When the weather gets warm, and life feels more carefree because of it, it's time to celebrate. And what better way to do so than by hosting a party at home? All you need are some chilled beverages, a hot grill (although lots of guac will suffice. Guac will ALWAYS suffice), good friends … and a killer playlist.
We turned to electronic-pop trio Years & Years to curate the perfect summer party playlist. If you’re not already familiar with the London-based band, chances are you will be soon. Their single "King" hit number one on the UK singles chart, and its music video boasts over 50 million views. They’ve been making waves in U.S. as well, and we can expect their debut album, Communion to drop on July 10th. These guys clearly know what's up, so take their advice and turn up the heat … and the volume.
Years & Years summer party playlist
1. "House" - Kindness
Olly Alexander, frontman and keyboardist: "I really got into this song a few summers ago; I listened to it a lot after a break up, and although it feels a bit melancholic, it's uplifting in a nice, quiet way."
2. "Dancing on My Own" - Robyn
Alexander: "Whenever I hear this song, I freak out. It's so great. I want to thank Robyn for producing some of the best bangers of the last decade -- I heard her do this at Latitude last year and it was a festival highlight."
3. "Wish I Didn't Miss You" - Angie Stone
Alexander: "This is one of my all-time favourite songs."
4. "Get Free" - Major Lazer
Alexander: "Mikey [Goldsworthy, bassist] and I first heard this song when we were on holiday in Berlin a few years ago. We couldn't believe how good it was, and we played it all week."
5. "Solsbury Hill" - Peter Gabriel
Emre Turkmen, synth: "This just makes me think of a sunny day lying on the grass."
6. "Here Comes the Sun" - Beatles
Turkmen: "The guitar riff is made of pure sunlight."
7. "Summertime" - DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince
Turkmen: "The first song I can remember about summertime. Great feel."
8. "Do 4 Love" - 2Pac Shakur
Turkmen: "Great balmy nighttime hip-hop."
9. "Paris" - Little Dragon
Turkmen: "I first heard this on a hot day in the city of the same name. Takes me there when I listen to it."
10. "Sleep Sound" - Jamie xx
Mikey Goldsworthy, bassist: "I've been playing this album/song a lot. We are doing a few festivals with him this summer so will hopefully catch his set."
11. "Hold On, We're Going Home" - Drake
Goldsworthy: "This song is soooo 2013, but still gets me every time."
12. "Me" - Erykah Badu
Goldsworthy: "Has a great beat and vibe. I recommend walking down the street on a hot day imagining everyone in slow-motion."
13. "King Kunta" - Kendrick Lamar
Goldsworthy: "This song has been on repeat since the album came out."
14. "Until the Quiet Comes" - Flying Lotus
Goldsworthy: "Went to one of his gigs two summers ago ... felt like I was turning into water (that's a good thing, I think)."