Offbeat | Summer 2022 Playlist

Offbeat is a bi-weekly blog offering new and meaningful takes on all things media.

By Jillian Rowan, Staff Writer

Happy last week of classes, people. Warm weather is rolling in, Schenley plaza is filling with students — who may or may not be skipping class — and the semester is nearly done. With everyone out and about, music can be heard drifting out of open South O windows, from the speakers of backyard parties and cars cruising down Fifth and Forbes.

So, with summer around the corner, here’s some heat that is sure to make your playlist — 27 songs, to be exact. 

  1. Baby Girl” – Disco Lines

Starting with a bang! From the discs of SoundCloud DJ Disco Lines, this remixed party tune was highly anticipated after it gained traction on TikTok. Listen responsibly.

  1. Cigarettes on Patios” – BabyJake

A summer classic! This song details summer rituals, with lyrics like “I was drinking beer with my friends / Here we go again.” It’s a perfect track to play in the background while being young and reckless.

  1. ‘87 Stingray” – Tory Lanez

Rapper Tory Lanez has switched up his sound just in time for the summer. Released on his third studio album, “Alone At Prom,” Lanez brings it with this punchy, disco-funk ballad.

  1. Please Don’t Go” – Mike Posner

Who doesn’t know AND love this one?

  1. Get Lucky” – Daft Punk

An oldie but a goodie. This 2013, house-inspired, disco funk-pop song has lived on, summer after summer, and will do so for years to come. Timeless. 

  1. Real Life Sux” – Justus Bennetts

Play this upbeat, alternative anthem to avoid the legitimacies of adult life. 

  1. The Thrill” – Wiz Khalifa

Born on SoundCloud and curated with samplings of Empire of the Sun’s “Walking on a Dream,” this remix is a beautiful blend of party rap and indie electronic that transcends genres and appeals to all crowds.

  1. Sour Patch Kids” – Bryce Vine

It wouldn’t be summer without Bryce Vine. Enough said.

  1. Shadow Queen” – FlooringCo. (feat. Owen Gambill)

A Pittsburgh shoutout! I had the pleasure of seeing this indie rock track in person, performed on a South O front porch at this year’s WelsFest. Pitt student Gambill has pipes.

  1. Better Drugs” – Little Hurt

This is an indie movie montage song if I’ve ever heard one. 

  1. Could You Be Loved” – Bob Marley

A classic, through and through. Bob Marley never fails to transport me to a warm beach somewhere down south.

  1. White Tiger” – Izzy Bizu

 English-Ethiopian singer-songwriter Izzy Bizu sure knows how to make an equal parts soul and summery pop song. 

  1. Crash” (feat. Pell) – Skizzy Mars

This chill hip-hop tune starts with the sounds of waves on a beach — that’s how you know it’s a summer song.

  1. Intimidated” (feat. H.E.R.) – Kaytranada

This deep funk, soulful tune is one both you and your dad will like … well, at least in my case.

  1. Pepas” – Farruko

You’ll feel like you’re in the heart of Miami with this Spanish clubbing anthem that brought Farruko’s fame to new heights.

  1. Double Negative (Skeleton Milkshake)” – Dominic Fike

Released on Fike’s “What Could Possibly Go Wrong” album, this is a very windows-down-esque, coming-of-age-movie-soundtrack indie tune. 

  1. Visions” – Jordy

On his “Have A Good Summer” EP, North London rapper Jordy puts out a smooth, groovy R&B tune. 

  1. Magdalene (Live)” – The 502s

Have a camping trip this summer? This folk-esque tune from Florida grassroots band The 502s will likely make you tap your feet. 

  1. All My Friends Are Rich” – filous (feat. Louis III)

This very chilled, pop-reminiscent song sounds as dreamy as it does catchy. This very well could be the song of your summer. 

  1. Shades” (feat. Donnie Sloan & Ricky Ducati)  – Tchami

This electronic release is full of summery synths and joyful beats — this is one of French DJ Tchami’s warmest, happiest grooves yet. 

  1. Grown Up” – Danny Brown

This adult contemporary song is a special ode to youth, perfect for playing around the fire on a cool summer night. 

  1. Floors” – Abhi the Nomad (feat. Foster Cazz)

Off the alternative rap album, “Where Are My Friends,” this is a chasing summer sunsets type of groove. 

  1. I Know There’s Gonna Be (Good Times)” – Jamie xx

This colorful R&B number almost has some Caribbean feels to it. 10/10. 

  1. Ruin My Weekend” – Jordan Davis

Jordan Davis knows the perfect balance of pop and croony country — this one’s a summer favorite for sure.

  1. I Love College” – Asher Roth

This is half a joke, but not really … In this classic, Roth displays his love of college partying, to which I respond, “Do I really have to graduate or can I just stay here for the rest of my life?”

  1. The Difference” – Flume (feat. Toro y Moi)

This electronic masterpiece is a summer essential. Flume knows how to make a “hanging off the balcony” or “out the car window” type of tune. Please don’t take my advice on that.

  1. High Horse” – Kacey Musgraves

Who doesn’t love a bit of country in the summertime? Kacey brings it home with a guitar-driven, pop-leaning piece.  

Jillian writes about a range of media topics. You can reach her at [email protected].