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It is finally, finally summer. The best season, am I right? Summer means long days and even longer nights. It’s hanging out with friends and riding around with the windows down. Of course, music is needed to make these moments spectacular. Some of the best music comes out in the summer. Summer and music were made for each other, like ice cream and waffle cones.

Everyone needs their own summer playlist. Maybe you like that summertime melancholy, or maybe you like loud and upbeat music. Or maybe you want the best of both worlds. No matter your preference, the following 8 apps will insure that you have the best soundtrack to summer.

1. Pandora

With Pandora, you aren’t able to make actual playlist, but the music streamer is able to function as one. Type in your favorite artist or genre, and the app will create a station featuring the best music relating to that selection.

Costs: Free, Premium service available with additional fee.

Ads: Yes

Platforms: Android, iOS, web

2. CarTunes Music Player

This app uses the music on your phone. You can create playlists to listen to in the car or while working out and the best part is the easy controls. You can use gestures to start/stop the music, turn the volume up/down, and many other functions. This makes it easier for on-the-go use.

Costs: $4.99

Ads: No

Platforms: iOS

3. Rhapsody

This music site allows you to pick from millions of songs to create your own playlists. It has a clean interface and is easy to use. The best part is that it doesn’t use ads—even with the free version.

Costs: Free, more available with premium upgrade

Ads: No

Platforms: Android, iOS, web, others

4. iHeardRadio App

This app allows you to listen to your favorite radio station, no matter where you are. Or, you can pick a better station from hundreds around the country. The app also allows users to make their own stations, based on mood or customize from over 18 million songs.

Costs: Free

Ads: Yes

Platforms: Android, iOS, web, others

5. 8tracks

This app is available for nearly every platform imaginable, even Blackberry. Sidenote: my grandma now just tried to turn in an exceptionally old and clunky Blackberry in for an HTC. She’s so cute. But this app allows you to make your playlists or listen the others made by users. These are meant to be mixtapes, though, of course. They have mixtapes for waking up in the morning, in any mood imaginable, to riding your bike to work to getting ready for bed. You can also share your finds with Tubmblr, with is awesome, because Tubmlr.

Costs: Free

Ads: Yes

Platforms: Android, iOS, SO MANY MORE

6. Songza

This app functions like a musical concierge. You tell it what you are feeling and some of your favorite kinds of music and it gives you playlists to suit your preferences. The playlists are made by DJs and other industry professionals, so you know that they are featuring the best music out there.

Costs: Free

Ads: No

Platforms: Android, iOS, web

7. Spotify

The day I discovered Spotify is likely the best day of my life, and that is only a slight hyperbole. Spotify has many, many songs available and allows users to make these songs into all kinds of different playlists. They even had Tessa Violet’s new album, which you must check out. They also started a new thing where they have EVEN MORE playlists, including ones for coffee shops, ones for various different countries, and my favorite “Feel Good Indie Music”, among others. Spotify is my go-to app for all music needs.

Costs: Free, upcharge for premium (savings available for students)

Ads: Yes

Platforms: Android, iOS, web

8. Soundwave

This app tracks your preferences from other apps, including many of the ones listed here. It combines these findings to make a personal selection for you. The app allows you to find others who share similar tastes, allowing you to discover more music, both new and new to you.

Costs: Free

Ads: No

Platforms: Android, iOS

These apps are a great way to get started on your summer music listening. Like Shakespeare said. “if music be the food of love, play on.” Now excuse, I have to finish cultivating my new Iggy Azalea playlist.

We want to know your favorite music apps! Share with me @ana_berkovich and tag #UChic to share favorites or leave us a comment below.