Summer means getting out there. Remembering what your bare legs look like, perhaps while grilling things or frolicking in a body of water. Escaping on the open road for a minute, seeing somewhere you’ve never known. You focus on making that stuff great, we got the music covered.
BBQ
Flipping burger patties and veggie dogs is... not really a high-energy activity. These songs don’t try to turn it into one. Have a beer and listen to some indie rock, dude.
Beach
For better or for worse, pop continues to lean hard into island vibes, basically asking to soundtrack pool parties and beach days. Here’s a sampling of the “for better” category, cut with a recent selection of laid-back favorites.
Pregame
This summer’s pregame naturally opens with rap flutes, following suit from there with chilled-out party rap and sexy pop jams. Cuz, you know, pacing yourself is important.
Wedding
We previously ran an article on how to DJ your own wedding, but in case you need a jumping-off point stocked with recent, relatively family-friendly hits. Save the deep cuts and nasty jams for the afterparty, your great aunt will appreciate it.
Road Trip
Music just sounds better in a fast car—even science proves it. But not too fast. Try this mid-tempo mix of mostly rock and hip-hop—a blend of newer songs and old favorites—to keep a steady but enjoyable pace on the road.