Top albums and singles of the summer

Photo courtesy of Brett Jordan, Flickr

Even in the midst of a crazy, scary, unusual world, several artists were still able to share new music across the globe and lift our spirits. This summer, influential albums and singles amongst all genres and mediums were released, creating some of the best summer hits. Various albums and singles have shaped their way into the summer hit lists. Some are still bopping today, and they aren’t going out of style any time soon. 

To celebrate the end of summer and kick off the new school year, let’s take a look at some of the hottest hits we have all been jamming to during these difficult times. 

SUMMER ALBUMS: 

Taylor Swift – “Folklore”

Probably the biggest release of the summer, beloved singer/songwriter Taylor Swift dropped her eighth studio album on July 24, only one day after her surprise announcement on July 23. The album is beautifully written and composed in a more indie or alternative based genre, a big difference when compared to Swift’s previous work. That being said, “Folklore” is an enchanting display of Swift’s personal and musical growth, and it still remains as a top fan favorite. 

Lady Gaga – “Chromatica”

Pop icon Lady Gaga shared her sixth studio album “Chromatica” with the world on May 29. Gaga never fails to provide the music industry with the essential pop music we all crave, and fans can confirm that this album saved 2020. Her biggest hits “Stupid Love” and “Rain On Me” featuring Ariana Grande serve as the album's premise, and fans and radio stations still can’t get enough of it. 

Katy Perry – “Smile”

On Aug. 26, the “American Idol” judge released her sixth studio album, just two days after the birth of her and partner Orlando Bloom’s daughter, Daisy Dove Bloom. Katy Perry describes her new album as her “journey towards the light, with stories of resilience, hope, and love,” ultimately creating a theme of empowerment and self-help throughout the entire album. The album is a fun and funky pop collection with sentimental lyrics. 

Big Sean – “Detroit 2”

Rap star Big Sean dropped his fifth studio album, “Detroit 2,” on Sep. 4, serving as the sequel to his 2012 mixtape “Detroit.” The album, consisting of 21 songs, features a variety of featuring artists, such as Post Malone, Travis Scott and Lil Wayne. Only in its third week since its release, on Sep. 14, the album debuted No. 1 on Billboard’s album charts, breaking Taylor Swifts’ “Folklore” steady title. 

 

SUMMER SINGLES:

DaBaby – “ROCKSTAR”

After gaining mainstream popularity in 2019, rapper DaBaby earned the title as “Billboard’s 2020 Song of the Summer'' with his single “ROCKSTAR,'' featuring Roddy Ricch, off of his most recent album “BLAME IT ON BABY.” Though the album was released in April, the song pathed way throughout the entire summer. 

Miley Cyrus – “Midnight Sky”

Based on a pre-COVID “horrible and sweaty night out,” Miley Cyrus’ hardcore, pop single “Midnight Sky” was released on Aug. 14, acting as the first taste of her upcoming, seventh studio album, expected to drop before the end of 2020. The song was accompanied by a bright, provocative and funky music video. Additionally, Cyrus performed the new hit at the 2020 VMAs and on “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.” 

MUNA – “Bodies”

With their first release since early Sept. 2019, electronic pop rock trio MUNA teamed up with electronic duo The Knocks and released “Bodies,” a fun and upbeat hit for quarantined fans to jam to any and everywhere. The single hit streaming platforms on July 31, followed by an advanced green screened, digital performance for “Jimmy Kimmel Live” on Aug. 20. The song captures the feeling of dancing on a warm summer night. 

Cardi B & Megan Thee Stallion – “WAP”

Feisty rappers Cardi B and Megan Thee Stallion shook up the summer with their hot hit “WAP,” released on Aug 7. The single, packed with powerful and provocative lyrics, caught the attention of listeners everywhere, and the song has struck fun and love with fans, especially on media platform TikTok. According to Billboard, Cardi B & Megan Thee Stallion's 'WAP' is back at No. 1 on Billboard’s Hot 100 for its third week. 

Kat Cunning – "Supernova (Tigers Blud)"

The non-binary artist’s recent song, released on Aug. 21, was feautured in the second season of Netflix’s Emmy award winning show “Trinkets,” encapsulating the beautiful voice of the singer/songwriter. Cunning co-stars on the show as the lead’s rock and roll love interest, and the song is sung by their character Sabine in the first episode of the show. 

Claire Rosinkratz – “Backyard Boy” 

The sixteen-year-old singer/songwriter became a massive hit after her song “Backyard Boy” went viral on TikTok earlier this summer. Appearing on her first EP, “BeVerly Hills BoYfRiEnd,” released on Aug. 14, Roinkratz has established herself a spot in the music industry. Since its breakout on TikTok, people have found this song to be nothing but a fun, upbeat, summery tune. 

 

emelvin@ramapo.edu