Summer 2011 Playlist Pt. 1

I am the kind of person that can't get into my car without my iPod and I've been doing a lot of driving these past few weeks. Needless to say, I've crafted an extensive playlist of my favorite summer jams. These songs aren't necessarily new or even summer related, but there are some tunes out there that just have me hooked. I've decided to post a few songs from my Summer 2011 playlist and will continue to post more as the summer continues on :)

MELLISONANT MIND'S SUMMER 2011 PLAYLIST: Part 1

1. "Every Teardrop is a Waterfall" by Coldplay -  Coldplay is one of my all-time favorite bands. I have to admit, "Every Teardrop is a Waterfall" is far from the traditional Coldplay sound. But this song is the epitome of driving on the highway on a bright summer day with your sunglasses on and the windows rolled down. It's ridiculously catchy and the video is entrancing (which is no surprise, considering Coldplay always has awesome music videos).

2. "Sunlight" by Bag Raiders - This song just makes me want to dance. I fell in love with Bag Raider's after hearing "Shooting Stars" for the first time back in January when I was working retail (it was a track on the store CD.. needless to say, I was obsessed). "Sunlight" is such a fell-good song with a great hook and contagious beats. I love it.

3. "Set Fire to the Rain"  by Adele -  Adele is incredible. Anyone who says other wise is crazy. Her latest album 21 has nothing short of blown me away and I'm pretty much addicted to it. "Set Fire to the Rain" is one of my favorites off the album. The lyrics are so passionate and honest, I wish I could sing along with her. Sometimes I try, but it doesn't work out all too well. Either way, this song is a must-listen. The whole album is. Just do yourself a favorite and buy it.

4. "Games" by The Strokes - What's not to like about The Strokes? I was smitten with their musical return this year and had the chance to see them live at Madison Square Garden in April (it was awesome, just so you know). The new album, The Angles, has the same vibe as their other albums with a new-age flare. "Games" is a particular favorite of mine. It has a dance-influenced groove and Julian Casablanca's vocals couldn't be more enticing.

5. "Young Blood" by The Naked and Famous - As soon as I heard this song I loved it. The vocals, the beats, everything. This band definitely has mainstream potential and is already getting some exposure to the industry. "Young Blood" is a really good song and a genius first single. The rest of the album isn't particularly exciting, there are a few gems here and there, but this tune is first on my list.