Schools Out, Scream and Shout!

By Imaginary Gardens Staff, Introduction by Addison Chrivia, Editor

Spring semester has sadly come to an end, but do not mourn; instead, celebrate and embrace Summer! School is out, and Imaginary Gardens has compiled their favorite songs that capture those summer break vibes. Blast this playlist at your backyard barbecue, or by the pool while you float on the cool water. Enjoy this eclectic and upbeat mix while you scream and shout your summer away!

Addison Chrivia, Editor

“You Know It” Colony House

This light indie-rock song has the perfect chill and upbeat vibes for summer! The singer is leaving, but assures the listener that they’ll be back soon in their guitar-heavy chorus. School has ended, and everyone is going on their own adventures for the Summer! Imaginary Gardens is coming to a close for the semester, but don’t worry, we’ll be back before you know it!

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Anna Matsen Cantrell, Faculty Advisor

“Catchy Song” Dillon Francis, T-Pain, That Girl Lay Lay

In my mind, summer is a great time for upbeat, danceable, party music – preferably with some iconic element that makes it earworm-worthy. The aptly titled “Catchy Song” from The Lego Movie 2: The Second Part is iconic in part due to its perfect use within the toy movie’s performatively apocalyptic setting. This pop bop is so unabashedly happy that Lucy fears it must be a villainous ploy, while Emmet is coached by a “Master Breaker” to believe that the music will brainwash his friends into deserting him. But its bright lyrics, bouncing bass, and shameless sparkle ultimately play up the lesson that hope, like the Systar-System, is not the enemy. As we finish this semester in a real world that can feel dystopian to so many, it’s important to remember that joy isn’t cringe – in the face of demoralizing circumstances, choosing joy is a force for unity and a tool of resilience. … May everyone have a positively resilient summer!

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Em Powell, Graphic Design Intern

“Excitement” Trippie Redd, PARTYNEXTDOOR

This may not have the upbeat sound that summer songs usually have, but this song holds strong memories for me of spending time with my friend Cayla during the summer. We would play this and many other songs like this, while going on drives well over the speed limit, or at the skatepark, busting our butts off our boards, or just chilling while Cayla smoked and vented about the world. We unfortunately haven’t seen each other in a few years, due to getting older and busier with time, but every time this song gets played, I am transported back to those summers.

Jacqueline Ayala, Editor

“California – Tchad Blake Remix” Phantom Planet, Tchad Blake

“Welcome to the O.C., b****!” — The iconic teen drama, The O.C., played religiously in my sister’s and my room over the years, and every summer it’s the best 2000s show to rewatch! A part of the reason is the intro song, one of my favorites out of any shows I watched as a teenager. The nostalgia of the theme song takes me back to the beach and watching sunsets, the best way to picture summer. Picture this: driving down the roads of Orange County, California, with the windows down and blasting the song. Have I ever been to Orange County? Nope! But … “California, here we come.”

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David Lavrinovich, Alumni Editor

“Right Back!” KARLEE GIRL

Karlee is a Japanese-Korean-American artist from Honolulu who transformed a popular slang phrase from her home state into a catchy summer bop. She spoke about how growing up in Hawaii, the proper response to anyone talking about their struggles was to say “right back, right back.” The optimistic phrase is an encouragement to the listener that they will bounce back from whatever hardship they have had. Karlee used this simple regional lingo to create an energetic pop and R&B ballad that’s pure sunshine, and will have everyone cruising on good vibes all summer break long!

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Heather Schroeder, Faculty Advisor

“Cactus Tree” by Hailey Tuck

For me, this song hits summer present with a generous dose of summer past. Hailey Tuck covers the Joni Mitchell classic, subtly remaking it into a mellower journey through the lyrics. Tuck doesn’t attempt to hit the full range of high notes, as Mitchell could in her heyday, but the song holds up under this jazzy rendition. It works its magic, though, because I’m transported to 1989, the summer of lazy days and endless possibilities, when Mitchell’s version of the song was played on repeat from a cassette tape that was rewound hundreds of times. 

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Ruby Caver, Graphic Design Intern

“Boogie Wonderland” by Earth, Wind & Fire 

Often when I roller skate, I listen to House or 70’s music. Disco music always puts me in a good mood, which is how we all should feel during summer break. So have a good one and maybe even shake your booty a lil bit.

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Evie Hawkey

“We’re Not Gonna Take It!” By Twisted Sister

Not only was this a subject in my English 1020 class, but it also has that unruly sound that defines this 80’s glam rock anthem. Summer is a time to be wet and wild, go crazy, and have fun. And do it chaotically! (Just…make sure you don’t throw your dad out the window like in the music video.)

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Carlie Abbott, Editor

“Just A Girl” by No Doubt

Picking the song to blast in the car after driving away from campus after your last final is a very important decision, but I’ve already picked mine for the end of this semester! This song encapsulates the perfect amount of scream and shout, making it such a great pick for speeding off into the sun to rest and regroup. There is something special embedded in this song that’s quite hard to put into words, but the anger, the tension, and the release found in the dancey energy keep this song on replay all summer long! 

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Draven Copeland, Managing Editor

“Midwest Indigo” by Twenty One Pilots

Although I was skeptical about this song the first time I heard it – as a huge Twenty One Pilots fan since middle school, I’m hyper-critical of all their newer stuff – this song is perfect for a windows-down drive on a sunny day. The lighthearted production and summer vibes match perfectly with the feeling of freedom the final day of the semester brings, and it’s a great track to bump at pool parties or trips with friends!

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Emma G. Harrison, Editor-in-Chief

“Islands In the Stream ” by Dolly Parton and Kenny Rogers 

Originally written by Barry, Robin, and Maurice Gibb of the Bee Gees, “Islands In the Stream” is such a classically iconic summer song. It holds a lot of sentimental value to me as it was one of my Aunt Emy’s favorite songs throughout her childhood. She passed away, around two years ago, but every time I listen to this song, I am taken back to summer road trips with her and my cousin singing to Dolly at the top of our lungs. Music is so powerful, and I am so blessed to have such cherished memories connected to such a special song.

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