Zedd ft. Foxes – “Clarity“
This summer’s answer to Avicii’s “Levels.”
Rihanna: “Right Now“
Summer hits and Rihanna just go together (“We Found Love,” anyone?). This David Guetta-produced track hits all the right notes and is a perfect summer club hit.
The Neighborhood: “Sweater Weather“
Though the title may be misleading, this would fit in seamlessly in any episode of “The O.C.” making it immediately summer-worthy.
Mariah Carey ft Miguel: “#Beautiful“
Very “90s Mariah,” “#Beautiful” was one of the first songs of 2013 deemed “summer-worthy.” Miguel’s feature on the track is the perfect compliment to the seemingly effortless vocals of pop music’s reigning Queen. With an earworm of a guitar hook and an easy-to-remember chorus, this will be stuck in your head for days (if it hasn’t done so already).
Fat Joe ft. Ashanti: “What’s Luv“
One (of two) 90’s throwback track(s). You know (and love) this track. Don’t lie.
Bruno Mars: “Treasure “
Bruno Mars is known for emotional, soulful records (ie “Grenade”, “Locked Out of Heaven,” and “When I Was Your Man”) , but this upbeat throwback track strays away from his previous singles and is pop perfection, just as simple as that.
Jay-Z ft. Nas, Beyonce, Justin Timberlake, Pharrell, Swizz Beatz & Timbaland: “BBC“
They’re a team made in hip-hop heaven, and this track lives up to the hype that each of these heavy-hitters brings to the table.
2NE1: “Falling in Love“
YG Entertainment’s girl group is finally back with this fresh track, just in time for summer (even if the track was originally supposed to be released last year as a follow-up to “I Love You”). With YG planning on releasing more tracks from the girls until October, we’re excited to see what else they have planned up their sleeve.
Jay Park: “JOAH“
Challenge: Just try not bopping your head to this K-Pop hit. Just try. (Like this song? Check out the Jay Park-approved cover by Quest Crew member and YG Entertainment producer, Lydia Paek.)
Justin Timberlake: “Strawberry Bubblegum (Allure Remix)“
When “The 20/20 Experience” came out a few months ago, “Strawberry Bubblegum” was continuously on repeat with its cool R&B feel and Justin’s smooth vocals. French DJ Allure puts a new spin on the song, transforming it into a pop, disco-esque track, perfect for those hot summer nights.
Destiny’s Child: “Say My Name (E-603 Remix)“
We didn’t think it was possible, but this mix has made us fall in love again with this classic DC hit (can you believe it was released almost 14 years ago?!). If the heavy bass, smart synth and the girls’ voices don’t pull you in, we don’t know what will.
Though these are some of our picks for the summer, what’s on your playlist this year?
