Summer Playlist

Written by Jon Wood

Henry James once said, “Summer afternoon—summer afternoon; to me those have always been the two most beautiful words in the English language.” I tend to agree with Mr. James wholeheartedly on his sentiments. Summer is the time we dust off the beach umbrella, get the oil changed, and embark on a new adventure. One thing I’ve found to really make a summer road trip perfect is having great “Driving Music.” You know the types of songs I’m talking about. A great beat. Positive lyrics. The kind of song that puts you in the “mood” for summer getaways. Of course, our station is always a good companion on summer road trips through our apps for iPhone, Android, and BlackBerry you can download for free. However, I’d like to make a few suggestions on some others you (and the kiddos, if you have any) will be tapping your toes to that you won’t hear on many radio stations in no particular order.

1. Young & Free feat. LeCrae – “This Is Living”
Like the other Hillsong music brands, Young & Free knows how to blend some new ingenuity with powerful Biblical truth in this upbeat tune. It has a driving beat to go with understandable and profound rap from LeCrae.

CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO YOUNG & FREE’S “THIS IS LIVING”

2. Michael W. Smith — “Sky Spills Over” 
Michael W. Smith finds a way to once again show how relevant he is in Christian music.  Smith finds a way to make a song containing music elements of older Christian hits with a driving beat for today’s audience reminding us, “the wind of His spirit, will raise me up again.”

CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO MICHAEL W. SMITH’S “SKY SPILLS OVER”

3. Shonlock – “Beyond This World”
Being a former member of TobyMac’s band, Diverse City, Shonlock knows how to craft a product that reminds us our calling in life is to reach out with the love of Christ wherever we are. We always have the opportunity to, “Illuminate light for the lost, and let them know Love laid His life on a cross.”

CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO SHONLOCK’S “BEYOND THIS WORLD”

4. Moriah Peters – “Brave”
If you’re looking for a battle anthem for life, then Moriah Peters doesn’t disappoint in her new one. Realizing it’s only God who can empower us to face each day with a sense of optimism, she challenges us not to forget, “I know I’m no superwoman,
but impossible is possible with You.”

CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO MORIAH PETER’S “BRAVE”

5. We Are Leo – “You’re The Best Thing”
Admittedly, I do not like boy bands. I don’t hold it against anyone who does, but they’re just not for me. However, even I have to admit this pop/island sound is pretty catchy and has already proven to be a hit with kids. It’s the perfect Christian beach song.

CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO WE ARE LEO’S “YOU’RE THE BEST THING”

6. Morgan Nicole Harper – “Storyteller”
Jamie Grace’s sister shows that Jamie isn’t the only one with talent in the family. Probably the slowest of the songs on this list, “Storyteller” can’t help but make you stop to remember a time where God showed His faithfulness in your life.

CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO MORGAN NICOLE HARPER’S “STORYTELLER”

7. Switchfoot – “Let It Out”
This song is classic Switchfoot as it wrestles with the struggles that we all have to address at some point. Being from the West Coast, these guys live the surfing lifestyle. So, their music reflects that free spirit mindset which is perfect for a quick trip to the ocean.

CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO SWITCHFOOT’S “LET IT OUT”

8. Everfound – “Take This City”
Everfound’s music is equally as impressive as their back story of a young group of guys leaving Russia to pursue their passion of singing about the gospel. With their haunting synthesizers on this one, its easy listening with a fantastic call to action, “Hope will bring a new beginning, if we break the silence.”

CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO EVERFOUND’S “TAKE THIS CITY”

9. Ellie Holcomb – “Marvelous Light”
This one will remind you of those old gospel sings on the porch with it’s foot stomping tune and celebration “The Light” so famous in hymns. 

CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO ELLIE HOLCOMB’S “MARVELOUS LIGHT”

10. Capital Kings – “Fireblazin”
Another TobyMac discovery, the two guys that make up Capital Kings are continuing to grow a fan base with their techno dance mixes that straight up preach, “You came from heaven down to earth and carried the weight of every pain and every hurt.”

CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO CAPITAL KING’S “FIREBLAZIN”

What are you listening to this summer?