Songs of Summer 2017
Last year around this time, I wrote about my personal picks for the songs of Summer 2016 from DNCE, Alessia Cara, Meghan Trainor, Zendaya and Lukas Graham.
At the end of last year I also reviewed the year in music - I felt the quantity of great music had jumped to another level. I believe 2017 will continue that trend. This will be a great year in music and these are my songs for Summer 2017.
https://open.spotify.com/user/joebelliotti/playlist/4MyJkLVK41ARawxalFZ3H6
“Gang Up” by Young Thug, 2 Chainz & Wiz Khalifa
A star line up of Young Thug, 2 Chainz & Wiz Khalifa for this song from the “Fate of the Furious” soundtrack. Warning – don’t listen to this song too many times right now because you will be hearing this a ton throughout the summer!
“Sign of the Times” by Harry Styles
If this is any indication of what Harry has in him, he can leave behind the “boyband” label just like Justin Timberlake did. If you are aware of who Harry is you might listen to this song with a bit of cynicism. Leave that aside. The song, lyrics, arrangement, vocal performance are great.
“HUMBLE.” by Kendrick Lamar
To me, Kendrick is to hip hop what Radiohead is to rock. Transcending and re-defining genres. It is hard to pick one Kendrick song to write about. Kendrick is one of those artists where the body of work speaks louder than the single. Start with this song but check out the entire DAMN. album.
“Honor” by DJ Cassidy ft Grace & Lil’ Yachty
The brilliant DJ Cassidy channels his soulful, classic sound into a track with Grace on vocals (talent runs in her family, her brother is Conrad Sewell) and just for an extra twist add in some Lil’ Yachty…
“I’m Not Famous” & “It’s On Us” by AJR
This an artist to watch. Super sticky, fun “I’m Not Famous”. But don’t put them into a box just yet. Their track “It’s On Us” benefiting the “It’s On Us” campaign - to bring forward the conversation around sexual assault – shows a depth of writing and artistry that will give these guys staying power.