By Nicole Horton
This summer provided listeners with an eclectic summer playlist. Whether you were enjoying these songs at the pool or beach, dancing at a party or listening to certain overplayed hits on the radio, it was definitely a memorable summer for music.
Top Song: “Fancy”—Iggy Azalea featuring Charli XCX
Even if you thought it was overplayed, there is no denying the staying power of “Fancy.” Newcomer Charli XCX serves as the perfect complement to Azalea with her smooth vocals. Iggy Azalea certainly showed that Nicki Minaj is not the only female force in hip-hop, as she was featured in other hits like “Black Widow” and “Problem” by Ariana Grande.
Dance Worthy Saxophone Instrumental: “Problem”—Ariana Grande, feat. Iggy Azalea and “Talk Dirty” by Jason Derulo feat. 2 Chainz
Grande shines on this ‘90s- esque R&B track, reminiscent of Mariah Carey. It is basically the female response to Jay Z’s hit “99 Problems.” Jason Derulo’s “Talk Dirty” is a fun, catchy song with an awesome beat, a common feature to Derulo’s music. Do not even bother listening to the 2 Chainz verse on the radio because with all of the bleeps it is like a dirty version of Mad Libs.
Party Songs: “Turn Down for What”—DJ Snake & Lil Jon and “Summer”—Calvin Harris
Harris continues his hot streak, following hits like “I Need Your Love” and Rihanna’s “We Found Love.” The song’s title is apt because it is light, whimsical and makes you want to dance. “Turn Down for What” did not debut this this summer or just prior, but it popped up again because it is an awesome club and party selection.
Slow Summer Jams: “All of Me”—John Legend and “Stay With Me”—Sam Smith
Legend’s ode to his new wife may have debuted last summer, but this soulful track shows him at his best. It remained popular this summer, and could often be heard as a dance remix on the radio. However, the original is far superior. Sam Smith’s single “Stay With Me,” from his debut album helped make him one of music’s most buzzed about newcomers. This crooning plead to a lover shows Smith’s sincerity and range.
Movie Hits: “Boom Clap”— Charli XCX and “Lost Stars”—Adam Levine
Charli XCX’s “Boom Clap” was a hit in the tearjerker The Fault in Our Stars, in which the track illustrates the allure of attraction. It is now a single on her new album that is debuting in October. Having her song featured in the movie, along with her verse on Iggy Azalea’s “Fancy,” has definitely generated hype for the album’s debut. Adam Levine had a supporting role in the movie Begin Again, in which he plays a singer who becomes famous. Levine has never sounded better with regard to vocals and raw emotions. His falsetto soars in the latter half of the song in a way that surprises even his fans.
Country Hits: Jake Owen’s— “Beachin’” and “Somethin’ Bad”—Carrie Underwood & Miranda Lambert
Owen’s track was No. 1 on Billboard’s Hot 100 Country Songs chart, and although the lyrics resort to summer cliches, it has an ideal laid-back country vibe for the summer. Meanwhile, “Somethin’ Bad” is a perfect showcase for vocal powerhouses Carrie Underwood and Miranda Lambert. There is a certain edge to it that can generate cross-genre appeal.
Throwback Hits: “Love Never Felt So Good”—Michael Jackson & Justin Timberlake and “She Came To Give It to You”—Usher featuring Nicki Minaj
Any Timberlake fan knows that Michael Jackson his musical idol. was Michael Jackson. This song was created posthumously, but it is classic Michael Jackson and an infectious throwback hit. Usher debuted “She Came to Give It to You” at this year’s VMA’s. His previous album Looking 4 Myself was very electronic based, and he changes it up again with this R&B/funk sound— this may be a better fit for him.
Honorable Mention: Beyoncé—“Partition”
Although Beyoncé’s surprise album debuted in 2013, this single gained popularity leading into the summer and was definitely a radio hit. Beyoncé’s music sales increased by 181 percent after being honored at the VMAs. She performed a montage of hits, including the sensual “Partition.”
Nicole Horton is the Culture Editor for The Fordham Ram.
