Voices of the Season: Songs for the Summer

There’s just something about summer that makes everything feel a little more alive. The days are much brighter, the nights stretch longer, and the little things suddenly feel like adventures. And what’s a summer without a good soundtrack to carry you through your main character era? Whether you're riding around with the window down, doing a morning walk, or simply soaking up the sun and relaxing, the right playlist can turn an everyday moment into something more special. 

Design by Karina Arizmendi

Since summer officially began on June 20, there's no better time to refresh your music rotation and find songs that will carry you through the season. This playlist is loaded with tracks from POC artists across all corners of the music scene, bringing all the energy and heat that makes summer feel unforgettable. From R&B gems and smooth alternative music to the classic K-pop songs, hip-hop, and pop ones that you can't help but groove along to, these songs are perfect for the moments you want to romanticize your daily routine or those nights you want to last a little longer. This list is your summer starter pack. 

Each song on this list was hand-picked with intention, from rising voices to established artists delivering summer anthems you’ll have on repeat. These tracks reflect all the best parts of the season: energetic, warmth, and joy in every beat. Pull out your phone, press play, and let the music do the rest. Here's 20 songs you are definitely going to want to add to your playlist this season.

1. “All for You”- Janet Jackson 

A forever feel-good anthem, “All for You” radiates the energy of a carefree summer crush. Janet Jackson's confident delivery mixed with the sparkly, upbeat production makes this track perfect for dancing with your friends or locking eyes with someone across the room. It’s flirtatious, playful, and effortlessly cool. A classic that still feels just as fresh today. The song has even seen a resurgence on TikTok, introducing Janet’s timeless sound to a whole new generation. Some tracks fade with time, but this one continues to shine.

2. “Burning Blue”- Mariah the Scientist 

   
   

“Burning Blue” captures the quiet kind of summer heat that builds slowly and stays with you. Mariah describes herself as cold and distant until someone comes along with enough warmth to make her melt. The title refers to a blue flame, the hottest and most stable kind of fire, symbolizing a love that burns steady and strong without falling apart.

3. “Tonight”- PinkPantheress 

   
   

“Tonight” is short, sweet, and somehow says so much in just a few lines. PinkPantheress leans into the tension of wanting something more while still trying to keep her cool. It’s the kind of song you’d play after a long day out and you’re sitting in silence trying to make sense of what just happened. Perfect for those in-between moments when you're not quite ready to let go of the night or the feeling. 

4. “West Coast Love”- Emotional Oranges

   
   

This track follows a story of meeting someone out in California and wanting to get to know them better, even if it starts out casual. It’s soft, flirty, and full of that early spark energy that makes you smile without realizing it. Emotional Oranges capture the kind of connection that sticks in your head, even after the season changes. 

5. “California Love”- NOMAD

“California Love” feels like the start of a summer crush that hits before you even realize what’s happening. Written by member Doy, the track blends acoustic guitar with soft trap beats, making it a track that fits perfectly with the season. It’s all about that warm, slow-building kind of love. The lyrics are sweet and a little dreamy, with that fresh excitement that comes with getting to know someone new. It’s the kind of song you play when everything feels light and full of possibility, like the whole summer’s stretched out in front of you.

6. “One Look”- LEO

“One Look” feels like locking eyes with someone across the room and suddenly forgetting what you were even talking about. As LEO’s debut solo track, it leans into that rush of emotions that hits all at once when something just clicks. The production stays soft and smooth, letting the feeling build without forcing it. It’s romantic without being over the top, like catching feelings out of nowhere and just letting it happen. A perfect fit for those summer nights when everything feels a little slower, and you’re caught in the moment without trying to figure it all out.

7. “Sweet Like”- Yugyeom

   
   

“Sweet Like” is one of those tracks that makes everything feel a little softer. Yugyeom has a way of making chill sound luxurious, and this song is no exception. It’s sweet, subtle, and full of that quiet confidence that doesn’t need to shout to be heard. Co-written by SEVENTEEN’s Vernon, the lyrics carry a smooth, laid-back charm that matches the energy perfectly. It’s the kind of song that belongs to those summer nights, when the sky’s still glowing, the conversation’s easy, and you’re just letting the moment stretch out without rushing it. Just vibes.

8. “Rain”- SWV

“Rain” is a timeless R&B ballad that speaks to emotional intimacy and the softness of love. SWV uses rain as a metaphor for vulnerability and release, with harmonies that feel both powerful and gentle. The track fits perfectly into the slower side of summer: the rainy days, the late nights, or those quiet hours when you're sitting in your feelings. It invites the listener to embrace emotion rather than avoid it, offering a safe space to reflect and just feel.

9. “Paradise”- Psychic Fever

   
   

“Paradise” brings bright, disco-inspired energy that feels like stepping into the best part of your summer. With a groove that keeps your feet moving, the track captures the excitement of chasing something real, whether that’s love, freedom, or the start of something new. Psychic Fever uses the image of flying toward someone as both a romantic feeling and a reflection of their own journey, especially as they reach new milestones and connect with fans in the U.S. 

10. “Gnarly”- KATSEYE

“Gnarly” is catchy, high-energy, and built to move. KATSEYE brings a sharp blend of vocals and rap over a beat that’s impossible to sit still to. It’s the kind of track that gets stuck in your head after one listen, with a rhythm that makes you want to dance whether you’re out with friends or just vibing solo. The group’s confidence shines without being too serious, making it a perfect summer anthem for when you’re feeling bold, playful, and ready to take up space.

11. “Bruck It”- Spice & Jugglerz

“Bruck It” brings the energy of a packed summer party with no plans to slow down. Spice is bold and commanding, and the production gives it all the rhythm you need to turn any room into a dance floor. It’s a song about confidence, movement, and taking up space without apology. Whether you’re outside at a cookout or hyping yourself up alone, this track gives you full permission to feel yourself.

12. “All My Poetry”- CLOSE YOUR EYES

    
    

“All My Poetry” is soft, emotional, and reads like a love letter that was never meant to be shared. As CLOSE YOUR EYES’ debut track, it introduces their sound with a slow-tempo R&B vibe and lyrics that feel like pages pulled straight from someone’s journal. The song tells the story of a young love, full of sincerity that feels big even when nothing’s been said out loud. It’s perfect for those calm summer nights when you're deep in your own head, thinking about what was said, what wasn’t, and what still lingers.

13. “Swing My Way”- Kp & Envyi

An iconic track with undeniable throwback energy, “Swing My Way” still hits today. It’s flirty, confident, and effortlessly cool. Whether you're learning the lyrics for the first time or already know every word, this track reminds you that summer love doesn’t have to be deep to be memorable; it can just be fun, smooth, and exactly what you need in the moment.

14. “Timeless”- The Weeknd & Playboi Carti 

Moody and cinematic, “Timeless” feels like stepping into a futuristic dream. The Weeknd’s signature vocals paired with Carti’s sharp delivery make this track an otherworldly experience. It’s the kind of song that sounds like a late-night drive through a neon-lit city. It plays with time, feeling both nostalgic and forward-thinking.

15. “Coastin”- Victoria Monét 

    
    

“Coastin” is the definition of smooth. Victoria Monét rides the beat like a summer breeze, making the track feel luxurious, warm, and effortlessly sexy. It’s laid-back but powerful, capturing the energy of someone who knows their worth and is fully in their element. It’s perfect for lazy afternoons, rooftop hangs, or simply feeling yourself while walking down the street.

16. “Ran Out”- JT 

    
    

“Ran Out” is sharp, self-assured, and made to be played when you’re choosing yourself first. JT delivers every line with confidence, rapping about knowing her worth and making it clear that her money, time, and energy are not running out anytime soon. It’s a bold reminder to protect your peace and move like you know exactly what you bring to the table. This track belongs in every summer playlist built for glowing up, blocking out negativity, and standing on your own.

17. “Just Fun”- Balming Tiger 

    
    

“Just Fun” is exactly what the title promises. Balming Tiger leans into their signature mix of chaos and creativity, delivering a track that doesn’t take itself too seriously while still keeping you locked in. It’s playful, unpredictable, and full of personality, showing off the group’s ability to blend fun with intention. The song reflects their carefree approach to music, breaking rules and expectations just because they can. It’s perfect for those summer moments when you're not overthinking anything and just letting the vibe lead the way.

18. “Coolas”- Key 

    
    

“Coolas” is that song you play when you’re feeling yourself and want the world to know it. Key steps into full main character mode, owning every line with playful confidence and style. The lyrics are all about being unshakable, from the way you walk into a room to the way you turn heads without even trying. It’s giving bold, it’s giving fresh, and it’s giving effortlessly cool without needing to say a word. The track has that fun, easy energy that fits perfectly into any summer rotation, especially for the days when you look too good to stay inside.

19. “Catwalk”- RuPaul ft Skeltal Ki

    
    

“Catwalk” is pure attitude in song form. This is a runway-ready masterpiece. “Catwalk” is all about presence, confidence, and stepping into your power like the world is watching. With a beat that makes you want to pose between every step, it’s a fun, fearless anthem that reminds you to take up space and do it unapologetically. Play this when you need a confidence boost or a mood switch-up.

20. “Shake It To The Max (FLY) [REMIX]”- MOLIY, Silent Addy, Skillibeng, & Shenseea 

This remix is nothing but pure energy. With Afro-Caribbean rhythms and a lineup of artists who all bring their own flavor, “Shake It To The Max” delivers nonstop energy. It’s the kind of song that demands movement, whether you’re out at a function or dancing in your room. It celebrates culture, confidence, and rhythm all in one, and it belongs on every summer playlist built for letting go and living fully.

No matter what your summer looks like, whether it’s packed with travel plans, quiet mornings at home, or spontaneous late-night drives, this playlist is meant to set the vibe. Some of these songs will make you want to dance around your room with the volume all the way up. Others might catch you off guard when you least expect it. Either way, they’re here to soundtrack the soft moments, the loud ones, and everything in between. 

Which song will you be adding to your playlist? Let us know by leaving a comment below or by reaching out on Instagram or X!

Edited by Martina Yee