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Thunderdome
Why ‘La Isla Bonita’ is the Greatest Summer Jam
Carefree imagery, uptempo beats, and wistfulness
Thunderdome is a Fanfare series where our writers good-naturedly debate some matter of pop culture and then leave it to the readers to decide. Read each post and vote at the bottom!
I eagerly jumped at the opportunity to join the Thunderdome challenge of arguing in favor of the best summer song. Surely something in my 134 Spotify playlists was up to the task.
“La Isla Bonita”! Perfect!
But for a couple weeks, I struggled to think of what to say. The argument of “Oh come on, just listen to it. Does it not scream summer?” doesn’t quite cut it.
I couldn’t start by waxing nostalgic about this song soundtracking past summers; I actually didn’t really listen to this one until a few months ago. (Don’t worry, pop lovers of older generations: many of her other songs have been in my rotation for years).
The song’s reminiscent lyrics and Latin-inspired sounds make it fitting for all future summers, however.
The narrator first sets the stage with, “Last night I dreamt of San Pedro,” referencing the fictional tropical island she had once visited. Her fond memories are filled with evocative imagery —…
