*Image courtesy of Javier Allegue Barros*

Music for Any Occasion this Summer

The only thing hotter than the Florida sun this summer is a scorching new music lineup that will have you dancing all day and long into the night. We’ve scoured the charts for an eclectic soundtrack perfect for soaking up the rays on Fernandina Beach or cruising through Nocatee on your golf cart: tunes blasting. This is one summer 2023 playlist fit for any occasion.

“Fast Car” by Luke Combs

We’re going to start things off fast—Fast Car, that is. You’ve likely already heard Luke Combs’ recent release blasting out of open truck windows around town. What you might not know is this is a cover of the 1998 Tracy Chapman song of the same name. The song rose to number six and the Combs’ concert staple turned hit record has already broken into the Billboard Top 10 without any sign of slowing down.

“Religiously” by Bailey Zimmerman

“Religiously”, a soulful song about heartbreak by Bailey Zimmerman, is sure to get your heart singing with its powerful lyrics and moving musical arrangement. Catch on to this up-and-coming country artist early—his first two singles both reached number one on the charts!

“Something in the Orange” by Zach Bryan

Don’t put the tissues away yet! “Something in the Orange” is another tearjerker from Oklahoma’s own Zach Bryan. This song is raw, rustic, and filled with emotion. “Something in the Orange” was released over a year ago but has stuck around on the charts for 56 weeks. Make sure to include this late bloomer on your summer 2023 playlist.

“For a Day” by Chase Rice

Written for Chase Rice’s father, who passed away in 2008, “For a Day” describes what Rice would do if given one more day with his father. The song describes what he would do if given one more day with his father. This is a heartfelt and moving song that will have you holding your loved ones close.

“Flowers” by Miley Cyrus

“Flowers”, released earlier this year, might be the most obvious inclusion on this list. This track starts slow and mellow before the beat picks up and even sounds a little vengeful. You can find it on Miley’s newest album, what else, “Endless Summer Vacation.”

“Karma” by Taylor Swift

Originally released in October 2022, “Karma” is a powerhouse of pop from Taylor Swift. The country singer-songwriter turned global megastar is currently closing every sold out stadium show with “Karma”, much to her fans’ delight. Recently, Swift took “Karma” to the next level by recruiting Ice Spice for a remix that is already shattering records around the world. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself screaming along during late night drives this summer.

“Waffle House” by Jonas Brothers

You don’t have to be as famous as the JoBros to understand the lyrics from the lead single from “The Album”, Jonas Brothers first album since 2019. A lively and fast paced song, “Waffle House” is a song about the trials and tribulations of being siblings and, of course, eating waffles.

“Nonsense” by Sabrina Carpenter

Sabrina Carpenter’s hit song from her “Emails I Can’t Send” album has fans begging for more. Literally. In live shows, Carpenter changes the ending of her song to match the city she is performing in and has got everyone hooked on creating their own "outros" for her song. Carpenter’s song follows an even-tempered pace but has soothing instruments keeping the song animated and rhythmic.

“Escapism.” by Raye & 070 Shake

Raye reached number one in the UK with her song, “Escapism.”; she now has her sights set on conquering America through her debut album, coming soon. With a unique opening that catches the listener’s attention from the start, “Escapism.” is upbeat and catchy. If you listen to this song with headphones you might think you’ve transported yourself to a rave filled with house music.

“All Things End” by Hozier

It’s been a minute since we last heard from the Irish singer-songwriter Hozier. His new song “All Things End” harkens back to his breakthrough hit, “Take Me to Church”, by focusing on his strong vocals with faint instruments mixed down in the background. A perfect song to slow dance to or just lay on the beach and enjoy the sunset.

“Hold Me Like a Grudge” by Fall Out Boy

This thrilling, uptempo song sounds like an intense story told to a captive audience. The opening instrumental solo will have you tapping your feet before the lyrics even begin.

“Figure 8” by Paramore

Stay on the pop punk train with the newest single from Paramore. Complex and blindingly beautiful percussion opens the track before the rest of the band joins in, turning the song absolutely volcanic before Hayley Williams takes it over the top with her soaring vocal performance. Save this one for your next karaoke night.

“The Shape I’m Takin’” by the Red Hot Chili Peppers

If you’re looking to take things across the finish line, look no further than “The Shape I’m Takin’” from everyone’s favorite SoCal legacy act, the Red Hot Chili Peppers. Their music comes from a variety of genres such as punk, funk, hip-hop and alternative rock. Anthony, Chad, Flea and John might be getting up there in years but their most recent album, Return of the Dream Canteen, reached number three on the charts. This is the perfect running song, it stays upbeat enough to keep you pushing and even features a beautiful guitar solo.

Call Your Day a Wrap and Come Grab a T’s Wrap

When your summer day full of fun and music ends, head over to Timoti’s in Fernandina Beach or Nocatee for delicious food and tasty beverages. It’s sure to be a chart topper.

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Your 2023 Summer Playlist