Heading into summer, May has blessed us with a number of new songs to become anthems for summer, love, heartbreak, and everything in between. In the order of their release dates, here are ten songs worth a listen:
“Slow Hands” by Niall Horan
If we’re going to be honest, you’ve probably already heard “Slow Hands” on the radio. This post-One Direction jam by Niall Horan could put anyone in “the mood”. It has a beat worth swinging your hips to or singing along on the highway. No matter the context, “Slow Hands” is sure to be a summer-long anthem.
“Want You Back” by HAIM
A step up from “Days Are Gone”, “Want You Back” is a fresh sound for HAIM. If you haven’t listened to the sisters before, get ready for a blend of indie and pop. It’s a tune to be the soundtrack to a heartbroken summer, or a fun bop for a group of friends. It’s sure to be heard at any festivals featuring HAIM in the coming months.
“Whatever It Takes” by Imagine Dragons
If you were a fan of “Smoke+Mirrors” then you will love Imagine Dragons new single. The indie rock vibes further define the new-age genre while staying true to the band’s sound. Blast this on your stereo and you’ll have an out of body experience. Tune into the lyrics and you’ll feel inspired as well! The band inspires listeners to overcome setbacks as they tell listeners “I do whatever it takes // ‘Cause I love how it feels when I break the chains”. No matter what happens, you can face it with “Whatever It Takes” inspiring you.
“Kissing Strangers” by DNCE ft. Nicki Minaj
Despite Joe Jonas’s early career, DNCE has an explicit discography full of suggestion and “Kissing Strangers” is no different. Even if “Cake By the Ocean” was their breakout single, the band is sure to receive even more attention this summer now that they have a song featuring Nicki Minaj. Even if the collaboration was for exposure, the band coming together with Nicki somehow works better than expected. Fun, suggestive, but sad when you focus on the lyrics, this song is dynamic but a true tune to jam to. DNCE might have outdone themselves with this one.
“Kiwi” by Harry Styles
I’ve said it once and I’ll say it again: Harry Styles is killing it. Off his debut solo album, Kiwi is a song worth a listen or two…or ten. Written originally as a joke, now turned 80’s jam, “Kiwi” has clever lyrics (Styles calls the girl’s boyfriend a prick by stating “She goes home to a cactus”) and a sound worth a few head bangs. A fair warning from experience however: blasting this on the highway may lead to accidental speeding. No mattee your surroundings, however, this raunchy rock tune is worth singing along to at top volume.
“The Only Heirs” by Local Natives
“The Only Heirs” was released mid month and is worth a listen for anyone seeking chill vibes for their music library. The song is undefinable by genre; it’s something new. If you like unique music with inspirational notes, this is the song for you!
“Bored to Death” by blink-182
If you want a throwback to the years of teenage angst or your emo middle school self, Blink-182 is coming in clutch, “Bored to Death” is nearly the same sound we all loved years ago, so if you’re the reason “Mr. Brightside” still hasn’t died or you secretly still turn on “Infinity on High” you’ve got a new song (and probably an entire album) to jam to!
“Oh Love” by MisterWives
If you lean more towards indie music, you probably know about MisterWives and their music. “Oh Love” off their new album is a song of perseverance. It has more beat than their last album, and it’s a good addition to their discography. Lead singer, Mandy Lee, has a unique voice that adds dynamic sound to their music as she excels on this track. It goes hard, and could definitely be put on blast with the windows down.
“Dive” by Coast Modern
If you’re looking for the perfect summer sound, look no further than “Dive”. Coast Modern captured the perfect warm weather vibes in this song. It could easily be the tune for a summer movie trailer and is all about fun in the sun. If nothing else, turn it on while catching some rays to feel like you’ve truly entered summer break.
“Strangers” by Halsey featuring Lauren Jauregui
For any sapphic women out there, Halsey and Lauren Jauregui have pulled through for you. “Strangers” is a beautiful love song between women. They’ve captured the heartbreak of being exes but still running into one another from time-to-time. “We’re not lovers // but we’re not strangers” is the perfect summation of seeing someone post break up when the feelings have not completely dissipated. Their voices compliment one another well, to produce a really beautiful electro-pop song.
