CHOSEN BY SPARK STAFF
1. Undressed by Sombr
Emotional, raw, and haunting in the best way, this song easily became one of the standouts of the summer. Its soft, vulnerable lyrics stir deep emotion with very listen. As it gained traction on social media, it marked a major turning point in Sombr’s career. It is the kind of song that captures both the bright, sunny days and the warm, rainy nights that make a great summer.
— Maci Brent
2. Don’t Stop by Fleetwood Mac
From its uplifting and vitalizing sound to the motivational lyrics, “Don’t Stop” is an all-time classic that is great for getting into the summer mood. The repeating chorus of “Yesterday’s gone” tells the listener to live in the moment and prepare for what is to come. This song’s upbeat rhythm makes it a great summer listen and perfectly encapsulates the summer experience.
–Ethan Keller
3. Badfish by Sublime
Despite being released 30 years ago, Badfish remains the perfect song for any summer occasion. The band’s fusion of ska and reggae provides a fun and laid-back atmosphere to the song that beautifully encapsulates the feeling of a relaxed summer day. Badfish is one of Sublime’s most iconic songs; the echoey guitar, recognizable bass line, and classic Sublime lyricism come together to form the perfect summer tune.
-Elliana Celis
4. Deja Vu by Olivia Rodrigo
Though I am past my Olivia Rodrigo phase, deja vu has remained a favorite for its layered, dynamic instrumentals and shimmering, sun-drenched energy. The surreal, dreamlike quality mirrors how this summer seemed to rush by in a blur, as if I was watching it from the outside. My summer was a season of golden moments tinged with melancholy, and this song perfectly captures that mix of joy and quiet ache.
-Delaney Finch
5. Spellbound by Ha Vay
This single, released on July 30 of this year, is drenched in an enchanting quality. The album cover features the artist sitting serenely on rocks above the sea, which fits perfectly with her siren-like voice. The artist’s skillful vocal layering and unique lyrics create a song that sounds like the final days of a hot summer before the cool fall sets in.
-Ashley Skinner
6 Saturday Nights by Inoha
This song really grabs the feeling of freedom of summer, in my opinion. Even though the song is talking about Saturdays, and not summer as a whole, it does have a similar feeling of freedom that summer brings.
-Michael Burt
7 Summertime by The Sundays
Released on July 13 as the first single off of Kevin Abstract’s “Blush,” I could not stop listening to this song once it dropped. Beyond the somewhat silly and interesting lyrics, the beat was constantly stuck in my head, accompanied by Fike’s phenomenal vocal performance on the chorus. It is all over the place, but somehow it just works, giving off a very laid-back and carefree summer vibe.
-Aubrey Moore
8 Geezer by Kevin Abstract and Dominic Fike
Released on July 13 as the first single off of Kevin Abstract’s “Blush,” I could not stop listening to this song once it dropped. Beyond the somewhat silly and interesting lyrics, the beat was constantly stuck in my head, accompanied by Fike’s phenomenal vocal performance on the chorus. It is all over the place, but somehow it just works, giving off a very laid-back and carefree summer vibe.
-Julia Viviano
9 Please Don’t Tell My Father That I Used His 1996 Honda Accord To Destroy The Town Of Willow Grove Pennsylvania in 2002 by Pet Symmetry
This song is a true summer sensation with its strong representation of adolescent emotion and rebellion. It represents the feeling of wanting to break free from control and being smothered. The song was not written for mainstream clicks or views, which is apparent through the abnormally long title. It is real, it is raw, and it speaks for the people who are usually not spoken
-Sydney Alderman
