By Kyla Guilfoil, Managing Editor
Welcome back, Jaspers! Whether your summer was filled with sun, a summer job, friends and family, or a little bit of it all, we hope you had a fabulous break. While we always wish summer could last forever, there is nothing like coming back to friends and the fall fun of a fresh semester.
As we gear back into a hectic fall of classes, clubs, sports and friends, I hope you can still lean into music that makes you feel the energy of the summer. We put together a playlist with music that embraces the upbeat, chill vibes that thrive in summer and connects them with the cozy, inviting energy of a crisp fall.
Here are some songs to keep you feeling the relaxing, sun-filled summer energy as we dive into Fall ‘23.
Found!
Portraits of Tracy
I discovered this song on a suggested playlist early in the summer and I haven’t been able to stop listening to it since. It has great energy, driving a fun beat and smooth vocals. The song comes from Portraits of Tracy’s third album, ‘Drive Home’. The artist is the project of Tracy Bowman, a 19-year-old self-taught producer from Louisiana.
Blame Brett
The Beaches
I must admit, I did find this one from my TikTok for you page. But I can’t say I regret it. This track feels like the very essence of a chaotic hot girl summer, mixing incredible vocals from lead singer Jordan Miller. The lyrics are fun and punchy, popping out from a stellar guitar rhythm. The Beaches comprises two sisters, Jordan and Kylie Miller, and their dear two friends, Leandra Earl and Eliza Enman-McDaniel. This song has launched their music, so you should definitely give it a listen.
Never Grow Up (Taylor’s Version)
Taylor Swift
Was it really this summer if Taylor doesn’t get included? While I myself didn’t get to go to the Eras tour, I know many Jaspers did. Also, is there any better song for the beginning of senior year? This song is for all my fellow students in the class of 2024, as we kick off the start of senior year. I guess we really are growing up….
All We Ever Do Is Talk
Del Water Gap
This song comes from the Del Water Gap as a summer single, as fans anticipate the band’s third album. This track is nostalgic, yet upbeat. It drives with the band’s signature, steady beat tone and brings the story to life in its lyrics. This song is perfect for walking to class and getting ready to go, waking up for that 8 a.m. (or 11 a.m.).
Afterlife
BENEE
I love all BENEE songs, but this one has been on repeat lately. It’s impossible not to start moving to this song, with a perfect summery beat and energy. BENEE’s 2019 EP, FIRE ON MARZZ, features this track among five others. It has a cool, electric rhythm, with BENEE’s raspy, soothing vocals overtop. This song stays perfect from July to October (or all year round, if you’re like me).
That’s What Makes Me Love You
The Regrettes
I think this song is perfect for a little summer romance song. Think the opposite of Blame Brett. Lydia Knight is on lead vocals, bringing a perfect amount of attitude and affection. A perfect drum base pushes this song throughout, with fun accents throughout the song. It’s swooning but also moody. Keep your summer romance swirling by pressing play on this one.
I Remember Everything (feat. Kacey Musgraves)
Zach Bryan
For our country fans (I mean everyone’s a little bit of a country fan in the summer, right?), we’ve got to add one from Zach Bryan’s brand-new album. This track features Kacey Musgraves, who brings together the perfect duet with Bryan. The song is nostalgic, smooth and screams summer. Bryan and Musgraves mix perfectly in this collaboration, finding a way to wrap up summer and deliver it in a fall-worthy track.
My Sweet Lord
George Harrison To finish off the first of our Jasper Jams for the semester, I’m going to throw it back with this classic from George Harrison. This song is sweet and vibey, with an old-school twang and smooth vocals. The guitar accents tie in the rhythm perfectly and elevate Harrison’s lyrics. This song will make you feel ready for the day, holding onto a grasp of summer as you take on your fall classes.