How to Make the PERFECT Summer Playlist

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and The Coca-Cola Company. All opinions are mine alone. #ShareMemories #CollectiveBias

Can you tell by my last few posts that I am REALLY ready for summer? From beachy waves to my Birkenstocks, summer seems to be the destination for me lately! Over the weekend, I attended a big, backyard party for my best friend’s birthday. It was complete with a volleyball net, hot dogs on the grill, lots of fresh fruit, and even corn on the cob! While we were playing some games, someone asked me to turn on some music.

It really got me thinking that there are TWO things that tie people together in the summertime: a good playlist, and some good food and drink. It’s no coincidence that just in time for those backyard barbecues, tailgates, pool parties, etc, Coca-Cola™ has come out with their Share a Coke and a Song campaign. This marketing speaks to me! If you know me at all, you know I’m an avid Coca-Cola drinker. I’m a BIG fan of the mini can, especially. (Even though I could drink 5 of them in a day.) My favorite way to enjoy Coca-Cola in the summer is with lemons. It’s so refreshing!

If you REALLY know me, then you will know I am a music and lyrics type of person. I can’t remember lyrics to save my life, but I have always been the music-quoting kind. I even have a song lyric tattooed on my arm! Now that Coca-Cola has different song lyrics written on all their cans, I am in HEAVEN! It’s fun to reach into a cooler and grab a can, read a lyric, and know what song it’s from. It’s even more fun to not know and look up a new song that just might turn into your newest jam. (The Shazam App is perfect for looking songs up- available on iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad, Android and other devices!)

I picked up my Share a Coke and a Song cans from Market District, which is an AMAZING experience of a grocery store. If there is one near you, I highly recommend! You can also get your other summer food goodies here for your picnics, road trip snacks, pool party extras, and more. Continue to read below to learn the perfect formula for the perfect summer playlist.

How to Make the PERFECT Summer Playlist

It really is an art to make a playlist, but you have to consider your audience. I like to make sure my playlist is acceptable for most ages, will not drive my parents crazy, but will keep the energy up, even if it’s including ballads. Including songs you can sing along to is always a great move, but including a few songs that are new or others may not know will open up a conversation about music and may keep adding more and more to your playlist as the songs playing evoke memories for other favorites!

Below is the Summer Playlist template I created for you. You can simply fill in the blanks to get your perfect summer sound. If you get stumped, try picking up one of your Coca-Cola Share a Coke and a Song cans. The songs on those are PERFECT examples of awesome summer songs.