Summer 2012 Pop Playlist

Posted by Christopher Will on 05/04 at 04:18 PM

What would summer be without a summer playlist?  And I don’t mean the same 6 songs they blare on the radio. I’m talking about fresh cuts of music.  These should be the songs that remind you of calm summer nights, bright summer days, the shining sun, road trips, summer romance, and the good times that the season brings. So if you need help finding some new songs to get your summer started, here’s a good place to start.

Below are 15 new songs that I recommend, that would make up a solid summer playlist. Here you’ll find bits of hip-hop, pop, dance, and just about everything in between. There are tracks from fresh-faced newcomers to the pop music scene, as well as songs from those well-established radio artists.  Check them out, pick the ones you like, and start off your summer with a pop

It Gets Better – fun.

“It Gets Better” is probably the most upbeat jam on Some Nights, a sort of loud, nonsensical dance-punk track that’s layered thick with vocal effects and crazy drum beats.

Castles – B.o.B feat Trey Songz

Fresh off of B.o.B’s new album Strange Clouds,  “Castles” is a bouncy pop song begging to be heard.  Trey Songz could easily be mistaken for Bruno Mars with his effervescent hook in the chorus, and B.o.B raps confidently in the verses over squelchy synthesizers.

All You – The Cataracs feat. Waka Flocka & Kaskade

Electronic duo The Cataracs enlisted the help of rapper Waka Flocka and dance producer Kaskade for the first single off of their upcoming album.  “All You” is smooth, light, and sexy, and the chorus and verses are built on a minimalist saxophone like synth loop.

The Night Out (Madeon remix) – Martin Solveig

French DJ Martin Solveig’s single “The Night Out” was already a catchy dance hit, but under the guidance of fellow French dance artist Madeon, it blooms to life with disco and funk.

Can’t Say No – Conor Maynard

Conor Manyard could be considered the British Justin Bieber, especially with his smooth and seamlessly catchy single, “Can’t Say No.”  Like “Boyfriend,” “Can’t Say No” relies on a steady hip-hop beat.  However, instead of rapping, Manyard coos melodically in the verses.

Houdini – Foster The People

Foster The People’s track “Houdini” hides dark lyrics behind sunny alternative pop.  It’s exactly that production that makes “Houdini” a great summer jam.  It’s got that head bobbing catchiness to it, and Mark Foster’s voice is so bright and fun that the lyrics don’t even matter.

Pound The Alarm – Nicki Minaj

The rushing synthesizers in the pre-chorus bridge on becoming violent, and the aggressive build behind Nicki’s voice makes her rapping and singing boisterous and powerful.  The breakdown is where “Pound The Alarm” shines the most, as the Ibiza-style house beats blare amongst the thundering drums behind Nicki’s auto tuned vocals.

Girl Gone Wild (Avicii Mix) - Madonna

While the original is rather lackluster, Avicii molds “Girl Gone Wild” into a stronger, more polished record. Madonna’s vocals actually work with the instrumentation, the breakdown is catchy, and I can see this track getting really big, especially over the summer.

Thinkin Bout You – Frank Ocean

“Thinkin Bout You” is a sort of bittersweet love song, as R&B crooner Frank Ocean sifts through his complicated feelings. The subject matter is heavy, but the song is cool and calm.  The instrumentation is soft and ambient and Frank’s voice is smooth as silk.

Primadonna – Marina & The Diamonds

Welsh pop singer Marina & The Diamonds is preparing to break into the American airwaves with her single “Primadonna.”  The verses jump and the choruses lounge, transitioning from loud, in your face dubstep to soft, acoustic-driven pop.  The sugary-sweet sound deftly compliments Marina’s vain lyrics, making “Primadonna” a prime guilty pleasure.

In Your Light – Gotye

Gotye may be known for his melancholy hits, but his track “In Your Light” is a buoyant and optimistic love song.  Like Gotye’s other work, “In Your Light” is complex, swirling with horn sections, handclaps, synthesizers, and a giddy acoustic guitar.

How We Do (Party) – Rita Ora

Rita Ora is a British singer/songwriter who’s about to pop, “tearing up the town” with her single “How We Do (Party).”  Rita’s pretty voice, combined with the guitar-driven instrumentation and the party-themed lyrics make “How We Do (Party)” an enjoyable and unorthodox dance song.

Breathe – Dev

Shiny and suave, “Breathe” is a pop hit that’s built for the radio.  The song flows with Mediterranean influences, and Dev’s sexually charged autotuned banter slides like butter over the supple dance beats.

Charlie Brown – Coldplay

“Charlie Brown” has a Passion Pit feel to it. The song teems with a brand of electro-rock that’s endearingly optimistic and unfairly catchy.  The soaring, synthesizer-led breakdowns throughout the song give it an almost epic feel, and the lyrics reek of youthful bliss.

Warrior – Kimbra, Mark Foster, & A-Trak

This trio of pop artists teamed together to produce an 80’s soaked dance-anthem that’s a statement of teenage rebellion.  Kimbra’s soft voice handles the verses, Mark Foster comes in to help out with the chorus and bridge, and A-Trak takes the helm in producing this tart pop hit.

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