May 19, 2025 (Summer)
Songs of the Summer:
“Half Light II” and “Beaches”
“Half Light II (No Celebration)” by Arcade Fire
While Arcade Fire’s The Suburbs is my go-to album every summer, one favorite from the tracklist is “Half Light II (No Celebration).” The whole album keeps a theme of growing up and the changes that happen between youth and adulthood. “Half Light II” continues this through lyrics that talk about how different their hometown seems now that they’ve returned after leaving. It uses loud notes and more somber lyrics to come together to make the listening experience more deeply felt.
Even though the song isn’t the party vibe most people might be looking for, I find it worth adding to your summer playlist for other reasons. This song encapsulates that feeling of summer nostalgia and youth, not only with the storytelling, but also the energetic and carefree tone it carries from start to finish, creating a feeling that many college students may have after moving away from their hometown and coming back during the summer — missing what once was but also loving what the change of scenery brought all at the same time.
“Beaches” by Beabadoobee is a song I only first heard a couple of months ago, but I immediately threw it on the summer ‘25 playlist. This song is great for a fresh new season as we head into summer. It has themes of contentment and self-assurance in times or moments where other things in life might feel or seem uncertain, progressing towards that final acceptance of taking risks and not being afraid to try something new or different. This song is perfect for the summer as new bucket lists and dreams are created, the air and opportunities are fresh and inviting, and changes are inevitable. Even if you’re scared or uncertain, you can still endure and embrace what’s to come as life goes on.