As a music junkie, one of my biggest summer essentials is a fun, high-energy playlist with songs to get me pumped up whenever I need a morning wake-me-up, I’m getting ready to go out or I’m hanging out with my girls. I always save my playlists and I love coming back to them and being reminded of amazing memories. Plus, everything is better with good music!
As I wind down from my loaded school year and get energized for the exciting summer ahead, take a peek into my soundtrack for this summer!
“Holding On” by Disclosure featuring Gregory Porter
But it’s holding on / And it’s holding strong / Even though I tried to make it / Played the part, but I can’t fake it
Disclosure, the masterminds behind the smash hit “Latch”, which features Sam Smith, are officially back on the scene with their new release, “Holding On”. From the very opening notes of the song – “HOOOOOOOOOOOOLLD” – you know you’re in for something amazing! “Holding On”, which features American jazz vocalist Gregory Porter, has become a fan favourite in Disclosure’s recent festival sets and people are digging it. The English duo never disappoints! Watch out for their sophomore album, ‘Caracal’, later this year.
“Pierre” by Ryn Weaver
On the Fourth of July, I met a man, “Pierre” / Lied about his age, but I didn’t care
This year has been incredibly sweet to indie pop artist Ryn Weaver. Her 2014 single “OctaHate” has continued to attract attention and rave reviews online and earlier this month (June 16), she released her debut album, ‘The Fool’, under Mad Love/Interscope Records. She also amassed a large fan following, including new famous friends Charli XCX, Jessie Ware and One Direction’s Harry Styles. Ryn recently partnered with VEVO to premiere an acoustic version of “Pierre”, a standout track about getting over your biggest love. Each verse of the song is about a different lover in Ryn’s life, including the vagabond guy who just turned out to be a liar, but none can compete with Ryn’s former fling.
“Shine” by Years & Years
Don’t leave me behind. Can you see me? I’m shining / And it’s you that I’ve been waiting to find
My newest musical obsession is Years & Years, a three-piece band hailing from London, UK. “Shine”, the fifth promotional single off their album ‘Communion’, is one of my favourite Years & Years releases and it highlights a positive relationship that makes you feel like you’re shining. “Shine” is a great light track and its accompanying music video is incredible. Listening to this song makes me crave and cherish relationships in my life that are like the one lead singer Olly Alexander describes – the ones that make me feel like I’m shining every day!
“California Lovers” by Tori Kelly featuring LL Cool J
Remember when no one else could make me feel alive? / We were young and free, 17, just California lovers
Tori Kelly is undeniably one of 2015’s biggest success stories. She has been working hard and releasing music for years. After being discovered at a show by Scooter Braun and being given endorsements from artists like Justin Bieber and Ed Sheeran, her latest single “Nobody Love” has become a wide-spread radio hit! Tori recently released her debut full-length ‘Unbreakable Smile’ and “California Lovers”, one of the album’s highlight tracks, is upbeat, poppy and a definite summer staple.
“Lean On” by Major Lazer with DJ Snake featuring MØ
Blow a kiss, fire a gun / All we need is somebody to lean on
It seems that 2015 is quickly becoming the year of Diplo. His releases under Major Lazer, Jack Ü and also his own name have been blowing up and “Lean On” is no exception. Many people, including Tonight Show host Jimmy Fallon, have already named this track as THE song of the summer and it’s not hard to see why. The infectious beat and catchy lyrics make it a great sing-along song as well as a killer dance floor jam.
Let me know what’s on your summer soundtrack by leaving a comment below or tweeting me @angelamcleanx!
(Header: Screenshot of “Pierre” music video by Ryn Weaver courtesy of Contact Music)
