Get vibing with our essential summertime tracks!
With many educators on summer break (or soon to be) we wanted to share something different with you, something light and fun to spread some joy a the end of the school year.
Team R.I.S.E., with the help of our contributors, have compiled a list of songs that bring summer vibes. Whether you’re hosting a BBQ, taking a road trip (and trying to drown out any ‘Are we nearly there yet?’ cries), packing your suitcase or dipping your toes into a paddling pool, this is the perfect accompaniment for your summer activities!
The R.I.S.E. summer playlist
Each of these 22 tracks have been chosen by a R.I.S.E team member or author because they encapsulate summer for them, whether in a memory or general feeling/mood. We hope you enjoy them and please let us know which are your favourite tracks on social media.
Spotify users can also listen to the full playlist and maybe even add it to their playlist library!
‘School’s Out’ – Alice Cooper
Picked by: Liz Bury
“This track reminds me of being back in the day and the excitement of long, hot, sunny days outside – ahh, good memories!”
2. ‘Summertime’ – DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince
Picked by: Mark Anderson
“For the Ronseal approach…”
3. ‘Dancing in the moonlight’ – Toploader
Picked by: Kat Cauchi
“Summer playlists to me should be all about happy vibes and a nice melody you can dance and sing along to, so this one fits the bill for me.”
4. ‘Weapons’ – Ava Max
Picked by: Al Kingsley
“It very much reflects what I wish people would think before they exchange views with others online (and sometimes in person).”
5. ‘Hey Boy Hey Girl’ – The Chemical Brothers
Picked by: Nic Ponsford
“The original 1999 music video had a huge influence on me and, as a media teacher, one of my favourite teaching elements was music video production with BTEC and A-Level students. Now? I just love to jump around to the beats in our kitchen disco at home! How times have changed!”
6. ‘Genesis’ – Grimes
Picked by: Caroline Keep
“This track just ticks a really #AuDHD box and is one of my favourities for finding the energy to get through those exhausting moments. Dance to it. I do all the time! You can’t help it and sometimes you just need to move.”
7. ‘Stargazing’ – Myles Smith
Picked by: Penny Whelan
“Just a great, catchy song that I love singing in the car when no-one can hear me! 🤣”
8. ‘Sunny Afternoon’ – The Kinks
Picked by: Craig McKee
“This one seems to appear on every BBQ Spotify list!”
9. ‘Live Forever’ – Kotomi & Ryan Elder
Picked by: Poppy Gibson
“I love this song – so simple and reminds me how brief and beautiful life is. Always on my dog walking playlist in the summer!”
10. ‘Here Comes The Summer’ – The Undertones
Picked by: Helen Waring
“I picked this one because as soon as you said ‘summer playlist’ it was the first song that came into my head! 🤣”
11. ‘Sweat (a la la la la long)’ – Inner Circle
Picked by: Renee Dawson
“My favorite song that makes me think of summer is “Sweat (a la la la la long)” by Inner Circle. It always makes me think of being on a beach on a tropical island!”
12. ‘The Chain – Fleetwood Mac
Picked by: Bukky Yusuf
“This song makes me think of relaxing summer evenings (and of my summer holidays!) where we have all the time in the world to spend with people that bring us joy.”
13. ‘Freestyler’ – Boomfunk MC’s
Picked by: Sammy White
“Just the perfect summer tune to get the energy up and relax to.”
14. ‘Disconnect’ – Becky Hill, Chase & Status
Picked by: Ollie Williams
“I think it’s pretty apt… After a full-on year, being able to step back, detach, disconnect and re-direct should be at the top of any educator’s list for the summer! Plus it’s an absolute banger! Happy holidays all. 😎🌞”
15. ‘Happiness’ – Sarz feat. Asake & Gunna
Picked by: Anoara Mughal
“I like it because it is in two languages. It’s also uplifting with sound advice.”
16. ‘Common People’ – Pulp
Picked by: Andrew Cowley
“Reminds me of someone I met whilst at university, who (like the song) was also from Greece and thought it was cool to hang around with ‘Common People’… I could have written this, but Jarvis beat me to it!”
17. ‘Starlight’ – Matt Cardle
Picked by: Oliver Wright
“Such an uplifting track – great end-of-term/leavers/moving on vibe.”
18. ‘Saturday in the Park’ – Chicago
Picked by: Tricia Fuglestad
“Chicago summer – Can you dig it? Yes I can!”
19. ‘Let the Sun Shine’ – Labrinth
Picked by: Rhiannon Challenger
“Reminds me of my carefree summers before kids. 🤣”
20. ‘Dakota’ – Stereophonics
Picked by: Hari Neocleous
“It’s the song to get lost in! Love it so much.”
21. ‘Walking on a Dream’ – Empire Of The Sun
Picked by: Eddie Elmore
“This one makes me think of beach bars and beer gardens in the summer.”
22. ‘Boys Of Summer’ – Don Henley
Picked by: Maggie Layfield
“I grew up with this song and aside from the direct reference to summer, it’s the type of song you put on for a long drive just for fun.”
Have a great summer!
From all of us at Team R.I.S.E. we hope you have a great summer and that you enjoy the playlist!
Don’t forget to let us know your favourite tracks on social media using the hashtag #RISEEduMag.
