Soft Summer Playlist: 2 Hours and 10 Minutes of Mellow Vibes

One of my favorite things about discovering, listening to, and compiling music into playlists is the opportunity to organize specific sounds around a central theme. In the melancholy of late July, I’ve spent a lot of time listening to new (or new-to-me) music that encapsulates the feeling of a soft summer breeze: music for easy listening, for spending time in nature, for pushing fears and obligations away (even if temporarily).

This 40-song collection spans a range of genres, from jazz to old-school soul to music from Ethiopia, Algeria, Brazil, Italy, and elsewhere. For 2 hours and 10 minutes, the playlist follows several small thematic “arcs,” driven by sonic ebbs and flows. I’ve included favorites by contemporary artists like Jalen Ngonda, The Marías, and jazz-pop duo Fievel Is Glauque, as well as classics of the invented “soft summer” genre including Stan Getz and Antônio Carlos Jobim. In putting the playlist together, I was also subconsciously inspired by the sounds from movies I’ve watched (and rewatched) recently; there are features from the soundtracks of Rushmore, The Darjeeling Limited, Priscilla, and The Holdovers. The result is an eclectic amalgamation perfect for driving, reading, gardening, enjoying the sun, or cooling off in the shade.

For me, this summer holds a lot of anticipatory anxiety about what’s on the horizon: senior year of college, internships, the looming ambiguity of the “real world,” political strife in the U.S., and more. As usual, music has been how I ground myself, be present in the moment, and allow my body to slow down. I find bossa nova, jazz, and soul music especially relaxing and comforting when I want to feel transported to a different place. Don’t be confused: this is no sleepytime mix. “soft summer” has plenty of catchy tunes, chill grooves, and psychedelia-inspired soft rock moments, too, for those wanting something a bit more upbeat. For optimal easy listening, I recommend playing these tracks in order. :-)