As the warm embrace of summer slowly fades and the first whispers of autumn begin to dance in the air, a bittersweet feeling lingers. Summer is a season of vibrancy, filled with long days, spontaneous adventures, and music that becomes the soundtrack to our memories. This year, as we say goodbye to the season of sun, we’re celebrating the women who have strummed their way into our hearts with their guitars and voices, crafting the perfect anthems for our summer days.
From country roots to indie influences, these women have created songs that resonate with the highs and lows of the season. As we pack away our swimsuits and reach for our cozy sweaters, let’s take a moment to savor the end of summer with the sounds of some standout women who have given us the perfect soundtrack to close out the season.
Lainey Wilson: “Watermelon Moonshine”
Lainey Wilson has become a force in country music with her unique blend of traditional and contemporary sounds. Her song “Watermelon Moonshine” is a standout track that perfectly captures the essence of summer nights. With its nostalgic lyrics and laid-back melody, it’s the kind of song that makes you want to sit on the porch with a cold drink, watching the fireflies dance.
The song’s lyrics transport listeners to a time when life was simpler, echoing the carefree days of youth spent under the warm glow of the moon. Wilson’s guitar work, coupled with her soulful voice, paints a picture of summer love and the fleeting beauty of the season. “Watermelon Moonshine” is a perfect way to reminisce about those summer moments that felt like they could last forever.
Kelsea Ballerini: “Love Me Like a Girl”
Kelsea Ballerini has always been known for her ability to blend pop sensibilities with country storytelling, and “Love Me Like a Girl” is no exception. With its catchy hooks and honest lyrics, the song became an anthem for those lazy summer days when self-love and empowerment took center stage.
Ballerini’s guitar playing on this track is subtle yet effective, creating a warm, inviting soundscape that complements the song’s message. It’s a tune that feels like a conversation with a close friend, full of empathy and understanding. As summer ends, “Love Me Like a Girl” reminds us to carry that sense of self-worth and confidence into the cooler months ahead.
Carly Pearce: “Next Girl”
Carly Pearce’s “Next Girl” is a powerful anthem that combines sharp lyrics with a driving guitar riff, making it a standout track for summer 2024. The song’s narrative is a cautionary tale wrapped in catchy melodies, warning the next girl about a charming but untrustworthy lover.
Pearce’s guitar playing adds an edge to the song, giving it a sense of urgency and raw emotion that resonates with anyone who’s had a summer fling that didn’t quite work out. “Next Girl” is a perfect track for those moments when you need a reminder of your own strength and resilience as the season changes.
Jordana Bryant: “New Friends”
Jordana Bryant, a rising star in the country music scene, brings youthful energy and sincerity to her music, and “New Friends” is a perfect example of this. With its upbeat tempo and infectious chorus, the song is about finding your tribe and embracing new beginnings—a particularly relevant theme as summer comes to a close.
Bryant’s guitar work is playful and full of life, mirroring the excitement of making new connections and the optimism it brings. “New Friends” is a celebration of the people who come into our lives, often unexpectedly, and make our summer adventures even more memorable. It’s the kind of song that makes you want to gather your friends for one last summer road trip before the season ends.
Amanda Anne Platt & The Honeycutters: “Pocket Song”
While not as widely known as some of the other artists on this list, Amanda Anne Platt & The Honeycutters have a way of crafting songs that resonate deeply with listeners. “Pocket Song,” the first single from their new album, “The Ones That Stay,” is a thoughtful, reflective track that feels like the perfect way to wind down the summer.
Platt’s guitar playing is understated but beautiful, creating a sound that feels both familiar and new. The song’s lyrics touch on themes of change, relationships, and the passage of time—perfect for those moments when you’re sitting by the campfire, watching the last embers of summer glow in the night. “Pocket Song” reminds us that even as the seasons change, the music and memories we carry with us remain.
Karley Scott Collins: “Heavenly”
Karley Scott Collins is another artist who brings a fresh perspective to the country music scene, blending metal, rock, and folk influences into her sound. “Heavenly” is a track that captures the ethereal beauty of summer with its dreamy melodies and introspective lyrics.
Collins’ guitar work on “Heavenly” is both intricate and emotive, creating a sonic landscape that feels almost otherworldly. The song is perfect for those quiet moments of reflection, whether you’re watching the sunrise after a long summer night or simply taking in the beauty of nature. As we transition from summer to autumn, “Heavenly” offers a sense of peace and acceptance, reminding us that every ending is also a new beginning.
Billie Jo Jones: “Right Now Kinda Girl”
Billie Jo Jones, a newcomer with a knack for reviving classic country sounds, delivers a summer anthem with “Right Now Kinda Girl.” The song is all about living in the moment, embracing spontaneity, and not worrying too much about what comes next—an ideal mindset for the summer season.
Jones’ guitar work is upbeat and lively, perfectly complementing the song’s carefree vibe. It’s a track that makes you want to dance barefoot in the grass or take a spontaneous road trip with no destination in mind. As we bid farewell to summer, “Right Now Kinda Girl” encourages us to hold on to that spirit of adventure and carry it with us into the fall.
Lianne La Havas: “Green and Gold”
Lianne La Havas’s “Green and Gold” is a beautiful starting point for our end-of-summer reflection. With its gentle guitar riffs and soulful vocals, this song captures the feeling of looking back on the past with a mix of fondness and understanding. Lianne’s lyrics, inspired by her personal journey of self-discovery, remind us of the growth and changes that come with time. As summer ends, it’s natural to reflect on how we’ve grown, what we’ve learned, and the experiences that have shaped us.
Amythyst Kiah: “Black Myself”
Amythyst Kiah’s “Black Myself” adds a powerful voice to this reflection. With its roots-driven sound and bold lyrics, this Grammy-nominated song speaks to resilience and identity. It’s a reminder that, just like summer, moments of joy and struggle coexist, and both are essential to our personal narratives. As we move into a new season, “Black Myself” encourages us to carry forward the strength we’ve cultivated, acknowledging the unshakable parts of ourselves.
Brittany Howard: “Big Sky”
As the days get shorter and the evenings cooler, Brittany Howard’s “Big Sky” offers the perfect soundtrack for those moments when the change in the air feels palpable. Brittany’s distinctive voice and emotive guitar work create an expansive and intimate sound. The song captures the essence of transition—moving from one chapter to the next, with all the uncertainty and excitement that entails. It’s a song that feels like a deep breath, grounding us in the present even as we look ahead.
Aida Victoria: “Vultures”
Adia Victoria’s “Vultures” continues this theme with its haunting bluesy sound. The song’s dark, moody atmosphere mirrors the shift from bright summer days to the more subdued, reflective fall tones. Adia’s music often explores themes of survival and resilience, making “Vultures” a fitting companion for this time of year, when we’re called to let go of what no longer serves us and prepare for the new challenges ahead.
Tina Turner: “Proud Mary”
Of course, no end-of-summer playlist would be complete without a celebration of the season that was. Tina Turner’s live performance of “Proud Mary” is a high-energy anthem that captures the joy and freedom of summer. While Tina is primarily known as a singer, her guitar work and stage presence during live performances of this track are legendary. “Proud Mary” is the perfect song to close out summer with a bang, celebrating the good times before they’re gone.
Melanie Faye: “Come Home”
Finally, Melanie Faye’s “Come Home” offers a mellow, dreamy sound ideal for those quiet moments when summer’s end feels like a gentle fade rather than a sharp cutoff. Melanie’s smooth guitar lines and soothing vocals create a soundscape that feels like a warm embrace, wrapping up the season with a sense of peace and contentment.
Honorable Mentions: Other Female Guitarists to Add to Your Playlist
While all the fantastic and talented women mentioned above have provided us with memorable tracks to close out the summer, there are a few more worth mentioning who have also captured the essence of the season in their music.
- Lindsay Ell: Known for her incredible guitar skills and powerful voice, Lindsay Ell’s song “Want Me Back” is a fierce, empowering anthem that’s perfect for anyone looking to end their summer on a high note.
- Maggie Rose: With her bluesy guitar work and soulful voice, Maggie Rose’s “What Are We Fighting For” offers a reflective look at relationships, making it a great addition to any end-of-summer playlist.
- Tenille Townes: Her song “The Last Time” is a beautifully written piece that explores the fleeting nature of life and love, a theme that resonates deeply as the summer draws to a close.
Closing Notes: Summer’s End, But the Music Lives On
As we say goodbye to another summer, it’s important to remember that the music we’ve enjoyed over the past few months doesn’t have to fade with the season. These songs have provided the perfect soundtrack for our summer adventures and offer us something to carry forward into the autumn months. They remind us that while the sun may be setting on summer, the music—and the memories it evokes—can keep the warmth alive in our hearts for a little while longer.
So, as you swap out your sandals for boots and start planning your fall activities, don’t forget to add these songs to your playlist. Let them be the bridge between the seasons, a reminder that every ending is also a new beginning and that the music we love will always guide us.