Summer brings up so many memories for me. I’d like to say that I haven’t gotten past that schoolboy age where I’m counting down the dog days of summer until school starts up again in the fall. I’d like to say that I spend the long days cooking out, going to the beach and just generally partying and relaxing for three months.

I’d like to say those things. But I can’t. Because adult.

Now, I know things have changed. The term “Summer Vacation” has gone extinct, only to be replaced by long days in my cubicle, counting down the minutes until 5:30. Going to the beach doesn’t happen nearly as much as I’d like and the words “partying” and “relaxing” mean completely different things to me now than they did in my exuberant youth.

Music however, doesn’t have to change. I have fond memories of blaring my music with the windows down and enjoying the fun vibes of summer of the 90’s. I still do that every chance I can get. When Heather asked me to come up with a summertime playlist, I couldn’t have jumped at the chance fast enough.

Now, for those that know me, you know I have some pretty specialized tastes in music. The term “music snob” is not one I begrudge in the least. That being said, I wanted some guidance on what was expected:

Me: Hey, what do you want in this playlist?

Heather: Just make a fun summer playlist that people will want to listen to!

Me: Define people…

Heather: Normal people.

Me: So, people that might appreciate my music tastes?

Heather: (sighs) No. Look, just make it 90’s summertime music. That’s fun and you know a lot about it.

Me: Yes, yes I do (begins to laugh maniacally)

And with that, here’s The Best Summertime Playlist For 90’s Nostalgic Adults 

The Lovin’ Spoonful – Summer in the City 
I know, not exactly a 90’s song, but one of the best ones that I can remember that captures the heat and sweat of summer in the city.

Len – Steal My Sunshine
One of the best Alt-Pop Rock songs of the decade.

LFO – Summer Girls
Fun pop from the late 90’s. It’s a bit silly, but does capture the fun of summer and how not to take things to seriously.

The Ataris – Boys of Summer
Great cover of the Don Henley classic.

Nelly – Hot in Herre
Again…summer, hot…See what I did there?

Lionrock – Fire up the Shoesaw
I couldn’t NOT have some electronica on this playlist. This is from the GO Soundtrack, which was a great summer album in the 90s for me.

2Pac/ Dr. Dre – California Love
It’s taken me years to come around to liking this song. Now that I do, I can’t get enough.

The Breeders – Cannonball
The fuzzy/distorted qualities of this song for some reason always make me think of summer.

Fatboy Slim – Gangster Trippin
This is a great song that begs to be turned up with the car windows down.

DJ Jazzy Jeff and the Fresh Prince – Summertime
I am legally obligated to include this song.

Jesus Jones – Right Here, Right Now
Another giant sounding song that captures 90’s summertime for me.

Bob Marley and the Wailers – Jamming
For when you want those island vibes and have the munchies.

Hanson – MMMBop
You know they’re on their 25th anniversary tour now, right? Think about that. #old

Snoop Dogg – Drop it like it’s Hot
I think of my wife every time I hear this. I think she worked the lyrics into our wedding vows somehow.

EMF – Unbelievable
Like Jesus Jones, another summertime pop-rocker that defines a moment for me. So great loud.

TLC – Waterfalls
This song was everywhere at one point. The message is great, and the tempo is the epitome of summertime sloth…

Weezer – Island in the Sun
The song literally has “Island” and “Sun” in the title. Plus, it’s Weezer. So they’re in!

Violent Femmes – Blister in the Sun
This song is so timeless and quirky, it deserves placement on most playlists.

Wilco – Heavy Metal Drummer
I miss the innocence I’ve known, playing KISS covers, beautiful and stoned. That lyric alone gets them a spot on the list.

Lana Del Ray – Summertime Sadness
Again…Not a 90’s song. But it’s so good. It should be on any summer playlist. Ever.

 

I hope you enjoy this summertime 90’s music playlist! You can find it on Spotify here. 

And don’t forget to follow this Spotify channel for more music updates and hopefully MIH podcast in the future.