Hit songs to heat up your summer playlist; perfect for parties, downtime

Summer 2017 is fast approaching, and with it comes the need for new, upbeat tunes to blast on the way to parties, at kickbacks or just for vibing in general. It’s the best season to enjoy music and spend time with friends. Here’s a list of five songs that ooze summer vibes and are sure to make everyone’s summer playlists.

#5 Swalla (feat. Nicki Minaj & Ty Dolla Sign) – Jason Derulo

This tropical-esque house banger has been practically inescapable on the radio for a while now. The clout garnered is not only attributable to the flashy features from the show-stopping Nicki Minaj and rising star Ty Dolla Sign, but also the wavy chorus where “Talk Dirty” hitmaker Jason Derulo sings quite possibly the most obnoxious yet catchiest hook currently on the radio. “Shimmy shimmy ya, shimmy ya, shimmy ya, swalla-la-la,” Derulo swoons on the chorus. The trio reverts to their island roots with the sexy tropical synth peppered throughout along with the hard hitting bassline that builds up to the chorus. These elements coupled with the crass flavor the artists interpolate in their respective verses make the track a perfect turn up anthem or a sweet addition to your playlist while you work on that summer bod.

#4 It Ain’t Me (feat. Selena Gomez) – Kygo

For those summertime blues, “It Ain’t Me” is a pop EDM song composed by Norwegian DJ Kygo and Selena Gomez. While the chorus is comprised of pulsing tones and some funky sounding vocals from Gomez, don’t be fooled by the songs seemingly danceclub nature. The narrative of the track is comprised of a relationship separated by the effects of frequent partying and alcoholism, Selena voicing the part of the estranged lover. The track is subdued and dark but also uptempo and catchy, making it perfect for whether you’re feeling down or simply to jam out in the car with friends.

#3 Slide (feat. Frank Ocean & Migos) – Calvin Harris

For those of us not afforded the same opportunities as those living lives of opulence, and who remain financially incapable of enjoying the finer luxuries in life, “Slide” is a track to access the mindset of the rich and famous. The socially conscious and ever changing Frank Ocean offers a different nuance than mainstream pop traditionally allows with his cool and sultry vocals complementing the backing track subtly without overpowering it in a way only Ocean’s voice can do. Coupled with two-thirds of America’s hottest rap group right now, Quavo and Offset, along with Calvin Harris’s electric production, the track makes for not only an introspective standalone song for those laid back nights, but also a strong competitor for song of the summer with its heavy bassline, star-studded features and feel good melody.

#2 Redbone – Childish Gambino

Though released in 2016, “Redbone”, Donald Glover’s second single from his latest album has made a resurgence on the music scene within the past months leading up to summer. This is mostly accredited to the level of memes made about the song on Twitter, where the user remixes the song to how it would sound in any given situation. But this isn’t to say the track isn’t epic without the jokes being made on the internet. From the soulful R&B production to the strangely enchanting pitch-shifted vocals, this song makes for the perfect track to vibe to during those late night parties or just to kick back and chill to.

#1 I’m The One (feat. Justin Bieber & Quavo & Chance The Rapper & Lil Wayne) – DJ Khaled

Like a modern day Lady Marmalade, “I’m The One” features verses from many of the industry’s powerhouses, including Justin Bieber, Atlanta based group Migos, veteran Lil Wayne, and current chart topper Chance the Rapper. All of the artists seem to be in especially braggadocious spirits on the track, as they flaunt their wealth, women and power. Bieber starts the song with a silky smooth hook where he boasts his luxurious lifestyle and is followed by Migos rapper Quavo and Chance doing the same. Finally, Lil Wayne takes the reigns in arguably the tamest verse throughout the song, but enjoyable nevertheless. Whether the song fits your personal taste or not, it is undeniably a banger and a top contender to make everyone’s playlist this summer.