As summer break is set to begin, student’s music playlists may start to look very different. Go-to songs during the school year may have been more relaxing due to the influence of schoolwork—but as we transition into the new season, most would consider swapping these calm tracks for playlists full of upbeat tunes. No matter how you spend your summer, the perfect soundtrack is key to livening up summer memories. Here is a list of some of the most recent hits that are sure to dominate the summer in the coming months.
“Peaches”
Though released in March, “Peaches,” by Justin Bieber and featuring Daniel Caesar and Giveon, is one of the top contenders for the biggest song of the summer. From its upbeat tempo to its feel-good vibe, the song is perfect for playing on a hot summer day. Debuting as #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, the song is a commercial success that is played frequently by major radio stations such as Z-100. This hit single, named after the summertime fruit, can be expected to peak in streams this summer.
“Solar Power”
After her four year musical hiatus, Grammy Award winning singer-songwriter Lorde came back with a new summer-inspired song. Her new single “Solar Power” is all about embracing the happiness and carefree nature that comes with warmer weather. Accompanying the song is a summer-inspired music video featuring an ensemble dancing with Lorde on a tropical sunny beach with the ocean as the backdrop. With lyrics such as, “I hate the winter, can’t stand the cold . . . but when the heat comes, something takes a hold,” the song captures a love for the summer time that makes it destined to become an instant hit.
“Good 4 U”
Straight off her massively successful debut album Sour, which rose to #1 on the Billboard 200 chart, Olivia Rodrigo’s new pop-punk single “Good 4 U” skyrocketed to #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, after its release. An upbeat tune full of electric guitar and dramatic tempo changes, this song is perfect to blast in a car with all the windows down. Freshman Sara Lucacevic said, “I think that the song is really catchy and that it’s . . . relatable, even if you’re not heartbroken or dating. I think it captivates a lot of people, especially teens, and it’s an amazing song to just sing your heart out to.”
“Levitating”
Dua Lipa’s “Levitating,” which has been on Billboard’s Hot 100 Chart for 35 weeks, is a summer song that you won’t be able to get out of your head. “Dua Lipa is one of the best artists at the moment and her songs are always original. ‘Levitating’ is super reminiscent of 80s pop and I love it,” said junior Alejandra Palomeque. From its popularity on Tik Tok to its frequent appearances on hit radio stations, the song’s catchy lyrics and upbeat tempo are great for picnics, car rides, and beach days.
“Butter”
Popular boy band BTS released their new single “Butter,” which is currently No. 1 on Billboard’s Hot 100. With its cheerful tune, short lines, and upbeat drums and instrumentals, “Butter” is perfect for sing-a-longs by the pool. It is the kind of song that is guaranteed to make you unable to stop bopping your head to it. Freshman Hasana Abdullah said, “‘Butter’ is such a catchy and fun song—perfect for this summer’s vibes! BTS definitely didn’t disappoint with this new album.” Freshman Abbiegale Daljeet said, “I think ‘Butter’ is just a really chill song that can get you up and dancing in a couple of seconds. The English lyrics make it easy to understand so that you could better enjoy it.”
“Kiss Me More”
“Kiss Me More” by Doja Cat and SZA is another top hit, reaching its milestone at No. 6 on Billboard’s Hot 100. With an unforgettable music video filled with gorgeous pink and orange streaked landscapes and beachy sunsets, the playful and catchy hit single is perfect as background music for any upbeat summer adventure. As it gains much popularity on Tik Tok, the single is rumored to be the first song in what will be Doja Cat’s third studio album, Planet Her. This album is another perfect opportunity to be on the lookout for more music this summer.
“Save Your Tears” (remixed version)
Canadian superstar The Weeknd recently released a collaboration with pop star Ariana Grande which remixes his widely popular hit “Save Your Tears,” a song that shot up from No. 6 to No. 1 in its first week on the Billboard’s Hot 100. While the track was originally released only by The Weeknd, Grande’s unique vocals blended beautifully with The Weeknd’s lower pitch in the remix, creating an effortlessly harmonious collaboration.
With the school year winding down and beach days in the near future, Harrisites can look forward to having this cheery, uplifting soundtrack for their summer. Music has the ability to act as a time capsule and transport its listeners back to the past, as many have songs that they associate with specific memories or times in their lives. Maybe one day a song will come on and instantly remind you of your 2021 summer!
