With the summer solstice marking the official start of the season, it’s only fitting to have a summer playlist on deck. Just in time, Penny Rae Hawkins and Alicia Kobasic have teamed up to bring you the top ten tracks off their ultimate summer playlist for 2023.

1. “Touch My Body” Sistar”

What summer playlist would be complete without the Queens of Summer themselves? This 2014 track from Sistar was touted as “a blast of summer fun” by Soompi upon its release, and rightfully so. With swift electric guitar, iconic choreography, joyful vocals and a wonderfully dated sax solo, this is the perfect track to put on when refilling mimosas with your besties at your next pool party. 

2. “Head in the Clouds” Arrows in Action

When you think of summer, you think of good times, no problems and leaving all the negative energy behind you. And that is what is captured in this Arrows In Action Track. This upbeat track is full of clapping and acoustic guitar with a catchy chorus that will have you singing along in no time. With lyrics about living in the moment and putting a negative mindset behind you, this track is a must have for any summer playlist.

3. “Candy” NCT Dream

NCT Dream released this cover of the classic track from first gen icons H.O.T as the single of their 2022 Winter Special mini album, but I would argue “Candy” is better set at a summer carnival. Maybe I’m biased because of the original music video, but that vibe is carried over with Dream’s cheerful vocals and youthful charisma. Its bouncy melody almost makes you forget it actually begins as a breakup song, but quickly turns around by the chorus. Sour and sweet like a bag of Sour Patch Kids, “Candy” is perfect for summer love that outlasts the season.

4. “Take Me Home” Weathers

“Take Me Home” by Weathers captures the feeling of spotting someone from across the room but being nervous to approach them. The lyrics perfectly encapsulates the feeling of wanting to make the first move, but being hesitant. Whether it is a summer fling or the start of a new love, this fun guitar riff and catchy chorus is the perfect soundtrack. So maybe, if you got your eyes on someone this summer, throw on this dancey track and see where it goes. 

5. “be free” KB

If “Candy” is a cute date at the state fair, “be free” is a hot summer night when you aren’t ready for that date to end. The solo track from OnlyOneOf member KB perfectly soundtracks the part of the evening that could go one way or the other. A funky bassline and a bright guitar complement KB’s voice masterfully on both the distorted chorus and his attitude-filled verses. Put simply, it’s confidence in a bottle that doesn’t waste a drop.

6. “Teenagers” The Summer Set feat. Against the Current

Summer can bring back nostalgic feelings and memories from the past. Especially from when you were young and carefree. “Teenagers” discusses remembering those times and wanting to go back to those days. The whole song just feels anthemic from instrumentals to vocals. With lyrics full of imagery of summer memories and lines like “summer never felt like this,” this track will have you empowered to have a summer just like you did when you were young. 

7. “Young Boy” NINE.i

It’s been a while since I’ve heard a song that so perfectly captures youthful optimism, so discovering “Young Boy” feels like an old promise fulfilled. Vocalist and producer Vahn balances the uncertainty and excitement of being on the cusp of that first taste of freedom, whether it’s high school graduation or just another summer break. There’s no better song in K-pop right now that could soundtrack the feeling of running towards an uncertain future with nothing but vigor and brash naivety.

8. “Worst Apology” Honey Revenge

Every summer playlist needs a sassy and powerful track and “Worst Apology” is just that. This song is about not accepting apologies from people who won’t change. With a nice groovy beat and sassy vocals you will be dancing along as you blast it at all the summer parties in no time. Add lyrics with lines like “now my drink tastes like I should ruin your night” that are perfect to scream with all your friends. Time to leave that toxic energy behind and start fresh this summer.

9. “Prime Time” Vanner

The “Peak Time” winners have really outdone themselves with this bop. Produced by Ryan S. Jhun, “Prime Time” bounces across your speakers in a way that demands to be played at top volume. Ideally, they should be played from the radio of a convertible for that premium summer vibe. Without pause, “Prime Time” is a victory lap from the opening harmony to its triumphant closing notes. If you’re not shouting “this is how we do” or “can’t stop, won’t stop” at the top of your voice, you aren’t doing it right. 

10. “Paradise” Broadside

What is a better song than “Paradise” for a summer song? This track is full of fun guitars and drums  perfect for driving around with the windows down. The lyrics of the chorus, “go chase your paradise into the waves” and “dive right in, stop coasting through your own life/learn to value your time” is just the motto you need to go on all your summer adventures on your bucket list.

How will you be celebrating the beginning of summer? If these ten songs aren’t enough, check out our full playlist below!