While there’s nothing quite like jumping into the cold and powerful spray of an open New York City fire hydrant on a hot summer’s day, the right song at the right time is almost as good for creating an instant attitude adjustment. Here’s a set of starter playlists for a daybreak-to-dark soundtrack featuring you and some of best new music around.

In the hammock

*“The Lazy Song” Bruno Mars

When Mars sings “Today I don’t feel like doing anything,” you have nothing but awe for his exquisite sloth.

*“Lotus Flower” Radiohead

Layered and dreamy rock.

*“Shake Me Down” Cage the Elephant
As the rockers surge from calm to storm, you might want to close your eyes but you won’t snooze.

*“I Do” Colbie Caillat

Cute CC is ready to take the plunge on this fast folk tune with a Jamaican lilt in the melody.

*“Boy’s Best Friend” the Postelles

NYC band works out its love/hate relationship with lipstick lesbians.

*“So Sail On” Flogging Molly

A swaying Irish ballad remembering a fallen pal.

Grillin’ at the bbq

*“Ven a Bailar” Jennifer Lopez (featuring Pitbull)

The party people of J.Lo’s “On the Floor” sound so much more fun in Spanish.

*“Ice Cream” Battles

A wheezy organ chugs its way to full steam on this bright, playful double scoop.

*“Country Girl (Shake It for Me)” Luke Bryan

If you don’t already, this song’ll help you understand the appeal of Daisy Duke cutoffs.

*“Howlin’ for You” the Black Keys

Reverbed guitars, big bass drums and lust are what make the Keys howl.

*“Stay Young, Go Dancing” Death Cab for Cutie

Simple fountain of youth formula set to an easy on the ear sing-song melody.

*“Sammy Davis Jr.” Movits

Soul, rap and a James Brown interlude power this tribute to the Rat Pack’s superstars.

At the beach

*“Party Rock Anthem” LMFAO (featuring Lauren Bennett and GoonRock)

As rejuvenating as cold beer on a sizzling day.

*“Let the Cowboy Rock” Ronnie Dunn

Even without Brooks, Dunn ignites a wicked, twanging boogie.

*“S&M” Rihanna (featuring Britney Spears)

Freaky and funky — and that’s just the singers.

*“Windows Are Rolled Down” Amos Lee

A chest thumping country-rock celebration of summer.

*“Pumped Up Kicks” Foster the People

A maddeningly catchy melody — complete with a whistled verse — comes off cool as an ocean breeze.

*“Don’t Turn Out the Lights” NKOTBSB

New Kids + Backstreet = more boy band bang for your buck.

Sunday morning brunch

*“Crazy Love” Michael Bublé

A soulful and simple take on this Van Morrison classic.

*“I’ll Never Fall in Love Again” Ronan Keating

Jazz singer elevates the standard with a gentle cha-cha beat.

*“Da Da Dam” Paradise Oskar

This breezy Finnish folk-pop track toasts Mother Nature.

*“Take the High Road” Blind Boys of Alabama (featuring the Oak Ridge Boys)

If going to church were half this fun, we’d be in the midst of another Great Awakening.

*“The Cave” Mumford & Sons

A tender story-song about strength found through adversity, candy-coated with a fine guitar jangle.

*“Hallelujah” Jake Shimabukuro

An unparalleled instrumental ukulele interpretation of Leonard Cohen’s much covered hymn.

Sunset sounds

*“I Found a Boy” Adele

The chart-topping Brit delivers the blues like a young Bonnie Raitt.

*“You and Tequila” Kenny Chesney & Grace Potter

Wonderful harmonies and real duet chemistry on this he said/she said ballad.

*“Down by the Water” the Decemberists

Lovely evening tune that pays tribute to the styles of both R.E.M. and Neil Young.

*“L.I.F.E.G.O.E.S.O.N.” Noah and the Whale

Survivor song with a strong vibe borrowed from the Kinks’ “Lola.”

*“Knee Deep” Zac Brown Band (featuring Jimmy Buffett)

Happy acoustic song about finding paradise with a six-pack and a deck chair.

*“What Is Love” Duncan Sheik

A slow, soothing acoustic cover of Howard Jones’ ’80s synth hit.

Road trip

*“Too Many Rappers” Beastie Boys (featuring Nas)

The B-Boys renew their license to ill on this homage to old school MCs.

*“Mr. Saxobeat” Alexandra Stan

Sexy Euro-pop vocals by Stan with plinky electronics and a very dirty sax solo.

*“Hear Me Now” Hollywood Undead

Fast LA punk-rap puts the pedal to metal.

*“Two Against One” Jack White

Ex-Stripe explores his deep paranoia with this sinister syncopated acoustic track.

*“The Ballad of Mona Lisa” Panic at the Disco

A moody power ballad that builds into an epic rocker.

*“(It) Feels So Good” Steven Tyler

From the hand claps to Tyler’s signature Aero-wails, this one lights the fuse on a summer firecracker.