Playlists for Summer Parties
Keep your summer party going by selecting a perfect playlist. Here are some different song lists for summer party themes.
Summer Cocktail Party Playlist
This list is all about cool summer sounds.
- Buena Vista Social Club
(jazzy, latin, energetic, cool, classy) If you can only pop in ONE CD or select one playlist and put it on repeat, this is the ONE for your summer parties.
- Norah Jones (also a good choice-relaxed, laid back, jazzy)
- Michael Buble (mix of old standards and new, up-tempo)
- Madeleine Peyroux (smoky, sultry tunes)
Fun in the Sun
This list’s for backyard barbecues, pool parties, and other high-energy get-togethers
- Beach Boys (anything and everything is appropriate)
- Abba (greatest hits) Everyone pretends to roll their eyes at ABBA, but everyone loves disco, right?
- Roy Orbison (For the Lonely: 18 greatest hits)
- Jimmy Buffet
- Barenaked Ladies (greatest hits)
- Dirty Dancing Soundtrack
Campfire Cookout
You can have a cookout in your backyard. Who says you need to be out in the woods to enjoy this fun? We think that country tunes pair perfectly with s’mores and chuckwagon suppers. Here’s what to front-load on the iPod before your cookout. (And don’t forget the cheap beer! Or, um, capri-sun juice boxes for the kids.)
- Sarah Evans: Greatest Hits
- Carrie Underwood: Carnival Ride
- Dixie Chicks: Fly
- Brooks & Dunn: Greatest Hits Collection II
- Johnny Cash
- Lyle Lovett: Anthology Volume One
Tips for Creating Great Party Playlists
Of course, out taste might be different from yours. But, anyone putting together a playlist for a party should follow these tips to keep the music going all day or all night long:
- Vary the music between classic/oldies and new tunes
- Stick a slow tune in every now and then, but keep the overall beat of the music matching the vibe you want at the party (up-tempo for high energy, and slower/jazzy for more relaxed gatherings).
- Pay attention to your guest list. If you have a lot of kids, stay away from profanity!
- Build a list that’s about 4-5 hours long. That way, you won’t have to worry about music all night