Offbeat is a bi-weekly blog featuring new and meaningful take on all things media.
Have a good last week of classes, folks. The warm weather is coming, Schenley Square fills with students – who may or may not be skipping class – and the semester is nearly over. With everyone outside, the music can be heard drifting through the open windows of South O, over the party speakers in the yard, and from the cars driving down Fifth and Forbes.
So, with summer approaching, here’s some heat that’s sure to make your playlist – 27 songs, to be exact.
- “Little Girl” – Disco Lines
Start with a bang! From SoundCloud DJ Disco Lines records, this remixed party track was highly anticipated after gaining traction on TikTok. Listen responsibly.
- “Cigarettes on Patios” – BabyJake
A summer classic! This song details summertime rituals, with lyrics like “I was drinking beer with my friends / Here we go again”. It’s a perfect track to play in the background while being young and reckless.
- “’87 Stingray” – Tory Lanez
Rapper Tory Lanez changed up his sound just in time for summer. Released on his third studio album, “Alone At Prom”, Lanez brings it with this hard-hitting disco-funk ballad.
- “Please don’t go” – Mike Posner
Who doesn’t know AND love this one?
- “Get lucky” – Daft Punk
An oldie but a goodie. This house-inspired disco funk-pop song from 2013 has survived summer after summer, and will for years to come. Timeless.
- “Real life sux” – Justus Bennetts
Play this upbeat alternative anthem to avoid adulthood legits.
- “The thrill” – Wiz Khalifa
Born on SoundCloud and curated with samples from Empire of the Sun’s “Walking on a Dream,” this remix is a beautiful mix of party rap and indie electronica that transcends genres and appeals to all crowds.
- “Sour Patch Kids” – Bryce Vine
It wouldn’t be summer without Bryce Vine. Enough said.
- “Shadow Queen” – FlooringCo. (with Owen Gambill)
A cry from Pittsburgh! I had the pleasure of seeing this indie rock track in person, performed on a South O porch at this year’s WelsFest. Pitt’s student Gambill has pipes.
- “Better Medicines” – Little Hurt
It’s an indie movie editing song if I’ve ever heard one.
- “Could you be loved” – Bob Marley
A classic, through and through. Bob Marley never fails to transport me to a hot beach somewhere down south.
- “ White Tiger” – Izzy Bizu
British-Ethiopian singer-songwriter Izzy Bizu knows how to make a song that’s both soulful and summery pop.
- “Crash” (feat. Pell) – Skizzy Mars
This laid back hip-hop song begins with the sound of waves on a beach. That’s how you know it’s a summer song.
- “Intimidated” (feat. HER) – Kaytranada
This deep and soulful funk track is one you and your dad will love… well, at least in my case.
- “Pepas” – Farruko
You’ll feel like you’re in the heart of Miami with this Spanish clubbing anthem that took Farruko’s fame to new heights.
- “Double Negative (Skeleton Milkshake)” – Dominic Fike
Released on Fike’s “What Could Possibly Go Wrong” album, it’s a very winky indie track and soundtrack to a coming-of-age movie.
- “Visions” – Jordy
On his EP ‘Have A Good Summer’, North London rapper Jordy releases a smooth and groovy R&B track.
- “Madeleine (Live) » – The 502
Are you going camping this summer? This folk tune by popular Florida band The 502s will probably have you tapping your feet.
- “All my friends are rich” – filous (feat. Louis III)
This very laid back, pop-like song sounds as dreamy as it is catchy. This could very well be the song of your summer.
- “Shades” (feat. Donnie Sloan & Ricky Ducati) – Tchami
This electronic version is packed with summery synths and happy beats – it’s one of French DJ Tchami’s hottest, happiest grooves to date.
- “Grown up” – Danny Brown
This contemporary song for adults is a special ode to youth, perfect for playing around the fire on a cool summer night.
- “Floors” – Abhi the Nomad (feat. Foster Cazz)
Taken from the alternative rap album “Where Are My Friends”, this is a chasing type groove of summer sunsets.
- “I know there will be (good times)” – Jamie xx
This colorful R&B number has almost a Caribbean flair. 10/10.
- “Ruin my weekend” – Jordan Davis
Jordan Davis knows the perfect balance of pop and croony country – this one is definitely a summer favourite.
- “I love college” – Asher Roth
It’s half a joke, but not really… In this classic, Roth flaunts his love of college partying, to which I respond, “Do I really have to graduate or can I just stay here for the rest of my life ?
- “The difference” – Flume (feat. Toro y Moi)
This electronic masterpiece is a summer staple. Flume knows how to do a “hanging on the balcony” or “out the car window” type track. Please don’t take my advice on this.
- “Big Horse” – Kacey Musgraves
Who doesn’t love a bit of country in the summer? Kacey brings it home with a pop-leaning, guitar-driven track.
Jillian writes on a range of media topics. You can reach her at [email protected].
