The Pipe Dream Staff picks their favorite songs from the summer of 2021
8/30/21 by Staff Reports
Illustration provided by Sarah Teper, Managing Editor
With August coming to a close, the Pipe Dream staff is left reminiscing about our first vaccinated summer and enjoying the final moments of sunshine and summer fun. We decided to share our favorite jams of summer 2021 that we’ll be listening to well into September.
Lakhsmi Chatterjee, Arts & Culture Editor
In June, Hippo Campus released new music for the first time in two years with “Bad Dream Baby” and it was the jam I needed. This song was a change in pace from the band’s previous works, with the lyrics appearing to be a “stream of consciousness” play-by-play of what the singer was thinking of, from his relationship to his dog dying to Britney Spears’ dad. But the song is so upbeat and catchy that you don’t notice how weird the lyrics are until you really listen to them. I listened to the song multiple times while taking a road trip with friends and each time we discovered new lyrics that confused us.
Kaitlyn Liu, Opinions Editor
My summer jam was “Malibu” by Kim Petras! It’s a super fun pop song to sing in the car on a sunny day, at the beach or sitting by the pool.
Joe Tonetti, Sports Editor
“Heart” by Baths. Even though the song was conceived from negative emotion, I think the upbeat, colorful sound palette makes it sonically digestible even under a chill summer atmosphere.
Alexis Yang, Copy Desk Chief
My go-to summer jam is “Hey, Soul Sister” by Train. It brings 2000s nostalgia with fun lyrics that are perfect to sing along to. The song’s fast ukulele and pop beat make it a great tune for summer driving.
Krishna Patel, Assistant Arts & Culture Editor
Straight out of 2008, “Electric Feel” by MGMT has been my ultimate summer anthem this past summer. Whether it was hiking, driving with my windows rolled down or spending time by a bonfire, “Electric Feel” has a smooth synthetic beat that is perfect for a laid-back summer night. The lyrics speak of an acid trip through the proxy of a woman with supernatural powers. “Electric Feel” is the perfect surf-rock-inspired summer anthem.
Sam Lillianthal, Arts & Culture Intern
My favorite summer jam in 2021 was “Get Down” by Still Woozy. The simplicity of the lyrics gives the song an old soul vibe and the melody is insanely catchy. Still Woozy is a lo-fi artist who created many bops and debuted his first album over the summer. “Get Down” was a single released earlier in the summer that I played on repeat every day. It is a fantastic song and perfect for a chill hangout outside or vibing in the car.
Makoto Toyoda, Assistant Arts & Culture Editor
Dominic Fike’s “3 Nights” was introduced to me in a summer playlist this break. Although I listened to some of Fike’s music in the past, I found that this dreamy tune is perfect for a late night drive, windows rolled all the way down. The relaxed yet vibrant instrumental paired alongside Fike’s harmonies are reminiscent of a summer breeze and the sweet yet fleeting nature of its flings. “3 Nights” transports me right to my favorite time of year — perfect for long days and warm nights.
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