Whatever your summer plans might be, we hope you have an amazing time.
Spotify’s playlist curators have you covered! They have the perfect playlist for every occasion. If you have Spotify, you never need to stress out about what music to put on to perfectly capture the mood and moment.
Other streaming platforms such as Apple Music also have themed playlists in a similar vein, but since Spotify is the most popular music streaming service, we are linking to all Spotify playlists. However, if you’re an Apple Music subscriber, just poke around the playlists category and you’ll find similar playlists curated for you there.
Today we’re having some fun and exploring the best playlists for summer 2023. It’s a great way to discover new music and to be comforted by your favorite go-tos. No matter the mood or occasion, there’s music to fit it.
Themed
Hanging out in a park? Try Park Hangs. Vulfpeck, Arlo Parks, Father John Misty provide the perfect background for being outside. (And of course Fleetwood Mac. Every playlist seems to have Fleetwood Mac, as they should.)
Hosting a dinner party? The playlist Dinner with Friends will show your guests what a creative and soulful person you are. Artists such as Bahamas, H.E.R., Leon Bridges, Nora Jones, and Etta James round out this mellow, yet upbeat playlist.
What if summer isn’t your favorite season? What if it’s your least favorite season? What if you’re stuck inside with your personal fan blowing on your face while all your friends are in the pool? Well, Spotify hasn’t forgotten you. Try bummer summer. Kacey Musgraves, Phoebe Bridgers, The Head And The Heart… they all get it.
Pop
Everything’s pink! Why is everything pink? Oh, that’s right. Greta Gerwig’s Barbie film is coming out this month. The summer blockbuster comes complete with its own soundtrack and entire aesthetic vibe. An early single from the forthcoming Barbie soundtrack, Dua Lipa’s “Dance the Night” is a fun, disco-adjacent, strings-soaked song that (unsurprisingly) makes you want to dance. The rest of the album will be released July 21 along with the film.
When we think back on Summer 2023, we’ll think about Taylor. Beyoncé. Harry Styles. SZA. It’s the feeling of the windows down, wind in your hair, and a three- (or five-) day weekend ahead of you. Enjoy.
If you’re a bit in denial that it’s actually 2023, here’s a playlist of Summer Throwbacks that’ll make you feel okay about it all. Bill Withers understands you. The Beatles do, too.
For a pool party or bbq, you can’t go wrong with Dear Summer. This playlist is the greatest collection of current hip-hop songs featuring artists such as Anderson, Paak, Doja Cat, and Kendrick Lamar.
Throwback
If new music isn’t your jam, you aren’t alone. The best songs stand the test of time, and now we have the ability to listen to a century’s worth of excellent recorded music.
The playlist 70s Road Trip will have you cruising down the open road to Paul Simon, Carole King, Bill Withers, Stevie Wonder, Elton John, and Fleetwood Mac.
Yacht Rock, featuring the silky sounds of Queen, Hall & Oates, and Michael McDonald is fun even if you aren’t on a yacht. This playlist would pair well with any summer travel or outside gathering. Rock on.
This Backyard BBQ playlist is a real crowd-pleaser. It has everything from Carly Simon to Carole King, Tom Petty to Al Green. Even the kids will sing along.