Summer Playlist 2025

There is something about summer that just screams old school rock n’ roll. I’ve always said that if I could be in my early 20s in the 60s or 70s I’m not sure I would have made it out alive. Haha. I might have had a little too much fun. ;)

I always tend to revert back to this genre and period of music in the summer. It screams roll the windows down and turn the volume up. I don’t drink beer, but listening to these songs makes me feel like that’s the final step in this musical puzzle. Instead, I just turn to tequila. ;)

I’m so excited to share with you my Spotify Summer Playlist. I promise you, it’s a good one. So go find a long, windy road, take a listen and enjoy the solitude of music and nature.

FORTUNATE SON - CREEDENCE CLEARWATER REVIVAL

The moment I first hear those first chords it immediately makes me think of Forest Gump. My first CD ever was that soundtrack and I thought I had hit the jackpot as my first CD was a DOUBLE! The things you get excited about when you’re a kid.

What I think it interesting about this video is they finally made the “official” music video for it only 6 years ago. They were able to merge an anti-war song with a current vibe of today.

FREE BIRD - LYNYRD SKYNYRD

Can any song be any more southern rock n’ roll? The idea of loving someone and not wanting to hurt them, yet wanting to still see the world.

But if I stay here with you, girl

Things just couldn’t be the same

Cause I’m as free as a bird now

And this bird you cannot change

I know why this song is one of my top favorite songs. I live for guitar jam outs and I’m not sure there is a better guitar moment than during this song. It ramps up and just keeps going, then throw in the drums for their moment and it’s this beautiful mash up of notes. What’s also interesting about this song is only the first half has vocals, the second part is only instrument “performances”. Gosh, what I wouldn’t have given to be able to see this played live by them. I do play a pretty epic air guitar but it doesn’t compete.

What’s sad is just a few months after this concert they will lose their main vocalist, Ronnie Van Zant and 2 other members of the band in a plane crash. (Thank you Dad for always informing me of important music knowledge.) It could have been the end of Lynyrd Skynyrd but years later his younger brother took the lead of the band and we’re still able to enjoy them today for concerts.

WHOLE LOTTA LOVE - LED ZEPPELIN

Listen, I’m definitely no music writer. So sometimes I might just say, I like it, period the end. Haha. So there you have it.

Of course you can’t talk about Led Zeppelin without talking about Robert Plant, the main singer. But my favorite member of the band is Jimmy Page on guitar. Of course he was in the band The Yardbirds before Led Zeppelin with another person on this playlist. He is wildly known as one of the best guitarists.

BLACK BETTY - RAM JAM

You’re nodding your head to this beat. Right? I don’t think there’s any way you couldn’t be.

BLUE SIDE OF THE MOUNTAIN - THE STEELDRIVERS

Of course give me any song with Chris Stapleton singing and I’m sure to love it. This gives the more country rock and roll feel and I’m here for it.

BLUE ON BLACK - KENNY WAYNE SHEPHERD

Then we’re in on the 90s rock and roll with a bit of grunge. As much as I don’t love wearing blue and black together, this version of blue and black works perfectly.

I’D LOVE TO CHANGE THE WORLD - TEN YEARS AFTER

Other than the lyrics that obviously say so much. My favorite aspect of this song is the switching between the fast and slow tempos. I think it helps move you through the song nicely.

COCAINE - ERIC CLAPTON

I feel like I’ve made my Dad really proud with this playlist. You see, I know that Eric Clapton was in a band called the Yardbirds with Jimmy Page, you know, the guitarist from Led Zeppelin because of my Dad. All because “these things you need to know”. Want to know another “must know” fact about Eric Clapton? He’s the only person to be inducted in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame 3 times! Once for the Yardbirds, then Cream, then as a solo artist. Question is, will he ever be inducted for a 4th time for Derek and the Dominos? See Dad, I actually do listen…at times.

HARD TO HANDLE - THE BLACK CROWES

It takes guts to put your spin on another artist’s song, let alone a song originally written and performed by Otis Redding. However, The Black Crowes did such a great job with their version and I bet many people would think they were the original artist.

NIGHT MOVES - BOB SEGER & THE SILVER BULLET BAND

Oh the young summer feels, carefree and not a worry in the world.

DO YOU FEEL LIKE WE DO - PETER FRAMPTON

A song that just keeps going and giving more and more. The way he gets his guitar to talk, I know I’ve talked about it before, but I’m OBSESSED. I’ve never heard a sound like that before or after this song. It would come to no surprise at this point after seeing my prior choices, any song with a long guitar solo is probably my jam.

Ooh La La - Faces

Doesn’t this song just sound happy? Another fact you didn’t know you needed. Rod Stewart is the main singer and Ronnie Wood, guitarist of The Rolling Stones is also in this band. It’s fun to see the journey of where artists began.

USE ME - BILL WITHERS

Is there such a genre called, soul blues rock n roll? If not, they should create one, this song definitely blends all of that.

THE WEIGHT - THE BAND

I don’t know if they ever had another big hit like this song, but it’s one that definitely is still leaving its mark.

THE WELL - MARCUS KING

And coming in to current times, we have Marcus King. An artist who is so genuine in himself personally and with his sounds. I’m very bummed that he’s not performing anywhere close to me. However, I often check to see if he’s added dates to his tour. He just released a single ‘Honky Tonk Hell’ that’s also worth a listen.

Thanks so much for reading!

Tucker