Every summer – typically in August – I retreat to paradise for two-and-a-half weeks. My paradise: The beautiful island of Maui, Hawaii! (more on that coming soon!!)

Before heading to the airport, I needed to perfect my summer playlist by adding in all of the season’s hottest new releases plus some tracks I’ve been sleeping on (my apologizes to Troye Sivan’s “My My My!” – I’ve underappreciated you for far too long.) Since I’m never one to hog the tunes, I’m back with another ‘finds & faves’ playlist! These songs will get you through your end-of-season trips and summer nights at home or out in the city.

I always say that I’m into music from every genre, but this playlist really proves it. There’s country, pop, electronic and more. I just like a good song! Luckily for you, there are 40 great songs here so plug in the aux cord, hit play and enjoy.

Find: “I See Love” – Jonas Blue & Joe Jonas

The Hotel Transylvania 3 soundtrack gifted us this cute summer-ready song by DJ/producer Jonas Blue and a fellow Jonas, Joe Jonas. This song immediately transported me to a sunny day on the beach – it’s kind of like a G-rated “Cake By The Ocean.” I definitely love it!

Fave: “Ain’t Gonna Die Tonight” – Macklemore feat. Eric Nally

After finally seeing Macklemore live last month, I can add testament to the fact that he has one of the highest-energy shows around. This song from his 2017 album ‘Gemini’ was a highlight of his set and it’s the perfect song to blast when you’re about to head out the door, especially in the morning. You can’t go wrong with the song’s message: There’s no killing this vibe, so to the haters and Negative Nancies, good-bye!

Find: “Girls Night Out” – Charli XCX

You already know Charli XCX is having a great summer opening for Taylor Swift on her mega-successful Reputation stadium tour alongside Camila Cabello – each show is basically a “Girls Night Out.” This song is designed to be the soundtrack for getting ready in front of the bedroom mirror and pulling up at the club (alternatively the more G-rated mall or movie theatre). Just remember the golden rule: “No boys, no boys.”

Fave: “That’s What I Like” – Bruno Mars

I feel like even if he doesn’t have a new single out, Bruno Mars is a summer staple. “That’s What I Like” never fails to put me in a good mood and is basically made for car sing-a-longs. (If it doesn’t get you in a groove, are you even human?!?) Sing it with me: “Lucky for you, that’s what I like, that’s what I like!”

Find: “UDK” – Olivia O’Brien

I’ve been a huge fan of Olivia O’Brien since the beginning, going back to her early social media days. While I’ve yet to have anything negative to say about her releases, her latest single “UDK” is the first that struck me as truly “Olivia.” It’s a sassy track about the all-too-common internet age scenario of people assuming the worst about you without having said a word to your face. As she sings, “You don’t even know me / So keep my name out of your mouth, please” – preach it, girl.

Fave: “Heartstrings” – Kolohe Kai

A playlist for a trip to Hawaii isn’t complete without a truly tropical track. I want to learn how to play the ukulele just to be able to cover this beautiful song! But in the meantime, I’ll just sway my hips into the sunset. 💃

Also, I need to give special mention to Calvin Harris’ new collaboration with Sam Smith, “Promises.” This song is everything and will be on repeat for weeks.

Like what you hear? Gush with me over on Twitter @angelamcleanx or leave a comment below!

Also, I’m not saying that this will be the last finds & faves playlist you see on this blog layout…but it might be. Maybe. Possibly. (It will.)

(Playlist Cover: Angela McLean)