Here comes the sun, pool parties, late afternoon barbecues and the complete awesomeness that is summertime.
With the weather, comes songs that capture the essence of the season. Remember those kick-backs at your cousin’s house, Slip ‘n Slide in the backyard, selling lemonade to the neighbors or visiting your nearest water park? All the memories tend to flood in with one breath of crisp, June air and the sound of the song from that summer. This year it’s all about blending genres — taking you from the stoop in Brooklyn to the rave party in Jamaica.
So with no further adieu, here are MN‘s summer selections:
1. “Hold You”– Gyptian feat Nicki Minaj
The minute the piano keys play, you’re all at once in a hot and Hot Jamaican club. This song should be inescapable this summer.
2. “Lose My Mind”– Young Jeezy feat Plies
It bumps! From your morning run to driving around with the top down it fits in with any scenario. Make sure to have the base up.
3. “There Goes My Baby”– Usher
He never fails us. It was a tough call between this, “OMG” and “Daddy’s Home”, but there’s something sweet and innocent about this track…reminds us of his My Way days.
4. “Find Your Love”– Drake
If we were to give the award for the artists with the most attention BEFORE their album ever released, he’d be the winner. All of Drake’s songs have been instant hits, but this song is the perfect bon-fire make out song. “Over” was a close runner up (since we like it better), but we doubt it’ll be in heavy rotation throughout the summer.
5. “Closer”– Corinne Bailey Rae
This song has a perfect mix of jazz and funk. And like a good summer song should be, it’s a light listen to soak in the sun with.
6. “Rude Boy”– Rihanna
Yes, it’s raunchy. Yes, she needs to put some clothes on. Yes, she stole the video concept from every Native Tongues video back in the day. But yes, it’s on this list.
7. “Lemonade”– Gucci Mane
Our favorite color happens to be yellow. And we have affection for Lemonheads. End of story.
8. “Unthinkable”– Alicia Keys
In classic Alicia Keys style, this song guts at the heart. If only she wasn’t talking about stealing someone’s husband.
9. “You’re The One”– Dondria
We love You-tube sensations and she, by goodness she is one. She reminds us of a young Brandy, which also takes us back to summer of 1994 and overalls with one strap off. Oh, the memories!
10. “How I Got Over”– The Roots
With instrumentals like a 1970’s Shaft intro, The Roots somehow work a message into every song. These gentlemen just ooze talent, can’t wait for the album release.
Runner-Up: “Power” by Kanye West
