ONS Summer Playlist: 15 Tracks We're Loving
Summer is the season for rooftop parties, outdoor soirees and fun beach getaways. With whatever you’re doing, it’s important to have the right music to compliment the ambience. Whether you’re working out, on a weekend escape, or shaking your derriere at a nightclub, here are 15 tracks that will serve as the ultimate soundtrack to your summer.
The Weeknd – “Can’t Feel My Face”
There are several talented singers (Miguel, Frank Ocean, Chris Brown etc) currently vying for the top male R&B/Pop spot. However, there’s no one doing it quite like Toronto native, The Weeknd. His latest smash “Can’t Feel My Face” reminds us of Daft Punk’s global hit, “Get Lucky.” This is the best cruising song you will find all summer.
Jamie XX – “I Know There’s Gonna Be (Good Times)” feat Young Thug
The UK is responsible for creating some of the best producers in music and Jamie XX is at the top of his game. His 2015 breakthrough hit “…Good Times” features Atlanta rapper Young Thug and Jamaican ragga artist, Popcaan. If you want to get a summer party started, this is the song you play.
Prince – “HardRockLover”
Whenever Prince descends from his royal purple throne to drop new music, you better pay attention. The new track “HardRockLover” finds Prince in rare form. Over a visceral backdrop of screeching electric guitars, he sings about imbibing “Red Bull & Patron” and making his woman scream. This is rock music with a very sexy edge.
Fetty Wap – “Trap Queen”
Every summer, there’s that one song you can never seem to escape. It’s constantly played on the radio and it’s blaring out of every car, headphone, lounge and nightclub. This year, that song is “Trap Queen” by New Jersey rapper, Fetty Wap. Once you hear it, trust us, you can’t get it out of your head.
Disclosure – “Holding On”
This might just become your favorite song on this list. The track is by UK duo, Disclosure, and they are currently the reigning kings of electro-soul & soulful house music. They’ve worked with the best of the best (Pharrell, Mary J.Blige, Lorde) and they’ve truly perfected their sound. “Holding On” is a great summer song: awesome bassline, uplifting lyrics and a catchy chorus. There’s a lot to love about this one.
Pharrell – “Freedom”
With each passing year, Pharrell continues to make a case for being one of the most prolific musical talents of this generation. He already had our eardrums on lock last year with his contagious hit “Happy.” His newest release titled “Freedom” has the potential to be just as big.
Matt & Kim – “Get It”
So here’s the scenario, you’re having a summer rooftop party and the energy is not quite where it should be. The drinks are flowing, the company is good but something is missing. Here’s what you do: throw on the outrageously catchy, upbeat track “Get It” by Brooklyn dance duo, Matt & Kim and watch your party turn all the way up.
Neon Indian – “Annie”
Alan Palomo and his band Neon Indian are masterful maestros when it comes to electronic music. Their last album Era Extrana was released in 2011, and their new track released this year “Annie” delivers pure satisfaction. It contains an 80’s-influenced, reggae/synth vibe that serves as the perfect soundtrack for any outdoors drinking session. Hey it’s summer time and the living is easy.
Rihanna – “Bitch Better Have My Money”
When you talk about global music & fashion stars, it doesn’t get bigger than the imperial Rihanna. She’s a trendsetter, hitmaker and a fashion marketer’s dream. Her summer smash “Bitch Better Have My Money” is a slow-creeping, dancehall-tinged banger. When she sings “Don’t act like you forgot, I call all the shots,” you know she definitely means business.
Janet Jackson – “No Sleeep”
The last time we heard new music from Janet Jackson was in 2008. But all that changed this summer when she dropped her sizzling new single “No Sleeep” produced by longtime collaborators Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis. It’s a lusty, seductive song that’s made specifically for summer lovemaking. As far as a slow jams go, this one is a certified scorcher.
Hudson Mohawke – “Very First Breath”
Scottish producer Hudson Mohawk is the super producer you’ve probably never heard of. Over the years, he’s been supplying thumping beats to mega-stars like Kanye, John Legend & Lil’ Wayne. His new track “Very First Breath” features monster synths, skittish drums along with an epic chorus. When you’re celebrating this summer, press play on this one.
Wiz Khalifa – “See You Again”
There’s something really sentimental and heartfelt about this single from Pittsburgh rapper, Wiz Khalifa. It was featured on the soundtrack of the blockbuster flick, Fast & Furious 7, and the song was #1 on the charts for 12 weeks straight. It’s a feel good song that will put a smile on your face every time you listen to it.
Ariana Grande – “One Last Time”
Great things happen when the best EDM DJs and producers hook up with huge mainstream acts. Avicii did his magic with Coldplay on “Sky Full of Stars,” and now David Guetta and a slew of talented producers and songwriters combine with Ariana Grand for one of the breeziest summer jams. Ariana is mostly known for her big, saccharine pop hits, but on this smooth cut, she’s sounding more polished and refined than ever.
Alesso – “Cool”
You can never have too many feel-good, sing-along songs during summer. That’s why we included the breakthrough hit “Cool” from young Swedish DJ/EDM producer, Alesso. If this song starts playing at a party and you don’t immediately rush the dance floor, it’s time for a checkup ¾ there might be something seriously wrong with you.
Mark Ronson – “Feel Right”
Producer Mark Ronson has the art of making hits down to a science. He already scored a radio smash with his “Uptown Funk” single featuring Bruno Mars. His follow-up single “Feel Right” features the ultra-energetic rapper Mystikal. If anyone was asking where the funk went, don’t worry, this song brings it in spades. The Late Great James Brown would be proud.
