What defines the perfect summer? It’s carefree. Upbeat. Fun and energetic and full of color. Summer is road trips and wind in your hair and fresh watermelon and bare feet and barbecue smoke and laughing with friends and blasting music.

And what’s a summer without music?

So without further ado, here’s a playlist of fresh songs that embody the sunny spirit of summer, full of upbeat tempos, catchy melodies and happy lyrics:

1. “Get Lucky” (feat. Pharrell Williams) by Daft Punk

Daft Punk’s long-awaited return doesn’t disappoint. “Get Lucky” is the first single from their new album Random Access Memories that’s scheduled for release in mid-May. It’s a really, really groovy song and it’s perfect for funky summer dance parties.

2. “Entertainment” by Phoenix

This song is pure energy. The spazzy tempo and uplifting falsetto vocals will undoubtedly put you in a good mood.

3. “All the Time” by The Strokes

This is the best song on this list to drive fast with the volume loud and your windows down to. “All the Time” is quintessential Strokes: 100 percent pure angsty rock-and-roll greatness.

4. “Needle” by Born Ruffians

Summer isn’t always fast-paced and full of energy. There are days of lounging in the sun, times where the mellow wins out over the excitement. “Needle” is a slower tune with a beachy feel, included here to represent those calmer days.

6. “My Number” by Foals

“My Number” rails against being tied down; it sings of moving beyond complications, of freedom, of not letting anything or anyone bring you down.

7. “Once in a Lifetime” by Talking Heads

“Once in a Lifetime” speaks of the ephemeral, fast-paced nature of life––a topic relevant for the short-lived summer. It reminds us to soak up the summer while it lasts!

8. “Solid Gold” by Eagles of Death Metal

This song is another entry with a quick beat and really upbeat melody. The first few lines of lyrics are “Sweat! When it’s hot, baby, ooh! When it’s hot, baby, sweat!” Couldn’t be more relevant to summer.

9. “Default” by Django Django

Another song that you can’t help but get up and dance to. Probably the catchiest tune on this whole list.

10. “Hang Me Out to Dry” by Cold War Kids

This song induces the mood of a long, hot, dry, heavy day. The slow, deliberate bass plucking and unhurried lyrics drag their feet, but in the best way possible.

11. “Boy with the Arab Strap” by Belle & Sebastian

Along with “Needle,” “Boy with the Arab Strap” falls into the more mellow side of the spectrum. Nonetheless, it’s a happy, toe-tapping good song, and a perfect note to end the playlist on.

Happy listening, and have a great summer!