I’ve noticed that, as the seasons change, so does my music taste. Over the past few months, I’ve frolicked in the sun and at the beach without a care or worry in the world. So, now that school is back in session, here’s a playlist of songs to keep the school year at bay, giving you one last taste of a California summer.
1. The Strokes: “Call It Fate, Call It Karma”
Though this track is played by rock band The Strokes, it is a lot slower and quieter than what might be expected of a rock song. The simple, melodic instrumentation in this song gives it a light and airy feel. I especially like that the vocals make no attempt to overpower the instruments. Altogether, the song sounds very carefree and summery — the perfect way to start off our playlist.
2. Olivia Rodrigo: “u + me = <3”
Released this summer on Olivia Rodrigo’s latest album, “u + me = <3” is a catchy pop hit. It features fun lyrics, like “I know everybody changes / But I hope that we don’t” and “Carve our names / Into the car seat leather / You plus me equals a heart forever.” The album has been widely popular, showing Rodrigo’s growth as an artist and her ability to produce fun melodies with deep meaning behind them.
3. Royel Otis: “Oysters In My Pocket”
This song is for all the coastal Cornellians out there who missed the beach while stuck in Ithaca. “Oysters In My Pocket” is a silly song about saving oysters in your pocket for lunch. However, the carefree tune is also about choosing not to let stress take over and allowing yourself to enjoy life and have fun. Especially at a school as rigorous as Cornell, the message of “Oysters In My Pocket” is a great reminder, both during the summers and back at school.
4. Noah Kahan: “Willing and Able”
Released in late April on Noah Kahan’s latest album, “Willing and Able” tells the bittersweet story of reconciling with an old friend, sibling or loved one. The song, which has stayed on the Billboard Hot 100 for the past 16 weeks, has been a fan favorite throughout the star’s national tour this summer. Though I find this song devastating, the notion of being able to sit in peaceful reconciliation with an old friend and rehash old memories hits deep, and the track has definitely been on repeat for me since its release.
5. Malcolm Todd: “Earrings”
The layering, synth and overall production of this song are well done. Although it is quite short, it is a fun little tune that has caught some fame via social media platforms. I love the ending of the song, where Malcolm Todd repeats, “Extra, extra, read all about it / Mac is in his feelings and he can’t get out of it.”
6. Olivia Rodrigo: “expectations”
It is by no means my favorite song on you seem pretty sad for a girl so in love, but “expectations” has held a special place in my playlist this summer. Rodrigo, a Southern California native, sings about the area in this track, specifically saying, “Don’t think my future husband’s at this bar in Silver Lake.” Though “expectations” sounds much like her previous albums, showing little musical growth in comparison to the other tracks, having spent my summer around the neighborhoods about which she sings, I got a little kick out of listening to it.
7. The Killers: “Mr. Brightside”
What screams summer more than driving for hours on end, doing carpool karaoke with friends? This several-decade-old classic is fast and spunky, perfect for a late-night summer singalong. “Mr. Brightside” has always been my go-to karaoke song and, as a result, will always be one of my songs of the summer.
8. Dominic Fike: “coast2coast”
In “coast2coast,” Dominic Fike reflects on his difficult upbringing, leaving behind his past and community in Florida and moving on to his next adventure. Just over a minute long, there is not much to this song, but the themes of leaving home and community behind are perfect for college students finishing up summer and returning to school.
9. Harry Styles: “American Girls”
I thought this was one of the standouts of Harry Styles’ long-awaited (yet largely disappointing) fourth studio album. It doesn’t have much substance lyrically, but the buildup and vocal performance makes for a great song. Sonically, the entire album Kiss All The Time. Disco, Occasionally. is very summery and playful. Though it has somewhat decreased in popularity since its release in March, “American Girls” still fits right in with the rest of this playlist.
10. Pinegrove: “Old Friends”
Like “Willing and Able,” “Old Friends” is a song that expresses regret over not spending more time with old relationships. The actual sound of the song is very nostalgic, and it reminds me a lot of the band Peach Pit. Especially as the summer came to an end, I found myself listening to this song a lot, thinking of all the old friends I leave behind when I go back to school, as well as the new friends I made this summer whom I hope will soon become old friends too.
You can find the playlist here.
‘Solar Flare’ is a weekly playlist column where Sun contributors spotlight a slice of musical taste with the campus community. It runs every Monday.
Katherine Winton is a member of the Class of 2029 in the College of Arts and Sciences. She is a staff writer for the Arts & Culture department and can be reached at kwinton@cornellsun.com.
