Winter blues are gone, the spring semester is over, and now the summer fun starts! Here are some songs that would work with any playlist, whether they be for that long road trip or that 3 hour layover in a city that you've never been to before. Summer is about adventrues (as cliche as that is). These artists will use their music and words will allow you to get lost in their stories, the same way you get lost in a book.
1. Stars & Shards - Loyle Carner
Coming back with his groovy vibes, "Stars & Shards" from Loyle Carner's latest album, Yesterday's Gone, will be a great song for that weekend trip or just dancing around in your bedroom. Until you listen to the lyrics that is. Sure, it's not your typical fun in the sun kind of song, but Carner is a poet with his words; he creates structure and meaning in his songs. His whole album showcases different personal stories that are quite relatable. And that's what music is right? In addition to an amazing beat, the words create an imagery to leads to summer daydreams.
2. LOVE. FEAT. ZACACRI- Kendrick Lamar (DAMN. 2017)
Let me start off by saying that the whole entire album should be on your summer playlist because it's an absolute masterpiece. You have to listen to it in order though to understand the running story in all the songs. Not only do the songs mimic how one's emotions are in life from being in love to being overly prideful, but it shows how one learns and deals with their struggles. Lamar also repeats certain phrases throughout this album like "nobody's praying for me", which ties all the songs together. Just imagine an amazing 55 minute masterpiece and that's what you get with DAMN. But to go with the groovy mellow vibes I have going on with this faux playlist, I picked LOVE, one of the more mellow songs with an amazing chorus by Zacari.
3. Get You (feat. Kali Uchis)- Daniel Caesar
Dear Daniel Caesar, I need you to come out with a new single or preferably a new album, stat. For those of you who don't know Daniel Caesar, I highly recommend his album, Pilgram's Paradise. He should be applauded with his musical talents for creating an album with what seems like a boiling pot of multiple genres.; you have your r&b, your acapella, your ballad.
"Get You" is one of his most recent singles (in addition to "Japanese Denim") and it has such a funky beat to compliment the smoothness of Caesar's and Kali Uchis' vocals. It's going to be a song that you won't be able to get out of your head.
4. Adore- Amy Shark
Picture this: midnight drive with the windows rolled down, the cool summer breeze running through your hair, laughter, and starlights. This is the song that you need to have blasting in your car. The mellow vibes will be perfect to jam to as you sing the catch chorus with your girlfriends (or lover). Amy Shark has a very raw, but lovely, voice that draws the emotions that build the foundation of "Adore". Her lyrics show the desperation and feelings that come in falling in love or adore that someone. It's a relatable song that makes you look forward to having your summer love.
5. Put My Hands On You- DEAN & Anderson .Paak
Oldies, but forever a goodie. "Put My Hands On You was released in 2015 when Korean R&B singer, DEAN, collaborated with the one and only Anderson .Paak. Vocals, beats, tempo; everything is done at such a high standard of professionalism with these two artists. Let's just say that this is a great gateway song to discover more by DEAN and .Paak. This is definitely a great summer song with easy to remember lyrics that you'll be humming whenever you're feeling good.
Side note, but look at that cover art. I love great designs with great music; it's a cherry on top.
So cheers to you for completing this semester, and here's to your summer fun. Stay safe and be happy.
Cheers.
