Summer 2015 may be halfway over, but my summer playlist is in full swing. Additionally, my summer of concerts is just getting started. Many of the songs that I've been listening to have been highly influenced by the artists I will be seeing over the next two months.
1. “Don’t” by Ed Sheeran
I saw Ed Sheeran on May 30 at The Prudential Center in my home state of New Jersey. After seeing him live for the first time, I can honestly say that I fell in love with him all over again. I started listening to Sheeran shortly after his debut album, “+” was released and was floored by his smooth ballads. His sophomore studio album, “X” only increased my appreciation for his talent. Instead of only listening to his slow songs, I find myself enjoying the upbeat rhythm of other songs, such as “Don’t.” The energy in the song was great to hear live and lifted the concert vibe tremendously. I loved the song after hearing it at the concert, which made me commit myself to memorizing the lyrics. Now I am able to sing along whenever I play the song, which admittedly has been quite often.
2. “Girls in Their Summer Clothes” by Bruce Springsteen
One of my dreams is to see Bruce Springsteen in concert and hear him perform this single from his fifteenth studio album, “Magic.” Both of my parents have seen him live and said that his stage presence and performance were incredible. “Girls in Their Summer Clothes” is a classic song that I listen to all year round, but especially during summer when I am lounging by my pool or on the beach. The song is easily one of my favorites that Springsteen has released and is appropriate for the sunny days.
3. “Empty” by Ray LaMontagne
Ray LaMontagne was not on my radar until I listened to his song “Empty” for the first time. The smooth, breezy rhythm of the song and his soft voice are perfect to unwind with on a warm, summer day. Although I have not listened to many of his other songs, if they are similar to “Empty,” then I may need to consider extending my playlist.
4. “18” by One Direction
Despite getting the occasional side-glance when mentioning the world famous boy band, One Direction does not carry the same “bubblegum pop” stigma that they once did. Their fourth studio album, “Four” has been on many critics radar and my own. However, their fourth song on the album, “18,” does not get the notice that the ballad deserves. Co-written by Ed Sheeran, I have played the song more times than I care to admit this summer in anticipation of hearing them perform it live in August. If you are still not convinced, give some of their edgier songs a listen. They have come a long way since their teen pop star days of “What Makes You Beautiful.”
5. Taylor Swift
I will be seeing Taylor Swift on July 10 at MetLife Stadium, and I am beyond excited. I was skeptical of her for a time, but her latest album has given me so many favorites that I simply cannot choose just one for my playlist. The top ones that I have been listening to lately are “Style,” “Bad Blood” and “Wildest Dreams.” Each song is different in delivery and meaning and her latest songs reveal her versatility as a singer and songwriter.
6. “Uma Thurman” by Fall Out Boy
Despite Fall Out Boy seemingly being an odd choice to listen to in conjunction with the other artists on my playlist, their early 2015 release “Uma Thurman” is catchy and a song that I enjoy hearing on the radio when I am driving.
7. “Black Magic” by Little Mix
I have been sporadically listening to “Black Magic” since the song was released at the end of May. I like the upbeat, dance rhythm of the song and being familiar with Little Mix’s past work, I am looking forward to adding more of their songs to my playlist as their third studio album release date approaches.
Although it seems pretty clear that I enjoy ballads more than any other type of song, I consider the top seven songs on my playlist to be a reflection of the nice weather and free spirits that encompass the summertime vibe.
