26 Best Songs from The Summer I Turned Pretty: The Ultimate Playlist

1. Sweet Child O' Mine (1987)

Iconic Guitar Riff: Guns N' Roses' instantly recognizable guitar intro is pure summer magic; it evokes carefree days and warm nights perfectly.

Nostalgic Vibe: The song's blend of hard rock energy and romantic lyrics taps into a feeling of youthful exuberance, making it ideal for reminiscing about past summers.

Unforgettable Melody: "Sweet Child o' Mine" is more than just a catchy tune; it’s a timeless classic that effortlessly transports you back to that specific summer feeling.

2. INDUSTRY BABY - Stoney (Deluxe)

Sound: INDUSTRY BABY boasts a catchy, high-energy beat perfect for summer vibes, blending trap rhythms with a playful, almost nostalgic melody.

Vocals: Jack Harlow and Lil Nas X's contrasting yet complementary vocal styles create a dynamic and memorable listening experience, adding to the song's infectious energy.

Pop Culture Moment: Its release and subsequent popularity cemented its place as a defining track of the summer, making it a quintessential addition to any summer playlist reflecting that season's soundtrack.

3. deja vu (2021)

Sound: Olivia Rodrigo's "deja vu" perfectly captures the hazy, nostalgic feeling of a summer romance, with its dreamy synths and driving beat evoking the carefree energy of summer.

Emotional Impact: The song's lyrics about the confusing echoes of a past relationship resonate deeply, making it a relatable soundtrack for those bittersweet summer memories.

Pop Culture Moment: Its catchy chorus and relatable themes made "deja vu" a viral sensation, solidifying its place as a quintessential summer anthem.

4. Steal My Girl - FOUR (Deluxe)

Upbeat Energy: Steal My Girl's infectious pop rhythm perfectly captures the carefree energy of a summer romance, making it ideal for those hazy, sun-drenched days.

Nostalgic Vibe: The song's youthful exuberance and catchy chorus evoke the sweet, slightly bittersweet feelings associated with first loves and summer flings.

Boy Band Charm: One Direction's signature harmonies and playful lyrics add a layer of classic boy-band charm, making it a nostalgic and instantly recognizable track for fans of the era.

5. Happier Than Ever (Happier Than Ever)

Emotional Resonance: "Happier Than Ever" captures the bittersweet complexities of summer romance and burgeoning independence, perfectly mirroring the emotional rollercoaster of growing up depicted in *The Summer I Turned Pretty*.

Vocal Performance: Billie Eilish's signature breathy vocals and raw emotional delivery are captivating, making the song's vulnerability feel both intimate and relatable to the show's themes.

Power Ballad Vibe: The song's powerful crescendo and driving rhythm create a potent emotional punch, perfect for those reflective moments after a summer of change.

6. Back to December - 2025

Acoustic Guitar Melody: The gentle acoustic guitar intro immediately sets a wistful, summery tone, perfectly capturing the bittersweet feelings of young love and longing.

Taylor Swift's Vocals: Swift's vocals are raw and emotionally vulnerable, conveying the genuine regret and heartfelt apology within the lyrics. This intimate quality enhances the song's emotional resonance, especially during those reflective summer moments.

Nostalgic Vibe: "Back to December" evokes a potent sense of nostalgia, ideal for remembering past summer romances and reflecting on personal growth. Its gentle melody and introspective lyrics are perfect for a quiet evening reminiscing on summer memories.

7. Teenage Dirtbag (Wheatus - 2025)

Sound: Teenage Dirtbag's distinctive blend of power pop and punk rock creates an energetic, nostalgic vibe perfectly suited to the carefree spirit of summer.

Emotional Impact: The song's relatable lyrics about youthful rebellion and first love resonate deeply with the bittersweet feelings often associated with coming-of-age summers.

Pop Culture Moment: Its catchy tune and memorable chorus make it a quintessential track for capturing the soundtrack of a memorable summer, instantly transporting listeners back to that specific time.

8. Lover (2019)

Sound: Lover's dreamy, acoustic-driven sound perfectly captures the carefree vibe of summer, making it ideal for those hazy, sunset-filled days.

Vocals: Taylor Swift's tender vocals infuse the song with a heartfelt vulnerability that resonates with the emotional highs and lows of young love, a key theme in "The Summer I Turned Pretty."

Emotional Impact: Its romantic and wistful melody evokes a sense of nostalgia and longing, aligning with the show's focus on first love and summer memories.

9. Up (Cardi B - 2025)

Song Title: Up

Artist: Cardi B

Catchy Rhythm: The infectious beat of "Up" is undeniably summery, perfectly capturing that carefree feeling of long, hot days. Its energetic rhythm makes it ideal for beach days or pool parties, instantly elevating the mood.

Cardi B's Charisma: Cardi B's signature swagger and powerful vocals shine through, making "Up" an empowering anthem perfect for feeling confident and unstoppable during those perfect summer moments depicted in "The Summer I Turned Pretty".

Nostalgic Vibe: The song's overall vibe lends itself to reflecting on fun summer memories, creating a soundtrack for those carefree days and nights of youth and self-discovery that the show captures so well.

10. Save Your Tears (2020)

Vocal Synergy: The collaboration between The Weeknd and Ariana Grande creates a captivating blend of their distinct vocal styles, resulting in a truly unforgettable sonic experience perfectly suited for summer vibes.

Catchy Melody: The song's irresistible melody and infectious rhythm are ideal for carefree summer days, instantly uplifting and evoking a feeling of warmth and happiness.

Emotional Resonance: "Save Your Tears" strikes a balance between heartbreak and hope, its bittersweet lyrics and soaring vocals making it the ideal soundtrack for both joyful and reflective summer moments.