I know it’s felt like summer for more than a month now, but it’s finally official. And with the heat comes the perfect excuse to dial in your music. That means busy patios, longer hours, and higher expectations. Whether you’re running a busy patio, a family-friendly restaurant, or a high-energy bar, the right songs at the right time make a difference.
We’ve pulled together some of our favorite categories and song picks to help you build better playlists and keep your summer vibe locked in from brunch to last call, starting with some of the freshest additions making waves this summer.
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Table of Contents
Top Playlist Contenders for Summer 2025
1. “Our Time” – Afrojack, Martin Garrix, David Guetta & Amél
This one made a splash earlier this year and feels built for busy patios and late nights. Now that it’s released , expect it to dominate dance floors worldwide.
2. “Manchild” – Sabrina Carpenter
Already scored No. 1 in the US, UK, Canada, and more. Its mix of synth-pop and country makes it one of the catchiest songs you’ll hear this summer.
3. “Blessings” – Calvin Harris feat. Clementine Douglas
Bright, upbeat, and made for summer playlists, this house track is already climbing charts.
4. “Luther” – Kendrick Lamar & SZA
Held #1 on Billboard Hot 100 for 13 weeks and still highly relevant heading into summer.
5. “Tonight” – PinkPantheress
Riding strong momentum on TikTok and getting major media push.
6. “Fame Is a Gun” – Addison Rae
Characterized by Vogue and pop outlets as an early pop anthem of summer.
Chill Afternoons & Patio Lounging
Goal: Keep things light, familiar, and breezy to encourage longer stays. Avoid long intros or slow fade-outs. Pace matters more than you think.
Suggested Tracks:
- Electric Feel – MGMT
- Budapest – George Ezra
- Put It All on Me – Ed Sheeran feat. Ella Mai
- Island in the Sun – Weezer
- Sunroof – Nicky Youre & dazy
Summer Throwback Gold
Goal: Tap into nostalgia without sounding dated. Think “remember this?” not “ugh, this again.”
Suggested Tracks:
Tips:
- Rotate these in moderation – use throwbacks to punctuate, not dominate.
- Make sure they’re the radio edits. Summertime = family time in a lot of venues.
High-Energy Evenings
Goal: Boost tempo and keep the crowd feeling upbeat and engaged.
Suggested Tracks:
- Dance the Night – Dua Lipa
- One Kiss – Calvin Harris & Dua Lipa
- Where Are You Now – Lost Frequencies & Calum Scott
Tips:
- Increase BPM gradually as the night builds.
- Avoid jarring transitions.
Tropical & Global Flavor
Goal: Add texture and variety that makes your playlist feel fresh and vibrant. Much like throwbacks, Don’t overdo it. Use global as part of your broader vibe.
Suggested Tracks:
- “Bam Bam” – Camila Cabello ft. Ed Sheeran
- Despacito – Luis Fonsi ft. Daddy Yankee
- Toast – Original Koffee
Hidden Gems to Make Your Playlist Stand Out
Goal: Keep the experience fresh with fun upbeat songs they aren’t hearing everywhere else.
Suggested Tracks:
Tips:
- Mix 1–2 fresh or lesser-known tracks per hour.
- Track what gets noticed. If a song makes people stay a little longer (or comment on the vibe) it’s worth repeating. You’re not just setting a mood. You’re influencing behavior.
Build for Your Business, Not Just the Season
Anyone can throw on a summer playlist. The real opportunity is in knowing when to shift the vibe to extend customer stays, match foot traffic patterns, and reinforce the atmosphere your brand promises.
These are just a few ideas to get your summer playlist dialed in. It’s not everything, but it’s a solid start.
Need Help? We’ve Got You.
Control Play delivers professionally curated music and video playlists that evolve with your brand and your guests. Whether you’re looking for dayparted playlists, summer promotions, or a full vibe reset – we’ll do the work, so you don’t have to.
