Though high temperatures and sunny skies have been around for a while, and most, if not all, students are out of classes, technically the first day of summer is upon us. June 21 marks the summer solstice, and along with the new season, there’s also been a multitude of music releases lately. Here are 7 newer songs to enhance your 2018 summer playlist:
1. “New Light” by John Mayer
Mayer is no stranger to writing swoon-worthy tunes, but with this 2018 single, he opted for a funkier, groovier sound. The psychedelic song screams beach anthem, and is a definite for driving with your windows down. Alongside the top-notch song, Mayer released a music video that as outrageous as it is laughable, and People described the video as a “green screen dream.”
2. “The Way I Am” by Charlie Puth
Featured as a single on his new album Voicenotes, pop singer Puth ups his game with “The Way I Am.” The song opens with a catchy guitar riff that will instantly stick with you, and transforms into a pop song that’s destined to be one for the summer. “The Way I Am,” as well as the rest of Voicenotes, give a refreshing take on pop music. It’s catchy but not overdone. It’s a must for the summer.
3. “This Is America” by Childish Gambino
Donald Glover, otherwise known as Childish Gambino, released “This Is America” while he simultaneously hosted Saturday Night Live. Gambino also released the music video for the single the same day. The song and the video showcase the stark reality of what living in America is like for a black man, as well as American culture in general. In today’s political climate the song has sparked up an important conversation. Some teachers have even involved the song in the classroom. Despite it’s heavy undertones, “This Is America” is still a well-made song that should definitely be on your summer playlist.
4. “Lost In Japan” by Shawn Mendes
Mendes has grown tremendously throughout his music career. With his new album release, Shawn Mendes, any long-time listener can see that Mendes has grown into his sound and found his niche in music. “Lost In Japan” is catchy, yet groovy. Mendes chronicles a long-distance romance with an accompanying steady beat that carries the whole song. Along with Mendes’ smooth vocals, the song gets stuck in your head, and it’s one that you’ll not only have but want on replay all summer.
5. “Burn the House Down” by AJR
Finding major chart success with it’s single “Weak,” AJR have gained a major fan following and it seems it’ll only grow with it’s new music. The 2018 single “Burn the House Down” is catchy, up-beat and features an energetic horn arrangement throughout the song. Though it’s another song that touches on today’s political climate, it’s one you can dance and party to. It’s a must for the summer.
6. “Quarter Past Midnight” by Bastille
What screams summer more than spending the night having fun in the city and wishing tomorrow would never come? I don’t know exactly, but Bastille seems to hit the nail on the head with this one. “Quarter Past Midnight” is a song that slowly builds and pulls the listener in. It’s about being someone completely different in the night than who you are in the day. Digging deeper, the meaning of the song may be a bit depressing, but we’d all be lying if we said it wasn’t relatable.
7. “Psycho” by Post Malone (feat. Ty Dolla $ign)
Post Malone has taken the world by storm ever since his 2015 release “White Iverson.” Recently, the hip-hop artist released his second studio album, beerbongs & bentleys. The album features many hits, and it seems like “Psycho” has been no exception. The song is catchy, fun and almost anyone that listens to popular music will know of it. It’s perfect for parties or any event this summer.
ms660416@ohio.edu
