Music was the name of the game this past summer with many releases from the most popular names in music. You’ve probably heard these songs on repeat by now, but here are the songs that defined the season:
“Taste” by Sabrina Carpenter
Sabrina Carpenter left quite an impression this summer with her album “Short n’ Sweet” and its two pre-released singles “Espresso” and “Please, Please, Please.” However, the albums first track “Taste” raised high on the charts upon the album’s release in August due to its catchy pop sound and petty lyrics, leading many to speculate on who the song might be about.
“Taste” is definitely one of my favorites off the album. There’s a good reason everyone added it to their summer playlists immediately after its release. It matched the upbeat humorous lyrics of “Espresso” while keeping us up with the celebrity gossip like “Please, Please, Please.” I would definitely recommend giving this trendy first track a listen before the weather gets too cold.
“Close To You” by Gracie Abrams
Gracie Abrams released the second single “Close To You” for her summer album “The Secret of Us” this past June. The album also features the tracks “Risk,” “I Love You, I’m Sorry” and “us. (feat. Taylor Swift).”
“Close To You” is a heartfelt number about wanting someone despite knowing they have no interest in you. Despite the raw lyrics, the song sounds cheery and danceable, balancing out really well, which is what drew me to the album as a whole. “Close To You” is definitely a top track from this summer.
“Apple” by Charli XCX
It wouldn’t be a summer songs overview without talking about the phenomenon that is “brat summer,” and the way Charli XCX’s June album release “brat” set the tone for the entire season. “brat” is a hyperpop dance album that brought us songs like “Talk talk,” “Sympathy is a knife,” “Von dutch” and, most importantly, “Apple.”
Charli uses the track “Apple” to be vulnerable about her own experiences with generational trauma using the phrase “the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree” as the basis of the extended metaphor. You would never think this based on the club mix playing under the lyrics, however. The track was definitely an essential track on the hot days, and as brat summer fades into brat autumn, this song will stay on repeat.
“BIRDS OF A FEATHER” by Billie Eilish
Billie Eilish’s release of her third album “HIT ME HARD AND SOFT” was highly anticipated throughout last May. Upon its release, tracks like “LUNCH” and “BIRDS OF A FEATHER” gained popularity as they defined this new era of music for Eilish. This track combines the darker sound of her previous albums with the softer direction she’s taking her music in.
“BIRDS OF A FEATHER” quickly became a summer playlist staple for me. The track is mellow while also having a very optimistic sound that contrasts the darker, more sentimental lyrics about finding someone who makes life worth living. This track will definitely hit you hard, in a good way, of course.
“Perfume” by The Dare
If you haven’t heard of The Dare yet, you’re missing out. Previously having produced a Charli XCX track and released only one EP under this alias, Harrison Patrick Smith took on brat summer with the June release of his single “Perfume.”
The song is a fast tempoed party track detailing Smith’s use of perfume. With his dramatic way of pronouncing words and affinity for a suit and tie setting him apart from other DJs, “Perfume” is a fun track that even my dad asked me to play again. The lyrics have a bit of humor to them that makes you want to dance to the electronic beat. The single was later accompanied by another track called “You’re Invited,” leading to the September release of the album “What’s Wrong With New York?”
Smith is definitely the artist to keep an eye on. Consider checking out The Dare’s debut album because, well, you’re invited.
jhammer@ramapo.edu
Featured photo courtesy of @mrenriquemelendez, Instagram
