Office of Admission Summer Playlist '26
Music has a way of attaching itself to a season. A song comes on, and suddenly you're back on a road trip, walking along the river, sitting around a campfire, or driving with the windows down on a warm July evening. We asked our Admission Staff to share one song that says "summer" to them. Whether you're building your own playlist or just looking for something new to listen to, we hope you'll find a few favorites below.
Becky Doyle – “I Ain’t Worried” by OneRepublic
This song brings me back to a couple summers ago and reminds me of summer afternoons by the lake in Spokane. Also, it just so happens to be featured in one of my favorite movies, Top Gun 2!
Diana Davila - "Friends" by Levitation Room
Equal parts dreamy and funky! This song delivers an effortlessly cool sound that's perfect for studying, cruising around, or just unwinding after a long day. 🙂
MC Clark – “Once in a Lifetime” by Talking Heads
I love Talking Heads and how funky and thoughtful their music is. This song is all about self-discovery and uncertainty. To me, summer is a time to reset, spend time with my community, and reflect. I love how this song encourages us to really think about “How did I get here” and where do we go from here?
Stephen Keller – “St. Elmo's Fire” by John Parr
Such positive energy in a song! Be prepared to feel the uncontrollable need to run up a mountain!
Claire Silva - “Jamming” by Bob Marley
This song reminds me of summertime, hanging out with family and friends with no to-do list. Just hanging out.
Alexa Gaske - “Island in the Sun” by Weezer
Nothing beats a summer day by the water! This song is just good vibes and the perfect soundtrack to a walk along the beach.
Levi Garcia - “Get Lucky” by Daft Punk
This song is my favorite summer song because of the happy memories I had when driving around with friends and listening to this. Between Daft Punk’s bright chords, Nile Rodgers’ groovy funk and Pharrell Williams’ smooth vocals, it makes for a summer classic.
Will DeKlotz - “What’s Going On” by Marvin Gaye
A classic tune for the summertime from arguably the best vocalist of all time. Marvin has a soft and nice tone that creates great music that can be played while driving in the summer with the windows down.
Megan Baird - “Good Vibrations” by The Beach Boys
This song reminds me of summertime growing up, days at the river with family. The Beach Boys are one of my mom's favorite bands. Their songs have an energy like no other and bring summer vibes with them!
Brittany Van Blaricom - “Beat It” by Michael Jackson
This song takes me back to the summer after my first year of high school. My family decided to drive from Spokane to Houston to visit family, and this song was one we listened to often because my mom and younger sister loved Michael Jackson at the time. It was a wonderful trip, and this song always brings me back to all of the fun and laughter we shared along the way.
Tara Summerfelt - “East Coast Summers” by Kaleb Cohen
It makes me want to roll my windows down in my car and bop my head to the music and it feels like life is great.
Red Kwenda - "C'est mon année" by Vegedream
Whenever I hear this song, I think back to the summer of '23 when I would ride around Kendall Yards and downtown Spokane on Lime Scooters, listening to this track on repeat. This song reminds me to focus on and celebrate the good things I have in life.
Will Shoup - “Never Going Back Again” by Fleetwood Mac
Rumours was a hit acoustic folk album in 1977, but this song sometimes gets buried among the other hits. Layered guitars and vocals make for a warm, comfy summer tune that pairs perfectly with a sunny walk along the Spokane River.
Carie Weeks - "Bummerland" - by AJR
Despite (and maybe because of) its name, this song brings a smile to my face every time I even think about hearing its upbeat and quirky beat. Most recently, it opened AJR's concert at the Blessing in Disguise Music Festival in Spokane this summer.