Every few months, we begin to tire of our existing playlistsā after repeatedly cycling through the same 100 or so songs, itās 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 youāre 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. āDAMN.ā is pretty much the most notable album thatās been released in 2017, and for good reason⦠itās amazing. Even if you havenāt been aware of it, itās almost inevitable that youāve at least heard āHUMBLEā or āDNAā on the radio or in a commercial, and itās about time that you give the whole album a listen.
2. Future
Future has released two albums in 2017, including his hit song āMask Offā (for those of you who arenāt good with titles- āpercocet, molly percocetā). The other songs that he has released in these albums are just as good, or better. āTestifyā and āSelfishā from āHNDRXXā should definitely be considered.
3. Travis Scott
Travis Scott is going on tour with Kendrick (and D.R.A.M.) this summer, so itās no surprise that people are clamoring to get to know his music better. His top hits according to Spotify include āAntidoteā, āpick up the phoneā, and āgoosebumpsā. If youāre trying to discover more of his music just for the sake of his setlist on the DAMN tour, I think itās pretty safe to assume that heāll be performing those three as well as a few other songs from his new album, āBirds In The Trap Sing McKnight.ā
4. GoldLink
His debut album āAt What Costā is available on Spotifyāhis narrative consists of and is inspired primarily by his experiences in Washington, DC. Of all the songs on the album, āHave You Seen That Girlā and āCrewā 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, āI See Youā got top reviews in England when it was released, and is only gaining more traction abroad. Their most famous song is āIntroā, another one of those songs that youāve probably heard and never bothered to Shazam.
6. Electric Guest
Many of their songs can be categorized primarily under āIndie Rockā, but their music spans a wide range of genres. They recently released a new album, āPluralā, but their earlier songs, such as āThis Head I Holdā and āHolidayā 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, āFeel It Stillā, āSo Americanā, and āPurple Yellow Red and Blueā to get a feel for their music; itās likely to draw you in.
8. Tom Odell
British and beautiful, a lot of Tom Odellās songs are love songs that youāll 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 youāre in.
9. MisterWives
Originally created as an 80ās cover band that made it big when they started writing their own music, MisterWives has a sound that showcases their singer Mandy Leeās amazing range and musical ability.
Their songs āReflectionsā andāOur Own Houseā, as well as their cover of āRiptideā 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 āLife Itselfā, āGooeyā, and āYouthā will do nothing but enhance any playlist theyāre on.
11. Imagine Dragons
Probably best known for their past hits such as āRadioactiveā and āI Bet My Lifeā, Imagine Dragons is getting ready to drop their new album āEvolveā on June 23rd. Theyāve released three singles ahead of this, and all of them (āWhatever It Takesā in particular), are worth a listen.
12. Arctic Monkeys
Their album āAMā was huge back in 2013, and included hits like āDo I Wanna Knowā, āArabellaā and āWhy Do You Only Call Me When Youāre High?ā. And, although they, unfortunately, havenāt released any new music recently, their hits from past albums like āSuck It And Seeā and āFavourite 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 70ās who were still releasing new music as of 2016 (after a brief split through most of the 80ās). Although their newer songs havenāt been as significant, their old hits such as āHotel Californiaā, āTake It To The Limitā, and āLife In The Fast Laneā has been described by Rolling Stone as ācountry-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 āUptown Girlā and āWe Didnāt 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 āScenes From An Italian Restaurantā, āThe Entertainerā, āSheās Always a Womanā, āMiami, 2017ā, and āHonestyā.
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 āSubway to Venusā, āIf You Have To Askā, āScar Tissueā, āPurple Stainā, āCabronā, āSnow (Hey Oh)ā, āThe Adventures of Rain Dance Maggieā, and āSick 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 āoldā sound, hereās to hoping that youāre able to expand your music taste this summer.



































