Music. Playlists. Reviews. Forever Living Louder.: Summer 2012 Playlist

This first song in the summer playlist is an excellent, up-beat break up song with feel good lyrics. The members of Action Item are from New Jersey and I chose this song because unlike other depressing post-relationship songs, this one is about moving on and enjoying life which is perfect for the new season.

If you have not got a job, or going away then the initial thrill of freedom and adventure that summer brings can wear off after a few weeks. Furthermore, it is almost guaranteed that there will be a day when you just want to revel in the fact that you are able to do absolutely nothing. 'Waste The Day' by The After Party wonderfully defines 'freedom' in my eyes. It is about being around the people you love and the only form of entertainment you need is their company. The slow beginning with just a drum beat makes it instantly recognisable and the chorus is modern pop at it's finest.

Liv It Up (Teenage Wasteland) - Alexander Ludwig http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nFNdqPNAMfs

You may recognise Alexander Ludwig from the insanely popular film The Hunger Games in which he plays Cato. 'Liv It Up' has a purpose spelling mistake which I'm guessing is to make it more 'cool' or 'trendy' to teenagers and possibly to express the partying feel of the song. Alex raps the verses of the songs which are about chilling out with friends and the chorus makes it a perfect teenage party tune. Summer can consist of relaxing or raving with friends and this represents that summer is time to forget about your troubles and have fun whilst you're still young.

This songs just makes me smile and that is why it is featured on this playlist; I think it is the lyrics 'its fine by me if you never leave' that evoke this feeling. When I think of summer I personally think of some of the best days of my life, and so a song that makes me happy reminds me largely of summer.

We Were Young - The Atlantic Light (featuring Cameron Byrd) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_IIrCFp23UI

Being a teenager myself, I love songs about enjoying youth and similar to 'Liv It Up', this is another song about having fun and no regrets. If you are not aware, Cameron Byrd is a member of the band Hollywood Ending and his vocals feature on this track. This song builds the picture of a summer night on the beach for me, but can make you remember your own fond members of summer.

These artists are from Germany and the song 'Little Numbers' is about receiving someone's number that you like and being excited about calling them. I think it's funny to think of it as the sequel to Carly Rae Jepsen's 'Call Me Maybe'! The singer's voice is really soothing.

Don't Stop (Colour on the Walls) - Foster The People http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=haca2VY2fFY

This song is so interesting in multiple ways; the child-like background vocals and the fact the song is about four-five year olds taking over the world. Obviously this is very original compared to other music. Even if you think the storyline is silly it is still a very catchy song, you may recognise it from adverts on the television.

Let's Just Fall In Love Again - Jason Castro http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KbNTPB7IbPU

Even though Jason Castro only came fourth on the show 'American Idol', his vocal talent and song-writing ability show it must have been a tough competition that year. 'Lets Just Fall in Love Again' is an adorable summer song which you can tell is written by a true romantic. It is a very light and happy tune and the lyrics are super sweet.

With no relation to any reindeers, Kevin Rudolf successfully mixes rock and hip-hop to make a great song to dance to. Unlike some of my other songs on this playlist with well-written lyrics, these are nothing to be inspired by however the heavy drum beat makes it hard not to move your body. This is a song I have been listening to since 2008 but it does not get old, which is why it is on this playlist.

I had been eagerly anticipating Maroon 5's new album 'Overexposed' as I am a huge fan of their old music and I am so pleased that I was not disapointed. Personally, I think I still prefer their earlier music but that could be because it holds a lot of memories for me. Nevertheless, their song 'Tickets' is a great tune and one of my favourites on the album. I really like the 'lalalalala' in the middle which is fun to sing along to and the beat is awesome.

Summer Camp Love (It's so in tents) - MC Lars http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fm0ICIN6kt0

Firstly I would like to say the 'oh hey' at the start of this song scares me every time it comes on shuffle on my ipod. This is definitely not a song to be taken seriously but it is very funny and the story of the little boy and girl at summer camp who fall in love is heart-warming. The song is rapped but the story is easy and clear to hear unlike, for example, Lil Wayne, whom is very hard to understand in his songs.

Good Time - Owl City featuring Carly Rae Jepsen http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7oBU7d5oenQ

This is another song about summer and Owl City's and Carly's voices fit together really well. It is almost certain that if a song has 'oh oh oh's in it then it will be stuck in your head for a long time and this song is exactly like that. Sometimes repetitive songs annoy me but when I can sing along and have a good time whilst listening to it then I do not mind.

Not only is the word 'summer' in the band name but this song oozes summer fever. The Rocket Summer is actually one boy named Bryce Avary who plays multiple instruments, sings, writes and produces - so talented! I would really like to see this song performed live as I have heard Bryce puts on a fantastic show.

'Falling For You' slows down the playlist a bit as it is a lot more mellow and is great to listen to when you're relaxing on a beach rather than partying the summer nights away. The simple, soft piano tune is so tranquil and continues throughout the song.

Taylor's voice is really impressive and soulful and you can tell it has jazz influences. The start is very similar to Michael Buble's 'Havent Met You Yet' but it is only for the first few counts and then the song is a complete original. The song is about always falling for the bad guys even though there are much nicer boys out there but being unable to control your emotions.

This is my ultimate summer song about falling in love in the summer time. We The Kings are an amazing band and I do not think they have a song that I do not like. The whistle in this song gives it an edge that reminds me of playing games in the sunshine. This is a fantastic way to end the playlist as it is the song that, even on a winter day, can get me excited about summer.

Music. Playlists. Reviews. Forever Living Louder.