I have to admit this, even though the critical hipster in me is probably dying on the inside -- summer has delivered many amazing mainstream Top 40 songs. No matter your taste in music, these past few weeks have delivered some successful jams that have become the soundtrack of your life. But, there is always the fear of Top 40 radio overplaying these certain songs, thereby ruining the magic of these songs for everyone. To prepare yourselves for this inevitable reality, here is a lesser-known alternative to each song currently in the iTunes Top 5, by yours truly.
1. If you love The Chainsmokers’ “Closer” -- Blondfire, “Where The Kids Are”
Both “Closer” and “Where The Kids Are” are perfect songs for a friends’ night out. Like Halsey, who is featured on the song, Blondfire is both special and unique, and both songs give off a “live-laugh-love” kind of vibe. A perfect soundtrack for any August bonfire.
2. If you love twenty one pilots’ “Heathens” -- Troye Sivan, “FOOLS”
With creativity and introspection, Troye Sivan’s “FOOLS” joins twenty one pilots in shaping the future of music. With a melancholy introduction on the piano, “FOOLS” will take you on a dark, careful journey to eternity.
3. If you like Major Lazer’s “Cold Water” -- The Weeknd, “House of Balloons/Glass Table Girls”
Honestly, I was only waiting for “Cold Water” mainly because MØ was featured in it, but I actually thought that Justin Bieber was the best part of the song (sorry MØ, I still love you). Let’s take a time machine back to The Weeknd’s pre-Beauty Behind the Madness era -- “House of Balloons/Glass Table Girls” will be your next go-to party song, a bouncy alternative in case “Cold Water” gets old.
4. If you like Justin Timberlake’s “Can’t Stop the Feeling!” -- ODESZA, “Say My Name”
“Can’t Stop the Feeling” is already getting old, but “Say My Name” will make you dance as much as Timberlake did. ODESZA’s synth-driven “Say My Name” is both punchy and sparkly, and it’ll make you fall in love (because, yes, you can fall in love with songs; I’ve done it many times).
5. If you like Ariana Grande’s “Into You” -- Tove Lo, “Got Love”
“Into You” is a flirty, sensual jam that prevails with an electronic beat in the background. Right now, we’re all crossing our fingers that we don’t ever get sick of it, but if we do, Tove Lo’s “Got Love” with a similar musical formula and vibe. Plus, if you love Ariana’s breathy chest voice, you’re absolutely adore Tove Lo.
