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Supalonely – BENEE and Gus Dapperton
This song is light, cute, and absurdly upbeat. It has serious throwback vibes—think dancing in your kitchen with your friends while making cookies—type vibes. BENEE’s vocals croons sweetly (albeit somewhat robotic), but it somehow adds to the quirky charm of the song. The music video is styled with vintage colors and styles that fit the song to a tee. Definitely a summer must-listen if you want a fun, dancey song to vibe to!
Stuck with U – Ariana Grande (with Justin Bieber)
I’ve always been a fan of Ariana Grande, but I will have to say I’m a little surprised by the route she took with this song. It doesn’t sound as pop-ish and bubbly as her previous singles. It’s slightly melancholy, but the lyrics are oddly fitting to this ‘self-quarantine’ season: “Stuck with you, stuck with you, stuck with you.” Bieber and Grande’s vocals blend well together, and I think they did a pretty good job with this track, though it’s not my favorite of the list. Nonetheless, there’s something sweet and endearing about this song that draws you in.
Say So – Doja Cat (ft. Nicki Minaj)
I’m sure you’re already familiar with Doja Cat’s breathy vocals and quirky, sexy style. This song was just released again, this time with the addition of Nicki Minaj. Doja has very breathy vocals and this, coupled with Minaj’s energetic raps, breathes a new spin on this already-familiar track. I must say I’m somewhat biased, I also love Nicki Minaj (if you can’t sing SuperBass at the top of your lungs at karaoke, we can’t be friends). She brings an attitude and flow to the track that makes it stick. Doja Cat raps too, she’s a little sassy and full of attitude, and I’m here for it. Kudos for amazing female power collaborations.
Break My Heart – Dua Lipa
Dua Lipa hits it out of the park again for me with this sexy summer track ‘Break My Heart.’ I am obsessed with Dua Lipa’s vocals; there’s just something so intriguing and effortless about it that I love. There’s a retro, old-school vibe that’s synonymous in both the track and in the music video. It’s perfect, and I wouldn’t change a thing. The melody is absurdly catchy, while her lyrics are witty and cheeky. I love how her recent singles are very nostalgic to an earlier time. It’s reminiscent of an era that was full of soul and style. Somehow, her songs always end up stuck in my head. Only this time, I’m not complaining.
Be Kind – Marshmello featuring Halsey
I must confused I was very surprised by this unexpected collaboration. Marshmello AND Halsey? Okay, I’ll bite. This track is a little more muted and less fierce than the style I’m used to hearing from her. But the lyrics are oddly poignant, speaking a message of encouragement, love and hope. “You can be kind to the one that you love,” she sings sweetly and emotionally. There’s something that I love about Halsey. Her voice is very distinct and is one of my favorite things about her, besides her killer style. Marshmello produced this track well and it’s definitely going on my summer playlist.
ROCKSTAR – DaBaby ft. Roddy Rich
I’m really into vocals and melodies, so this song was a little different from what I normally enjoy. Nonetheless, it does have a catchy rhythm and melody. The lyrics boast of material possessions, and basically is a warning to not cross the artist or you’ll get “the chop.” The lyrics are aggressive but somehow, even coupled with melodic guitar string pluckings, it’s a combination that works.
THE SCOTTS – THE SCOTTS ft. Travis Scott ft. Kid Cudi
This song is fierce and full of attitude but there are parts of the song that are somewhat dreamy and psychedelic. An odd combination for sure, but I will say that I like those parts a lot. It’s a juxtaposition of sorts that expertly pulls the song together. The music video too is weird, but it complements how the song is made. Kudos to the team who conjured the visuals to go with the video.
Roses (Imanbek Remix) – SAINt JHN, Imanbek
I like how this song starts. It’s a driving, energetic beat that has me tapping my foot and nodding my head. I can’t quite my finger about it but there’s a certain ‘sexy’ element about this song. Maybe it’s the catchy melody or the sultry lyrics, “turn up baby, turn up, when I turn it on” but I’ve a hunch it’s a stellar combination of both.
Toosie Slide – Drake
Okay, I’ve to admit I’m not the biggest fan of Drake. I do like some of his songs but there’s just something about his voice that grates annoyingly on my ears. I do like the piano melody of this track though and it’s a curious little tune that isn’t too bad at all. There are some parts of the track that I like, with the church organ-like tune in the background. Not my favorite track of his, but I can’t deny there’s something about Drake’s crooning, “It go, right foot up, left foot slide” that has me bobbing my head.
I like this song, but I prefer the original. Beyoncé adds a different take to this track, but somehow I think the original translates a little better with its intention. No hate to Queen B, of course, but it’s a little tamer than the original version. Nonetheless, it’s sassy, and full of attitude, truly fitting of Beyoncé and Megan Thee Stallion’s power.
