Now that summer is officially here, it’s time to revamp that playlist you have. Summer is about upbeat tunes and cool jams any millennial can bob his or her head along to. Here’s a preview as to what I’ll be listening to this summer. I hope my recommendations don’t disappoint!
1."Idle Hands" by EXGF
Starting off the playlist with the phrase, "Just play the music," is "Idle Hands" by EXGF. The song has a funky beat that will leave you guessing where it will go next. Not to mention the lyrics are great for your next Instagram post. So, as the song goes, "Just play the music...spin those Idle Hands."
2. "Hymnals (RAC Mix)" by Grizfolk
Taking it to a more terrestrial style, Grizfolk's beat will have you driving late at night wishing the world around you could be paced in slow motion. It's a great tune if you're feeling like heading out for a night adventure in the city. Some great lyrics accompany the beat. If you close your eyes, while listening to the song, I swear you can see city lights.
3. "Hurricane (Arty Remix)" by Halsey
Arty's remix of Halsey's Hurricane is thrown in there for all my ladies out there who are powerful, beautiful and taking on the summer. It's a great remix fit for any woman who fancies herself the queen of pop remixes. Halsey's voice is magnetic and the remix just adds to her artistry.
4. "Say My Name featuring Zyra (Hermitude remix)" by Zyra Hermitude
This song, more likely than not, appeared on every other sorority girl's year end review film on Vimeo. But that doesn't make it any less funny to listen to. The song carries beats that take weird turns here and there. If you haven't heard the original, then I would recommend it as well. It's very rare that sequels are better. In the case of this song, the remix is pretty great.
5. "Work (R3hab Remix)" by Rihanna
If any of you have been lost by the last four songs, then don't worry. Here's a remix of a song played on the radio! R3hab's remix of Rihanna's "Work" is fast paced, funky and adds to the original, making us love Riri that much more. And Drake. Drake is there too.
6. "YOUTH (Gryffin Remix)" by Gryffin and Troye Sivan
Another song from the radio has been taken and remixed once again! Troye Sivan's "YOUTH" takes and eclectic turn with Gryffin's remix of the "Blue Neighborhood." I would say the song is not as 'hype' (if that's what the kids are still saying) as the original. But you will still find yourself reveling in your early adulthood listening to the song.
7. "Firefly" by Mura Masa, NAO
Remember all of those times you went out as a kid catching fireflies? Yes? No? If not, then I feel bad for you, and on behalf of your childhood, I apologize. Taking a break from remixes of mainstream music, here's a song with beats and a composition that will make you immediately think of fireflies.
8. "Sway (Chainsmokers Remix)" by Anna of the North
The Chainsmokers have been having a great year, and it is no surprise. Their remixes and original songs have the ability to get stuck and stay stuck in your head for minutes to days at a time. This remix by the Chainsmokers is reminiscent of old video games. Anna of the North's transcendent vocals are hypnotic and the song raptures the listener into imagery of a club with blue neon lighting where Donkey Kong is the bouncer. I don't know about you, but I'd go to that club.
9. "How to Love (Feat. Sofia Reyes)" by Cash Cash, Sofia Reyes
Cash Cash and Sofia Reyes team up for this fast paced, upbeat love melody perfect for summer wedding season. Even if you're not getting hitched anytime soon, the song's beats combined with Reyes's voice will leave you smiling for summer.
10. "Runaway" by Tez Cadey
Tez Cadey's "Runaway" is a great way to end your summer playlist. You can't help but get that good feeling when you listen to the song. My personally favorite part of the song is a slight tip of the cap to The Who's opening of "BABA O'REILY (Teenage Wasteland)." It will make you want to jump in your car, speed through suburbia and as the song's main title suggests, "Runaway."