Inspire Great Music for Summer 2021

I am so thankful for music. Music is healing, and it can often provide a fun distraction when you're stressed. You can find a song that relates to your situations, and it helps you feel better about anything going on. Music makes you happy, whether you're working on important tasks or just dancing and singing around your kitchen while cooking dinner. 

When I listen to music, I feel more engaged--more energized and I perform 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 and it makes me want to dance. 

Music helps, no matter what. 

Recently, I have been listening to five songs on repeat this summer season. I love a good, upbeat summer song. These songs symbolize all of those good summer vibes we crave. We can bop our heads to the beats and rhythms, ultimately getting lost in the emotions and feelings of the music. 

So, whether you're listening to these songs in the car on a summer road trip, outside watching the sunset while roasting marshmallows on a fire, sitting poolside, or more, have fun with the songs. Add them to your current playlist. Dance and sing along to them. You know I'll be dancing to them!

1. "If I Could Turn Back Time" - Cher 

Cher's 1989 album, Heart of Stone (photo/TheCurrent.org).

I'm starting the list with a classic: Cher's 1989 hit song, "If I Could Turn Back Time." I have been listening to the song a lot this summer. The rock anthem practically forces listeners to stand up and dance. With sentimental lyrics about a woman regretting how she hurt someone, the song reflects on the idea of turning back time to fix past mistakes. If we could turn back time, everything would be okay. Lovers would still be together. Friendships would still be intact. There would be peace. 

The powerful, dynamic song is fun to dance to at summer parties, especially for those who love a good rock song from the 1980s. 

2. "Mine Forever" - Lord Huron

Lord Huron (photo/JamBase)

Sometimes, you hear a good song that is perfect for a road trip. This includes Lord Huron's recent single, "Mine Forever," from their 2021 album, Long Lost. The indie rock band is known for creating atmospheric songs, and "Mine Forever" is an atmospheric narrative of lost love that will never be found again. The lyrics describe: "So long, my love, goodbye / We will always be together / In my mind you're mine forever." 

The song has an old-fashioned, nostalgic vibe resembling songs of the 1960s and early '70s. The music video embodies old western movies and television shows, including The Lone Ranger and various movies starring John Wayne. "Mine Forever" is a full-on heart-rendering song with bubbly sounds, heartfelt tones, and a fun atmosphere. Play this as you drive someplace this summer. The song might be about a lost love, but it will still make you happy during the trip. 

3. "Where the Streets Have No Name" - U2

U2 (photo/Tampa Bay Times)

Road trip songs are the best! The novel I am writing centers mostly on a summer road trip, so I have been listening to many classic road trip songs as I work on the project. This includes U2's hit 1987 song, "Where the Streets Have No Name." The song is a glowing light. It begins as a slow awakening with peaceful sounds, as though someone is waking up and finally finding peace. It's a sunrise to the best day of your life. 

Then, the continuation of the song is an epic masterpiece. It attempts to destroy the barriers between humans, in which the streets dividing people have no name. They do not exist. We escape a flawed place for someplace much better. In this place, there are no social classes. Everyone is the same. 

These powerful messages are supported by dynamic beats and chords, resulting in an epic song that fans claim is U2's best song of all time. If you're going on a road trip this summer, add this song to your playlist. You won't regret it. 

4. "Freedom Was a Highway" - Jimmie Allen feat. Brad Paisley 

Country music artists Jimmie Allen and Brad Paisley (photo/Sounds Like Nashville).

Let's continue the theme of road trip songs with Jimmie Allen and Brad Paisley's recent duet, "Freedom Was a Highway." The country music song is a nostalgic memory of what it was like to be carefree on summer nights when you could drive on a highway with your friends without any worries. You were free. Paisley's signature guitar playing hangs over the pounding beat from start to finish as the two vocalists maintain energy. 

Everyone loves a good summer song to blast as you drive late at night. This song is one of those instant hits. 

5. "Waves" - Luke Bryan

Luke Bryan (photo/Country Fancast)

In Luke Bryan's recent hit single, "Waves," he sings about young summer love--a topic perfect for summer music playlists. The song is reminiscent of the music that made the country music artist famous: songs about serious romance and true love, similar to "Crash My Party" (2013) and "Drunk on You" (2011). 

The heart-pounding song features dramatic tempos and epic instrumentation as Bryan sings about the "made-for-you" attraction. This love lasts long after the initial rush. Teenagers and young adults have intense summer romances, in which they fall in love and everything is beautiful. Everything seems perfect. The emotions keep crashing in like ocean waves. If you're lucky, the love won't end by the time the fall season arrives. It will last and be constant, like the ocean tide. 

Listen to this song as you drive to the beach, attend a beach party, or if you're just dreaming of a summer beach romance. It's a fun summer romance song, and who doesn't love those?

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As you may have noticed, many of these songs are ideal for summer road trips or driving late at night. Those are the best kind of songs for this time of year. Play the music that keeps you company during your travels. Play the music that gives you good vibes, dares you to embrace love, and makes you remember your childhood and adolescent years. 

These five songs (and many others) are fun and make you forget about everything else going on in the world. Listen to them and feel inspired during your adventures. All you have to do is press "play." These songs definitely deserve to be loved.

-KJL-