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15 Artists That Need To Be On Your Playlist This Summer

From Kendrick to MisterWives to Billy Joel — new releases, modern classics, and oldies.

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15 Artists That Need To Be On Your Playlist This Summer
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Every few months, we begin to tire of our existing playlists— after repeatedly cycling through the same 100 or so songs, it’s nice to expand and find new music to enjoy. With some great new music having been released recently, as well as the mandatory oldies that we should always appreciate, our options are endless.

So if you’re looking for some new music to reinvigorate a shabby playlist, here are 15 artists that you should consider adding to your Summer 2017 revamp:

1. Kendrick Lamar

You knew this was coming. ā€œDAMN.ā€ is pretty much the most notable album that’s been released in 2017, and for good reason… it’s amazing. Even if you haven’t been aware of it, it’s almost inevitable that you’ve at least heard ā€œHUMBLEā€ or ā€œDNAā€ on the radio or in a commercial, and it’s about time that you give the whole album a listen.

2. Future

Future has released two albums in 2017, including his hit song ā€œMask Offā€ (for those of you who aren’t good with titles- ā€œpercocet, molly percocetā€). The other songs that he has released in these albums are just as good, or better. ā€œTestifyā€ and ā€œSelfishā€ from ā€œHNDRXXā€ should definitely be considered.

3. Travis Scott

Travis Scott is going on tour with Kendrick (and D.R.A.M.) this summer, so it’s no surprise that people are clamoring to get to know his music better. His top hits according to Spotify include ā€œAntidoteā€, ā€œpick up the phoneā€, and ā€œgoosebumpsā€. If you’re trying to discover more of his music just for the sake of his setlist on the DAMN tour, I think it’s pretty safe to assume that he’ll be performing those three as well as a few other songs from his new album, ā€œBirds In The Trap Sing McKnight.ā€

4. GoldLink

His debut album ā€œAt What Costā€ is available on Spotify—his narrative consists of and is inspired primarily by his experiences in Washington, DC. Of all the songs on the album, ā€œHave You Seen That Girlā€ and ā€œCrewā€ should make it onto your queue at some point this summer.

For a more detailed piece on the album, there is an article that Pitchfork published that digs more into the specifics of his songs.

5. The XX

Their most recent album, ā€œI See Youā€ got top reviews in England when it was released, and is only gaining more traction abroad. Their most famous song is ā€œIntroā€, another one of those songs that you’ve probably heard and never bothered to Shazam.

6. Electric Guest

Many of their songs can be categorized primarily under ā€˜Indie Rock’, but their music spans a wide range of genres. They recently released a new album, ā€œPluralā€, but their earlier songs, such as ā€œThis Head I Holdā€ and ā€œHolidayā€ are guaranteed to get stuck in your head.

7. Portugal. The Man

By no means a newcomer to the field of modern rock, this Alaskan band has an iconic and original sound that is alluring to all its listeners. Just check out their top three songs, ā€œFeel It Stillā€, ā€œSo Americanā€, and ā€œPurple Yellow Red and Blueā€ to get a feel for their music; it’s likely to draw you in.

8. Tom Odell

British and beautiful, a lot of Tom Odell’s songs are love songs that you’ll want to belt in the shower. His indie/pop/rock music is guaranteed to make it onto your playlists, especially because his music seems to camouflage to fit any mood that you’re in.

9. MisterWives

Originally created as an 80’s cover band that made it big when they started writing their own music, MisterWives has a sound that showcases their singer Mandy Lee’s amazing range and musical ability.

Their songs ā€œReflectionsā€ andā€œOur Own Houseā€, as well as their cover of ā€œRiptideā€ are great at characterizing their style.

10. Glass Animals

Another indie rock band that has a very distinct style, songs by the Glass Animals are incredibly catchy in an unorthodox way. Their music emanates positive vibes and their popular songs ā€œLife Itselfā€, ā€œGooeyā€, and ā€œYouthā€ will do nothing but enhance any playlist they’re on.

11. Imagine Dragons

Probably best known for their past hits such as ā€œRadioactiveā€ and ā€œI Bet My Lifeā€, Imagine Dragons is getting ready to drop their new album ā€œEvolveā€ on June 23rd. They’ve released three singles ahead of this, and all of them (ā€œWhatever It Takesā€ in particular), are worth a listen.

12. Arctic Monkeys

Their album ā€œAMā€ was huge back in 2013, and included hits like ā€œDo I Wanna Knowā€, ā€œArabellaā€ and ā€œWhy Do You Only Call Me When You’re High?ā€. And, although they, unfortunately, haven’t released any new music recently, their hits from past albums like ā€œSuck It And Seeā€ and ā€œFavourite Worst Nightmareā€ are always great to look back on and explore.

13. Eagles

For those of you who are unfamiliar, the Eagles are a rock band from the 70’s who were still releasing new music as of 2016 (after a brief split through most of the 80’s). Although their newer songs haven’t been as significant, their old hits such as ā€œHotel Californiaā€, ā€œTake It To The Limitā€, and ā€œLife In The Fast Laneā€ has been described by Rolling Stone as ā€œcountry-tinged vocal harmonies with hard rock guitars and lyricsā€.

Their early albums are all available on Spotify and should be a priority for anyone looking to expand their knowledge of classic rock.

14. Billy Joel

Another artist that everyone knows, but whose vast music library may be intimidating to break into. The unfortunate reality of his music is that some of his top hits such as ā€œUptown Girlā€ and ā€œWe Didn’t Start The Fireā€ do a poor job of fully showcasing his true talent, and overlooks the brilliance that he puts into other songs.

For anyone who wants to better learn about his musical ability (and the range of sounds that he creates), my top five suggestions would be ā€œScenes From An Italian Restaurantā€, ā€œThe Entertainerā€, ā€œShe’s Always a Womanā€, ā€œMiami, 2017ā€, and ā€œHonestyā€.

15. Red Hot Chili Peppers

The Red Hot Chili Peppers (my personal favorite), have been releasing music since 1984, and have evolved in their sound from funk/hard rock ambiguity to what has recently been considered alternative rock. Since their music varies greatly even within albums, you have a wide range to choose from when trying out a few titles to listen to.

They have an incredibly unique sound that has stuck with them throughout their experimentation with different genres- some of their most illuminating songs (in order from oldest to most recent) would be ā€œSubway to Venusā€, ā€œIf You Have To Askā€, ā€œScar Tissueā€, ā€œPurple Stainā€, ā€œCabronā€, ā€œSnow (Hey Oh)ā€, ā€œThe Adventures of Rain Dance Maggieā€, and ā€œSick Loveā€.


Music has the incredible quality of standing the test of time and can be enjoyed from any era in the past or the future. So whether it is discovering new up and coming artists and watching their progression in the present or looking back on past artists and digging deeper into their albums for new ā€œoldā€ sound, here’s to hoping that you’re able to expand your music taste this summer.

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This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
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