swift releases a new song, it's always a sudden hit. That's what happened this summer with her single, "Me," a track off her upcoming album, Lover (scheduled for release on August 23). I'll be honest: I haven't been the biggest fan of Swift's recent music. I will always prefer Swift's country music over her pop music. I still love her Fearless, Speak Now, and Red albums. But when I heard "Me" for the first time, I immediately enjoyed it.

The song is reminiscent of Swift's 1989 and Red albums. It's upbeat, fun, and has a great message: That you'll never find someone like me. No one will ever love you like me. 

Swift remains a dominant force in music with this single. She's unstoppable, and the single is combined with the popularity of Panic! at the Disco's Brendon Urie [who is too talented for this world]. Swift and Urie together are practically invincible. You can't help but sing along to this song. Get ready to hear this song wherever you go--in department stores, coffee shops, or a softball game. Taylor Swift is back and she's ready to have some fun.

4. "I Don't Want To Be" - Gavin DeGraw 

Gavin DeGraw (photo/DePauw University)

Okay, okay, hear me out on this one. I know this song was released in 2003, so it's not new at all, but hold on one second. Sometimes, you hear a song for the first time in years and you're immediately transported back to a younger version of yourself. That's what happened recently when I heard Gavin DeGraw's smash hit, "I Don't Want To Be."

One Tree Hill (photo/Pinterest)

I'm currently watching One Tree Hill for the first time with my sister. She has already watched the show, but since I was too young in 2003 [in elementary school] to watch the show, I've never seen it. Man, what was I missing? Not only is it a great teen drama, but it also has a stellar soundtrack each season. DeGraw's hit serves as the show's theme song and it has to be one of the best theme songs of all time.

DeGraw's hit was one of the most popular songs of the early 2000s. It was used frequently in movies and television shows, and the song is still relevant today. It focuses on liars, imposters, and people who have identity crises. DeGraw doesn't want to be anyone other than what he's trying to be lately. He doesn't want to be anyone other than himself. Isn't that what we all want?

So, take a walk down memory lane with this song choice. Not only is it nostalgic, but it has a great beat. They don't make music like this anymore. And while I'm on the subject, they also don't make television shows like One Tree Hill. I wish they did.

5. "Good Vibes" - Chris Janson

Chris Janson (photo/Billboard)

Everyone wants good vibes and summer is the season to have the time of your life. Chris Janson's newest single, "Good Vibes," is the song to dance to this summer. You can roll your car windows down, drive on those country backroads, and listen to this song while you're living a good life on God's perfect time.

Janson perfectly captures many feel-good moments, mixed with reflections on wanting to turn the bad news off. We hear negativity every day. It's overwhelming. So, how about we turn off the negativity and have a good time? Soak up the good vibes this summer--because we should always have fun.

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People can bond over a great song, especially if it's at a summer barbecue. Play the music that makes you want to dance. Play the music that gives you good vibes, that two lovers can connect with, and the songs that remind you to have fun. These five songs [and many others] have made me feel good this summer, so enjoy them. Listen to them on your summer road trips and adventures. Don't be afraid to hit that repeat button. These songs definitely deserve to be loved.

-KJL-