Inspire Great Music for Summer 2020

We need music right now. Music is healing, and it has a long-lasting impact on our mental health and happiness. We're probably listening to more music now during the COVID-19 pandemic. Many of us are still working from home, or at least spending more time at home with family members. 

We listen to music while we work on important tasks. I always have music playing in my home office. There's a song for every mood--even now. When I listen to music, I feel more engaged in my work--more energized and I work better. So, if I'm stressed while working, music helps calm my nerves. If I need a burst of energy, I turn on a loud, powerful anthem that makes me want to dance. Music helps, no matter what. 

(photo/Dreamstime.com)

Recently, I've been listening to five songs on repeat this summer season. I love a good summer song. Normally, I would be going on summer road trips--listening and singing along to the music. I would bop my head to the beat and rhythm, ultimately losing myself in the emotions and feelings of the music. 

I blast these fun, upbeat songs that symbolize all of those good summer vibes. Some of them are also relevant to current news events. The lyrics remind us of what's important--offering valuable life lessons. Sometimes, lyrics speak to us more than anything else. These five songs are fun, but they also are just what we need to listen to right now. 

So, whether you're listening to them in the car, outside watching a sunset, sitting poolside, or more, have fun with them. Add them to your current playlist. You won't be disappointed. 

1. "Be a Light" - Thomas Rhett, feat. Reba McEntire, Hillary Scott, Keith Urban, and Chris Tomlin 

(photo/YouTube)

This song has been my favorite song of the late spring and summer seasons. It's the kind of inspiration we need right now. Rhett wrote the song last year--long before a pandemic took over the world and civil prejudices became a hot topic. He couldn't have known when he wrote the song that it would become so relevant. 

Rhett commented, "This song was really just about being a light in a dark place; being an encouragement to people. We weren't supposed to release this now, but I really felt like the song needed to come out today. I hope it puts a smile on your face in this crazy, crazy time."

The emotional ballad inspires people to seek out hope and positivity in a world full of hatred. When we do something wrong, we should make it right. We don't have to hide when we were meant to shine. Be a light in this world--because we definitely need more light. When we feel discouraged during the pandemic and all of the current news, listen to this song for the inspiration we desperately need. 

2. "Cruel Summer" - Taylor Swift

Taylor Swift (photo/Billboard)

There are many songs I love from Taylor Swift's 2019 album, Lover, including "The Archer," "Cornelia Street," "Death By a Thousand Cuts," "Me," "Daylight," "The Man," "Lover," and "Cruel Summer." The latter choice is a fantastic song to listen to this summer. 

Right away, you hear the pulsating drum machine and electric guitar. Swift is caught in a summer fever, and she's also swept up in a summer fling. Swift is hopelessly in love. What you think might be a "cruel summer" might actually turn out to be the best summer ever. Just like most of Swift's songs, it'll be easy to dance and sing along to this tune. 

3. "One Margarita" - Luke Bryan 

Luke Bryan (photo/strm.to)

Country music always has the best songs for the summer season. Summer consists of bonfires, barbecues, pool parties, and driving around late at night with your friends. Summer is the epitome of a carefree attitude, and this is expressed in a good country song. 

Luke Bryan's newest single, "One Margarita," is meant to be played at a summer barbecue or bonfire. It's not my favorite single of his, but it's definitely worth playing this summer. The song is the perfect distraction from everything going on in the world right now. It encourages us to hope for a time when we can have parties with our friends. It's a fun-loving song about putting your troubles away, letting loose, and having a good time--one margarita at a time. 

4. "I Dare You" - Kelly Clarkson

Kelly Clarkson (photo/Variety)

Anytime Kelly Clarkson releases a new song, it's bound to be a hit. "I Dare You" is her first single since 2017, and it's already an anthem. Clarkson is daring all of us to love each other, instead of pushing towards anger and hatred. This is an incredibly important message during these divisive times. 

The single showcases Clarkson's signature powerhouse vocals over drums and a swelling dramatic guitar. She tells us that we're all full of hope. We can save each other. People may try to drown us in hatred, but together, with love, we will float and stay above the water. 

Amen.

5. "Ain't Always the Cowboy" - Jon Pardi 

Jon Pardi (Rolling Stone)

Jon Pardi is one of the few traditionalists in the modern country scene. His songs have that classic "twang" we love in country songs. His newest single, "Ain't Always the Cowboy," adds a unique twist to many stereotypical perspectives. We always think that the man rides away. Like a good Western movie, the cowboy has a hard time letting his heartstrings tie him down, so he gallops off into the sunset. 

But in Pardi's song, it's the opposite. A woman is the one who rides away--to be free. The song has so much soul to it. Pardi sings with longing and heartache. The melody soars, and he really draws out the emotions in each lyric. You feel sorry for him, but you also understand why the cowgirl is running away. 

Pardi is making original, old-school country music again, and I'm very thankful for this. 

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Music is a good distraction, which we need right now. Play the music that makes you want to jump up and dance. Play the music that gives you good vibes, that dares you to embrace love, fall in love, songs that remind you to have fun, and songs that tell you to be a light in this dark world. 

These five songs (and many others) have made me feel better this summer, so enjoy them. Listen to them when you need some inspiration and adventures. These songs definitely deserve to be loved. 

-KJL-