Music: Summer Essentials
For me, songs are associated with moments. There's something about the atmosphere when you hear a certain lyric or melody that can be unforgettable, like the way a song has the power to tug on your heartstrings. Or maybe it's nothing like that, and a song is simply something you can scream your heart out to while you drive or enjoy on a train ride. No matter how you experience music, here are some songs that I've been listening to on repeat for the past months.
Singles (in no particular order):
1. Someone to You - Banners
"I'll make the moon shine just for your view
I'll make the starlight circle the room..."
(Sidenote: it's gotten to the point that I think it's physically impossible for Banners to release anything that I dislike.) This infectious song is a perfect upbeat tune to pair with the sun beating down on your skin, the wind blowing through your hair, and a summer longing for love.
2. Down - Andrew Belle
"It's hard to sing without making a sound
We only fly when we don't look down..."
I first heard one of Andrew Belle's songs in the background of a The Vampire Diaries episode. His style tends to be more stripped back, acoustic, and pretty much exactly the personification of what you would expect from an indie artist. But don't worry, the song is still catchy enough that it's perfect for a summer day.
3. Million Bucks by Smallpools
"Some people say there's nothing really real here
They're painted like a sun without a soul..."
From the release of their Over and Over EP, Smallpools quickly became my perfect summer go-to. In fact, their debut album, Lovetap, is one of my all time favorite albums, and I would definitely recommend a listen. This new release isn't a drastic departure from their old sound, but it isn't the same, either.
4. Brother by Kodaline
"And if you were drowned at sea
I'd give you my lungs so you could breathe..."
Though this is slower song than the ones previously mentioned, the tune reminds me of driving along on an empty road and watching the sun set, thinking of my family and the ones I love. Give it a listen and see if it does anything for you.
5. All We Ever Knew by The Head and the Heart
"Oh, Lord,
There she goes
Only in dreams, she's only in dreams..."
My best friend showed me this song, with an incredulity that neither of us had already found this band. The song's soft beat is a great accompaniment to a car drive, watching the trees and birds pass by.
6. Want You Back by HAIM
"We were on one endless road
But I had a wandering heart..."
HAIM is back (no pun intended) with an anthem to match. It features their signature sound and harmony, with lyrics just repetitive enough that make it perfect for a solo karaoke session.
7. Hold On by Chord Overstreet
"I pull you in to feel your heartbeat
Can you hear me screaming, 'Please don't leave me...'"
This song is definitely meant for nighttime - it's slow, a little heartbreaking, but yet, still somewhat addictive to listen to.
8. Don't Matter Now - George Ezra
"Change your name, you won't be found
It don't matter now..."
Honestly, I just missed George Ezra. Though this song isn't my favorite of his, I missed his angelic voice and carefree melodies. This song will most likely make you want to get up and travel.
9. There for You by Martin Garrix and Troye Sivan
"When you're screaming, but they only hear you whisper
I'll be loud for you..."
If you're an EDM fan, here's a song for you to jam to. If you're a Troye Sivan fan, this song might, just might, be able to tide you over until his next release. If I'm being honest, I wasn't sold on this tune at first, but this song is one that grows on you with each listen.
10. Walking the Wire by Imagine Dragons
"Do you feel the same when I'm away from you?
Do you know the line that I'd walk for you?"
I loved their debut album, Night Visions, but since then, the band's subsequent releases just haven't kept my attention. This song popped up on my YouTube, and I listened to it at least five times on loop. If that means anything.
11. Slow Hands by Niall Horan
"Fingertips putting on a show
Got me now and I can't say, 'no...'"
Here's a bonus track, simply because I can't not mention one of my One Direction boys. This song is a jam.
Albums (in no particular order):
1. Melodrama by Lorde
"We're King and Queen of the weekend
Ain't a pill that could touch our rush..." - Sober
Lorde is back with a vengeance (!!!!). The album contains all the insecurity and craziness that comes with being in your twenties, all wrapped up in nice pop tunes. Some of my personal tracks are: The Louvre, Hard Feelings/Loveless, and Sober.
2. hopeless fountain kingdom by Halsey
"'Cause you know the good die young
But so did this
And so it must be better than I think it is..." - Hopeless, feat. Cashmere Cat
At first, I was a little apprehensive about this album's release, since I was not necessarily a fan of the singles she had released: Now or Never and Eyes Closed. However, as soon as I listened to the album in its entirety, I was sold. My personal favorite tracks are: Heaven in Hiding, Sorry, and Bad at Love.
3. Harry Styles by Harry Styles
"Tastes so sweet, looks so real
Sounds like something that I used to feel..." - Two Ghosts
Despite this very creative title, Harry's debut showcases a musical style that was already evident in the One Direction songs that he wrote. On the first listen, some of the songs mimicked artists that I already liked, so I felt as if Harry didn't make this sound completely his own. However, the more I listened, the more I ended up loving the tracks. The album is mixture between an acoustic singer/songwriter and rock sound. My favorites are: Sweet Creature, Two Ghosts, and Carolina.
4. midnight by Lewis Watson
"I was longing for the rain, you were the flood that made me overflow
A stranger to my skin, but now I'm braver in my bones..." - Little Light
Though he released his album earlier, I've been waiting for any chance to mention this record. In his sophomore release, Lewis sticks to his acoustic sound, but with songs like Little Light, fleshes them out more with his band. My personal favorites are: little light, when the water meets the mountains, and forever.
