Let’s make sure this ‘Cruel Summer’ is an absolute banger. 

By Sean McAlindin

Summer is a season with a soundtrack all its own. Is there really anything better than cruising up the Taconic, windows down and the stereo on blast or getting centered on North-South Lake with just the right musical vibrations? Whether you’re running around town, barbecuing poolside or napping in a campground hammock, you need melodies to fit the mood. So, without further ado, here are our picks for The Mountains’ Summer 2024 Ultimate Playlist. 

“Doin’ Time” by Lana Del Rey A sublime masterwork under the aura of America’s emo queen.

“Good Luck, Babe” by Chappell Roan This synthy, steamy, gender-bending earworm is easily the song of the year.

“Conga” by Gloria Estefan & Miami Sound Machine It’s impossible to not love this jam, no matter who you are or how old you are.

“Tshwala Bam” by TitoM and Yuppe Bouncy bass lines and Nigerian Afro-fusion star Burna Boy seal the deal.

“BAPPI” by The Deep The underground South Korean pop chanteuse is everything. 

“Home in the Country” by Mikaela Davis A heart-stealing Catskill singer finds her place in the world.

“Take Me Home, Country Roads” by Toots & The Maytals An island retread of a timeless paradigm. 

“Mexico” by James Taylor This gem by a local songwriter always puts me in a chill mood. 

“Something Like That” by Tim McGraw 1999 was a good year, including for country music. 

“Rosalita (Come Out Tonight)” by Bruce Springsteen I’m 16 again and it’s the summer I fell in love. 

“Volcano” by Jimmy Buffet An irreverent tropical anthem by the forever king of good times. 

“Weekend” by Upstate Get into vacation mode with these laid-back regional crooners.

“Me Porto Bonito” by Bad Bunny (ft. Chencho Corleone) The Puerto Rican reggaeton rogue knows how it’s done.

“A Roller-Skating Jam Named ‘Saturdays’”  by De La Soul This 1991 clapper with Q-Tip and Vinia Mojica will always be the vibe.

“Wild Honey and Wide Roads” by Connor Kennedy  A romantic, rural take by Woodstock’s boy wonder.

“Lemonade” by Gucci Mane The G.O.A.T. of summer drinks comes with its own tangy beat.

“Water” by Tyla The South African Popiano princess’ Grammy-winning smooth jam.

“Summer” by Marshmello This EDM confection captures the season’s open-ended energy.

“Summertime”  by DJ Jazzy Jeff & the Fresh Prince Jazzy’s on tour and “Bad Boys” is back in theaters. So why not?

“Chasing the Light” by Caitlin Jemma (ft. Rainbow Girls) California’s cosmic cowgirl captures the essence of it all.

“Cruel Summer” by Taylor Swift I mean…you don’t think we’d leave all our Swifties out, did you? Epic tune.

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