This playlist feels like summer when you were young enough to believe it would never end. It’s late-night drives with the windows down, empty roads, and nowhere to be. It’s the freedom that came with the last day of school, the restlessness of wanting more, and the nostalgia that only seems to get stronger with time.
Press play on those summer vibes by listening to our newest Spire on Spotify Playlist called Vol. 66: To Be Young. It’s a mix for cruising with the windows down while the sun sets.
Alex, what is the name of your album?
The playlist is called To Be Young because every song captures a piece of what it felt like to be young: the freedom of summer break, the restlessness of wanting more, the optimism of endless possibilities, and the bittersweet nostalgia that only makes sense looking back. It’s less about a specific age and more about a feeling — the friendships, the uncertainty, and the moments that seemed ordinary at the time but somehow became the unforgettable memories.
How would you describe this mix?
To Be Young is a collection of laid-back and nostalgic tracks that feel like summer in motion. It’s the soundtrack to golden-hour sunsets, empty parking lots, and conversations that last longer than they should. Some tracks have youthful angst woven throughout, but the list is balanced by a sense of freedom, possibility, and ease. These are songs that may feel familiar even if you’ve never heard them before — warm, reflective, and best enjoyed when life slows down for a while.
“So, tell me what you’re dreaming about.”
– “I want” by Mk.gee
What was your inspiration behind it?
The inspiration behind To Be Young came from a feeling more than just choosing a genre. It’s rooted in my memories of summer break, staying out late, and driving with the windows down while my favorite songs played. These songs capture the nostalgia, the restless energy, and the simple joy of being present in a moment that, years later, I wish I could revisit just one more time.
What is your favorite song, and why?
A few on here compete for that spot, but I’m going to have to go by the numbers. Spotify says I’ve listened to “I Want” by Mk.gee the most on here. I think it’s because he captured the 80s vibe so well; the song feels like it belongs right beside “Every Breath You Take,” by The Police, “In the Air Tonight” by Phil Collins, and U2’s “With Or Without You.” I have grown to appreciate that genre of music lately.
If your playlist was a brand, what would it be and why?
Blockbuster! In its heyday, Blockbuster was the place to be in the summer. Movie and video game rentals, along with the snacks that came with them, brought family and friends together for a good time at home. Today, we can only look back on those moments and smile. That’s the feeling this playlist aims to capture — not through sadness or longing, but through a celebration of the fact that we were lucky enough to experience it in the first place.
“And maybe then, we’d remember to slow down.”
– “All I Wanted” by Paramore
Any specific memory that comes to mind when you listen?
The artwork for this playlist is a great visual reference: an El Camino parked on a hill above city lights, with a starry night sky overhead. I’ve talked before about how late-night drives shaped our song collections, and this image captures the mood. Music, staying up late, cruising around, and feeling free from responsibility — truly the perfect recipe for a teenage summer break.
What makes your playlist unique?
What makes To Be Young unique is that it isn’t trying to recreate the past, it’s trying to recreate the feeling. Rather than focusing on a specific genre, era, or trend, the playlist is built around a shared experience: long summer days, close friendships, and the freedom that came with having nowhere to be. Each song was chosen for its ability to evoke a memory, a mood, or a moment that feels both personal and universal. It’s a time capsule for anyone who still has a soft spot for the past.
Thanks for that cool mix, Alex. Stay connected to the Spire Blog and Spotify channel for our next agency playlist.
Alex Flores is a Senior Designer at Spire, and an Ad 2 Dallas “32 Under 32” award recipient.
