It’s back to school season — well, more like back to Zoom season. March through May felt like an entire three years, then June through August came and went just like that. But it may be hard to adjust to the back-to-school mindset, especially when you’ll do anything just to avoid reading that first orgo chapter. If you aren’t ready for those late-night cram sessions or awkward breakout rooms, here are 20 songs to help you preserve those summer vibes we all took for granted. Just a warning — there may or may not be an excessive amount of TikTok hits.
“Savage Remix (feat. Beyoncé)” by Megan Thee Stallion
This song took off summer 2020, judging by the number of people who spent way too much time trying to learn the Savage TikTok dance while in quarantine.
“Watermelon Sugar” by Harry Styles
The suggestive “Watermelon Sugar” music video screams summer vibes, as Harry Styles eats watermelon on a beach — what more can you ask for?
“Tongue Tied” by Grouplove
If a coming-of-age film was a song, it would be this.
“Like That (feat. Gucci Mane)” by Doja Cat
If you hear this song on the radio, you can’t help but bop to it.
“Someone to You” by BANNERS
Listening to this song will make you feel like at the end of a romantic comedy when the two main characters finally reunite.
“All Night Longer” by Sammy Adams
If frat parties were a thing this semester — they are not because we are all, of course, complying with the social distancing guidelines — this song would 99 percent be played.
“Best Song Ever” by One Direction
In honor of One Direction’s 10-year anniversary July 23, this song had to be included. It catapults you back to the summer of 2013, waiting for one of their best music videos to be released.
“Are You Bored Yet? (feat. Clairo)” by Wallows
Even if this song has become mainstream, its indie feel is preserved when listening to it. For optimal results, listen to this song while having a cute picnic and watching the sunset.
“Starships” by Nicki Minaj
“Let's go to the beach, each.”
“Electric Love” by BØRNS
Something about this song just makes you feel in love and invincible.
“I Lived” by OneRepublic
Cue a sappy video montage with this song as the background music. This song just has so many nostalgic feels to it.
“Marlboro Nights” by Lonely God
When he said, “I don't wanna go to school tomorrow,” we all felt that.
“Midnight City” by M83
This song summons a vision of driving through a tunnel on a late summer night, like that famous “Perks of Being a Wallflower” scene where Emma Watson’s character stands in the back of the pickup truck with her hands up as the wind blows.
“Backyard Boy” by Claire Rosinkranz
This song seemed to repeatedly pop up on everyone’s For You Page this summer — but it sure gives off pure summer vibes.
“Party in the U.S.A.” by Miley Cyrus
The unofficial Fourth of July anthem we all know and love.
“Heather” by Conan Gray
We all know a Heather in our lives …
“Mr. Brightside” by The Killers
“Mr. Brightside” belongs on every playlist, no matter the mood.
“Love Story” by Taylor Swift
Whoever decided to make this song into a TikTok trend is unclear, but it works. This song still goes hard even after 12 years.
“Dynamite” by BTS
Even though this song was released towards the end of summer, it may very well be the song of the summer. The embodiment of good vibes, you can’t help but groove when you hear it. Also, BTS and their fanbase set a YouTube record for the most views within 24 hours — powerful.
“WAP (feat. Megan Thee Stallion)” by Cardi B, Megan Thee Stallion
In case you’re wondering what WAP means, it stands for wine and pizza.