By Fiona Moriarty-McLaughlin
Like grabbing sunscreen and a bathing suit to hit the beach, summer jams are essential. What’s summer without music? You would have nothing to dance to, work out to or listen to while you’re on your way to your summer internship, babysitting the kid next door or catching some rays.
1. “Young Dumb & Broke” -Khalid
Khalid’s debut album American Teen served as the soundtrack of the summer, an especially impressive fact given his young age of 19. Teens and adults alike identified and relished in his song celebrating the “young dumb broke high school kid,” earning him an MTV Video Music Award for Best New Artist.
2. “Feels” -Calvin Harris ft. Pharrell Williams, Katy Perry & Big Sean
It was a big year for Calvin Harris. Despite Taylor Swift dedicating an entire break-up fiasco track to him, Harris was still able to make it on the charts with his new album Funk Wav Bounces Vol.1. The song imparts serious tropical island vibes. With the additions of Katy Perry, Pharrell Williams and Big Sean, it is pretty unbeatable. Do not be afraid to catch feels and listen.
3. “Malibu” -Miley Cyrus
Miley comes back in an entirely unexpected way, returning to the epitome of country, brunette Miley similar to her beginnings as Hannah Montana. She successfully gives everyone across the world a taste of a salty, sunny California summer with this comeback hit which chronicles her relationship with boyfriend Liam Hemsworth.
4. “HUMBLE.” -Kendrick Lamar
He remembers “syrup sandwiches and crime allowances,” but that is not all. Kendrick takes listeners back in time to his childhood growing up in Compton, CA. He flashes forward to the present preaching that people should be grateful for what they have. It is a simple but powerful message. Appreciate life. Appreciate love. Appreciate Kendrick.
5. “I’m the One” -DJ Khaled ft. Lil Wayne, Chance The Rapper, Quavo & Justin Bieber
This feel good beat is an immediate remedy to reverse anyone’s bad mood. DJ Khaled hits the spot once again with the track, which features a multitude of artists including Lil Wayne, Chance The Rapper, Quavo and of course, Justin Bieber. The combination of the four gives the track a unique accent and overall energy that made the song a summer party staple.
6. “Sign of the Times” -Harry Styles
With One Direction splitting up once and for all, Harry decided to follow in the footsteps of former band mates Zayn Malik and Niall Horan with his self-titled solo album. Despite Harry’s dashing smile and cute British flair, this track has a surprisingly dark meaning—a mother dying after childbirth. Thanks for that, Harry.
7. “Despacito” -Luis Fonsi ft. Daddy Yankee & Justin Bieber
With its catchy beat and Spanish origins, Fonsi casts a wide net for his audience with the addition of Justin Bieber to the second version of the song. With multiple remixes, this song was definitely the go-to “dance like nobody’s watching” hit of the summer.
8. “Boys” -Charli XCX
Joe Jonas in a robe eating pancakes? Cameron Dallas shirtless with a chainsaw? Riz Ahmed in a pink polo holding a teddy bear? Yes, please. Not only is the music video over-the-top awesome sauce, but the song is as well. Charli XCX follows up her 2014 song of the summer contender “Boom Clap” with another home with this gobsmacking hit single.
9. “Unforgettable” -French Montana ft. Swae Lee
Not only is this song unforgettable, but the album artwork is as well. In a recent Instagram post, French Montana spilled about the underlying meaning of the track, explaining that he came from Morocco, Africa to the South Bronx. He recounted his mother’s hard work to take care of his family, inspiring others to believe in their potential despite the odds.
10. “What Lovers Do” -Maroon 5 ft. SZA
Maroon 5 is back and better than ever. With a new sound and eclectic twist, the combination of Adam Levine featuring SZA is spot on. The song outlines a typical relationship between two lovers—mixed messages, conflicting feelings and resolutions.
Overall, this summer was a mixed bag of trends. From breakout artists to fresh and fun collaborations to the comeback of old favorites, the songs of summer 2017 are sure to be blasting from headphones and radios far after the leaves begin to fall.
