Sera Chalayan, a sophomore, selects “Cocaine (We’re All Going to Hell)” by Strata. Don’t be fooled by the song’s foreboding title. Though it tells the story of a drug overdose, “Cocaine” has a cadenced beat that you can’t help but jam to.

“This hypnotic song will keep you company through your darkest hour or your lightest mood,” Chalayan says.

Catchy is a new direction for the usually melodic San Jose band. Their unique brand of ballad rock that spotlights meaningful lyrics sets them apart from most alternative bands—especially with the new album, Strata Presents the End of the World, slated for release July 17th. If you like 30 Seconds to Mars, you’ll love Strata.

Catherine Hall, a junior, suggests Mat Kearney’s “Undeniable” because “it is mellow and relaxing yet catchy---a good song for summer after a long stressful semester.”

Often compared to Chris Martin of Coldplay, Kearney has a complete departure from his usual mellow, romantic sound. This song even includes Kearney rapping! It’s a good one for a trip down Pacific Coast Highway in a convertible.

Beth Hartnett, a sophomore, goes with the ever-popular “Beating Heart Baby” from Head Automatica. This pumping dance-rock hit is for fans of The Academy Is… and Cute Is What We Aim For.

“This underground band is infectious, as is the song,” says Hartnett. “You can play it ten times over and still find [lead singer] Daryl Palumbo's voice as irresistible as ever.”

Maci Peterson’s summer must-listen is “Pollen” by Mirah, from her 2000 release, “You Think It's Like This But Really It's Like This.”

“It's fresh and fun and anyone should enjoy it!” said Peterson, a sophomore.

This UK indie girl proclaims that she wants “love in the afternoon” with this light-hearted, swaying melody. Have it playing on your vintage transistor radio while you sit on a lawn chair and sip lemonade.

Straying away from his preferred power metal bands, Matt Morrison, a sophomore, goes with Samuel Barber's “Adagio for Strings Op. 11.” Why?

“Because even somebody who never listens to classical music can feel the amount of emotion in the sound of the music,” Morrison says. “It's simply beautiful.”

Chelsea Sellin, a senior, has decided on the almost-classic “It's Gonna Be (500 miles)” by The Proclaimers—a duo known for their late-80’s and early-90’s tunes.

“This Benny and Joon (1993) hit has everyone screaming at the top of their lungs,” Sellin said. “Perfect to spice up long summer trips in the car.”

Brittany Traufler, a sophomore, selects “Built to Last,” by Orange County locals, Melee. This song comes from their newest release, Devils and Angels.

“It’s a song about how love feels – powerful, warm, endless,” Traufler says. “It reminds me of summer nights under the stars.”

Anne Peyton’s ideal summer song is “Speeding Cars” by Imogen Heap. You might recognize the artist’s breathy and enchanting voice as the one from British electronica duo, Frou Frou.

"If you want a great song to fly at 80 miles per hour down a freeway overlooking the beach, I suggest you set your stereo to this song," says Peyton, a senior.

Jessica Kim, a senior, goes with the Arctic Monkeys' “I Bet You Look Good on the Dance Floor” because “it’s a great song to dance to while hitting up the bars and dance clubs this summer.”

Ever since the Arctic Monkeys exploded onto the British music scene a couple years ago, they have dominated the U.K. charts and air waves with their catchy hits. Although they have not reached that kind of success in the U.S., this band is loaded with talent.

Shannon Dillingham, a sophomore, goes with reggae great Bob Marley’s “Three Little Birds.”

“It's the perfect song to play with the car windows rolled down on those carefree summer days,” Dillingham says.

If you like Bob Marley (who doesn’t?), be sure to check out his son’s first solo album. On March 20, Stephen Marley released Mind Control , which debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard reggae album charts.