Songs of the Summer 2017
Sun-soaked pools, blue skies, and tan lines—summer is the ideal time for kicking back and jamming out. I've blared these songs for most of the past several months, whether it be in the car at midnight or running through the neighborhood at noon. If you've been on the lookout for new summer jams, look no further. Here are my picks for the top 20 songs of the 2017 summer.
(They're all great and different, so there's no particular order)
Perfect Places - Lorde
Listen to it when: You feel like appreciating perfect pop (or want to spaz to the beat at a house party)
Lorde's been busy this summer. Between dropping her masterpiece sophomore album Melodrama and performing it around the globe, it's impressive she was able to release such a visually stunning video in the midst of it all. She croons "Now I can't stand to be alone / let's go to perfect places," in the explosive chorus, reflected visually in beautiful shots of the artist surrounded by stunning imagery in solitude. The album closer is (arguably) my favorite of the 11 tracks, and its video gets better with every play. [UPDATE: I'm still mad at the general public for sleeping on this gem and not making it a #1 smash.) Check it out below:
New Rules - Dua Lipa
Listen to it when: You need to get over the breakup
Dua's debut album has some incredible potential sewn into it, with many standout tracks to jam to (Last Dance, Be the One). The video for New Rules, meanwhile, is a perfect pairing for the sassy, beat-driven chorus. The colors are spot-on with the vibe, and her confident pool-walk is instantly iconic. With a remarkable tone of voice and knack for courageous song delivery, Dua Lipa is one you'll want to watch. My favorite part of this song? The drum ticks leading into the choral beat.
I Dare You - The xx
Listen to it when: You're taking a slow cruise in the breezy summer sun
This is a great music video. The xx really know what they're doing. What a perfect summer song.
It was hard to get these three thoughts out of my head while watching this music video. The dreamy vocals are hypnotic, and the production is so clean it could make Martha Stewart gasp. The heart in the lyrics are deftly executed in aesthetically pleasing visuals, and the sun-drenched melodies put it in summer kickback territory.
Thunder - Imagine Dragons
Listen to it when: You're feeling like a cold, neglected bowl of soup
If you've been paying attention to Imagine Dragons, you've likely noticed their unique way of alt-rock genre bending. "Thunder" is a great example of the effortless way the band evolves with each new album; when compared to their debut album Night Visions, their latest sonics show bold steps in new directions. It's joyfully hard to pin down a genre when songs such as "Believer" and "Dancing in the Dark" exist on the same album. The current single and easy album standout "Thunder" is a jubilant hymn for fans, and the triple bass drum beat in the chorus likely sounds spectacular in the stadiums they constantly sell out.
Bad at Love - Halsey
Listen to it when: You're so emotional you need a badass song to scream at the top of your lungs
The opening instrumentals of this track perfectly set the tone for this fiery declaration of love. She doesn't hold back for a second, confidently spitting out honest lyrics like "It's a guy that lives in the garden state / And he told me that we'd make it 'til we graduate / So I told him that the music would be worth the wait / But he wants me in the kitchen with a dinner plate," to a bold multilayered thump-beat. Halsey recently stated in an interview that, of all the songs in hopeless fountain kingdom, this one would probably best describe her current state of mind. She recently hinted at a possible single release run for "Bad at Love," so don't be surprised if you hear someone blaring this on the radio in the car next to you next week. In the meantime, check out the audio below:
Nights With You - MØ
Listen to it when: You want to ditch everything for a night out with your best friend
Karen Marie Aagaard Ørsted, known widely as MØ, has been churning out inventive alt-pop for years now. One of her latest cuts casts the Danish star in an upbeat light, running closely to her latest releases that contradict her earlier, sadder songs. She isn't, as one might originally assume, singing about a lover, but a close friend. This track is perfect for a late night, windows-down avenue drive with friends (much like her Elliphant collaboration "One More"). The chorus bounces so hard it feels like you're jumping on a trampoline, and I don't plan on hopping off any time soon.
Deadcrush - alt-J
Listen to it when: You're in a literal or metaphorical desert and need rejuvenation
The opening beat of "Deadcrush" hits hard and heavy, showcasing alt-J's ability to craft a song like a story. The opening instrumental leads into a sneaky vocal entrance that goes on to build in the addition of new sounds and instruments. Much like the recent "3WW," the song has a texture that can be difficult to describe—it shifts and slides in scenes and crescendos with cinematic ease. Existing somewhere between a smoldering desert heat and rainy Seattle street, "Deadcrush" is an easy summer listen.
Say My Name - Tove Styrke
Listen to it when: You're feeling extra confident and just wanna JAM
There's an argument that can be made in favor of Tove Styrke representing the cutting edge of modern pop. Her clear, easy voice fits perfectly with the boldly unique sounds that zigzag through her latest, "Say My Name." The video looks as it sounds—a colorful feast for the eyes the swells and contracts with a refreshing confidence. It's hard to be unaffected when Tove utters lyrics like "Say my name / Wear it out like a sweater that you love' / Cause I can't get enough when you / Say my name." This song is a perfect encapsulation of sweet summer bliss.
Feels - Calvin Harris feat. Pharrell Williams, Katy Perry & Big Sean
Listen to it when: You're not sure what to listen to
Calvin Harris constantly has hits on his hands, and it's no exception with this superstar collaboration. The funky beat stays fresh with Pharrell and Katy's smooth exchanges, making it a great way to ease into the pool this week. It easily doubles as a smart summer song and bonafide crowd pleaser, making it more or less a requirement to include it on the list. Check out the flamboyant frolic below:
love gang - Whethan feat. Charli XCX
Listen to it when: You feel like getting down to a sicc beat in one of the best collabs in recent memory
The opening synths boom so hard that there's no mistaking this track as anything less than what it is—a rebellious summer anthem begging to be blasted at a college party near you. Charli XCX has been building serious musical credit since her megahit "Boom Clap," and her recent works have continued to build her loyal following. Rightfully so. Chicago native Ethan Snoreck, known simply as Whethan, is an 18-year-old DJ known best for his fresh remixes. The pair team up for a radio-ready romp perfect for your more defiant summer spirit.
Praying - Kesha
Listen to it when: You're ready to pick yourself UP
Summer isn't immune to hardships, and there's no better song for overcoming this summer than Kesha's triumphant return to the pop pinnacle. Her vocals are otherworldly, especially when the song breaks into its final runs. It's at once vulnerable and strong, building on the raw power of Kesha's new sound. She has since released two great songs in Woman and Hymn, proving she's back and better than ever heading into her latest album, Rainbow, dropping on August 11.
Figures - Jessie Reyez
Listen to it when: You're just so done with today
This sleeper hit summer jam sneaked its way into the hearts of radio listeners across the US, and snatched a spot on this list for its simple hook beat and raw, honest lyrics. Reyez's voice is memorable, especially when laid so bare against the sparse instrumentals. Her curse word shriek hits all of the feels, and you can't help but empathize when vocals make an already good song great.
I Love You Always Forever - Betty Who (Cover)
Listen to it when: You're driving in the rain but want to feel like you're at the beach
Quite possibly holding the barest opening lines on this list, Betty Who's cover of Donna Lewis' 1996 classic "I Love You Always Forever" is a sharp song with summer written all over it. The aforementioned opening sees Betty Who's mesmerizing synth-laden vocals on full display. The crisp vocals pair incredibly well with the building momentum leading to the simply arresting chorus. The song's gleam is intoxicating, and has been a mainstay on my happier playlists.
Malibu - Miley Cyrus
Listen to it when: You're throwing a pool party and don't know what to play first
I had to. The strummed chorus is too catchy not to include, and the commercial success only adds to its case. Miley seems exceptionally refreshed this time around, and her new sound makes for a perfect summer pool hit. The chorus may be played down, but its strength shows when you find yourself subconsciously humming it five hours later on the way home. (It may be wildly unrelated, but I really want to fly a kite to this song.)
SHC - Foster the People
Listen to it when: You're in desperate need of an aesthetic chill vibe
Straight off their latest album, Sacred Hearts Club, the namesake single shows serious strength. It's easy to fall into the lush strings and misty vocals, making it a perfect song to listen to while laying in the sun. Their 2011 smash "Pumped Up Kicks" was great, but this is better. The album has many summer sets, such as the bright "Sit Next to Me" and confident "Pay the Man." Check out the psychedelic strum fest below:
Want You Back - HAIM
Listen to it when: You feel like shamelessly dancing down the street
Yeah, the music video is simply the trio of HAIM rhythmically strutting down an abandoned street, but it was done so well that I can't help but want to listen to this song any time I'm casually walking down a street midday. The track comes off their latest album, Something To Tell You, and is classic HAIM with a fresh new contagious fervor. The many echoes in the song are great for singing along with friends, and the bubbly explosion of the chorus is infectious.
Don't Take the Money - Bleachers
Listen to it when: You're feeling nostalgic but don't know why
Jack Antonoff has been hard at work. The talented musician once again breaks into his own on his solo efforts, but the successes of his work with Fun. and Lorde, among others, shine through in signature Bleachers style. I found myself listening to this when I needed a boost, and singing it 2x louder than is probably good for me never left me feeling disappointed.
Sorry Not Sorry - Demi Lovato
Listen to it when: You're needing a rhythmic pop earworm to work out to
Demi's return to the pop scene is, as expected, authoritative and, as expected, well-executed. The cheeky lyrics make for great fun, and although the sonic style may not be totally new for Lovato, the polish here is undeniable. Her vocals are impressive as always, and has fans (and likely the subject of the song) anxious for the release of more Demi.
Bad Liar - Selena Gomez
Listen to it when: You feelin ya bad self and wanna bop low key
Selena Gomez didn't even really write "Bad Liar" this year, which makes its fresh, new wave sound even more impressive. She's hit the sweet spot here with a vocal-production match made in heaven. The release of the throwback-aesthetic video exhibits her acting prowess, with a clever ending that kept me from skipping when it appeared in the queue. The sugary summer jam seems to contradict her most recent release, "Fetish," and may not look like anything on her upcoming album—she has said herself that the singles are each unique in respect to the next. Regardless of the direction her album takes, she's concocted a winner in this perfect video pair.
Don't Kill My Vibe - Sigrid
Listen to it when: You're feeling on top of the world
Sigrid seemed to be everywhere this summer. Between YouTube performances and colorful commercial spots, her exposure gained her rightful fans. Her talent is immediately noticeable, with a strong, memorably unique voice. Her confident vocals, from soft to scream, in "Don't Kill My Vibe" have a wild glow to them. The raspy build-up leading to the contagiously defiant chorus kept this song in my brain for weeks. Summer is about letting lose and having fun, and this jubilant standout makes for the perfect fit.
Well, there we have it! These are some of the songs I've been listening to while swimming, relaxing and traveling this summer. Check them out and feel free to let me know if you agree or disagree with the cuts, or if you'd like to see a more open "Best Summer Songs of All Time" type of list. In the meantime, pull out the flamingo floaty for a swim in the sun and groove without abandon.