Nothing says summer’s here like a song that you listen to over and over, and every time you think about this song, it immediately transports you back to that time and place and you can’t help but smile. That’s what a song of the summer is to me. It’s the soundtrack that you and your friends listen to on repeat, whether you’re getting ready, on the way to meet your friends/destination and the music you listen to when you’re all together.
In a way, this song and/or songs, is/are the music of your friendship and it says everything without having to say anything at all. Enough with the mushy stuff – here’s a compilation of songs that I feel fit for the summer, as well as some that we’re brought to my attention by friends.
“Bad Liar” – Selena Gomez
My first thought of this song was ok, maybe this can grow on me because the beat of the song is pretty catchy. I can imagine myself lying by a pool, catching some sun with a cold drink in my hand. Or I can even fantasize about tossing a beachball back and forth in the pool, but that’s exactly what this song is – a fantasy. After I watched the video, which didn’t really help sell me on the song, I’m, left with mixed emotions.
The video starts off promising with Selena Gomez riding her bike to school, and it immediately takes me back to her Disney days on Wizards of Waverly Place. I’m pretty sure she’s trying to leave those little girl days in the past, and this latest stint doesn’t help her “growing up” campaign.
As the video progresses, Gomez is painted as an outcast, harboring a crush on… her teacher? Scratch that. I think it’s a crush on the Farrah Fawcett, circa Charlie’s Angels, look-alike, who’s having an affair with the teacher/father character. This all too quickly reminds me of the Progressive Insurance commercial where Flo plays her entire family.
The video finishes by Gomez arriving at home to her parents having dinner, played by Gomez again, and come to find out, it’s her “dad” that also has a crush on her crush…?
My advice – listen to the song first and fall in love with it that way, and then watch the music video. Also to be fair, I do think Selena Gomez is making a strong case for a song of the summer – even considering “It Ain’t Me” with Kygo.
“Malibu” – Miley Cyrus
Ironically, or not, the “up next” song on YouTube is “Malibu” by Miley Cyrus and a song that’s a strong contender for the Song of the Summer.
I’ve never been a huge fan of Miley Cyrus – I wasn’t into the whole wild child act, but if you can get past that and give this song a chance, I think it’ll grow on you just like it did for me.
Every time I listen to this song, I just want to sway my head back and forth. I know Cyrus does some weird jump-around-dance in the video, but I can honestly say it makes me want to bounce around like that. It makes me happy that she’s happy and I just want everyone to be happy. It’s a perfect song to roll down the windows to and drive, or hang out by the pool.
I also found this video from Billboard of Cyrus explaining the lyrics of the song and how she recorded it. She still might be a little weird, but I think I can give her a second chance and “Malibu” definitely helps her cause.
Changing beats a little bit and genres for sure – when we go from one artist to five, you know it’s definitely some sort of hip hop track.
“I’m the One” (suggested by Alex and hated by Meaghan) makes a strong case for being on the summer soundtrack, but maybe not thee song of the summer. I feel like it’s one you might play when things are starting to get snoozy at the party and you need to get everyone tipping back again.
I don’t feel like there’s much to say about this one, other than it’s the typical hip hop song with 20 different collabs and the video incorporates some scantily clad women at a pool party. Some may love it, some may hate it and others make their S.O.’s turn it when the song hits the speakers.
“Swalla” – Jason Derulo feat. Nicki Minaj & Ty Dolla $ign
While we’re talking about gangsta rap, give this one a try if you’re looking for more like “I’m the One” and wanting to take it up one more notch on the (dirty) scale. Good news, Jason Derulo has stopped singing his name and exchanged that for singing about “gyals” swalla-la-la-ing.
Here’s a list of songs I feel summer soundtrack worthy:
Of course you need to have the typical Las Vegas pool party themed songs.
“Stay” – Zedd, Alessia Cara
“Stay” is a catchy collaboration between EDM artist Zedd and Alessia Cara. Sure, it might sound like every other dance song, but it gets the hips swaying and party going. Coincidence most of the songs released/popular during the summer are about love?
“In the Name of Love” – Martin Garrix & Bebe Rexha
Can you believe Martin Garrix just turned 21 and has been spinning the tracks since he was 16 years old? Anyways…
“Believer” – Imagine Dragons
Give “Believer” a try especially if you’re looking to add a little more rock/alternative variety to your summer.
“Crying in the Club” – Camila Cabello
I’m putting “Crying in the Club” last because I’m still not sure how I feel about it. It’s almost like it’s two separate songs. If I could, I would start it around the 1:45 mark and let it play.
Although I’m content with these songs on my playlist, the quest is never ending for the song of the summer.
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