2015’s Songs Of The Summer (Video)
The Track: "See You Again," by Wiz Khalifa ft. Charlie Puth
Why It Stands Out: It's always cool to see artists make it to the big time in unconventional ways, and this track basically marked Charlie Puth's explosion from rising YouTube sensation to true music star. Additionally, and maybe this is just me, I love when Wiz collaborates, and I think it tends to be his best work. (I even loved his little bit in the otherwise-nauseating Maroon 5 single "Payphone" a couple summers back). But this track really stands out for its emotional connection to the film Furious 7, and its standing as the backdrop to a tribute to the late Paul Walker. It's rare that a slower, more emotional track takes over a summer, but "See You Again" has as much of an argument as anything for 2015's song of summer.
The Track: "I Know There's Gonna Be (Good Times)," by Jamie xx ft. Young Thug & Popcaan
Why It Stands Out: Just as "See You Again" marked new territory for Charlie Puth, "Good Times" signifies a new level for Jamie xx, formerly the frontman (if that's an appropriate term for what's effectively "lead producer") for The xx. Even in a brief history in the spotlight, Jamie xx has developed a reputation for mixing up unconventional sounds .That's just what he's done in "Good Times," interspersing his own electronic genius with Popcaan's soulful chorus and verses from Young Thug that exemplify the up-and-coming rapper's insistence on idolizing Lil Wayne. It's a bizarre, entrancing track that's owned the latter half of summer.
The Track: "The Night Is Still Young," by Nicki Minaj
Why It Stands Out: Nicki Minaj's versatility continues to astound, and this track is somehow simultaneously one of the best dance tracks and one of the most bedroom-ready tunes of the summer of 2015. According to survey numbers, just under 40% of us still listen to music during sex (even though to some this might seem a little old fashioned), and the trouble is a lot of modern music doesn't really seem to provide options in this arena. Enter Nicki's track. I don't want to get too far into specific sex habits, but this is the rare modern summer hit that would be just as comfortable in the bedroom as in the club. That alone makes it pretty unique in a summer full of songs blending together.
The Track: "Trap Queen," by Fetty Wap
Why It Stands Out: Talk about a track that came out of nowhere. Signed to his first studio deal in November 2014, Fetty Wap wasted no time bursting onto the scene (and actually released "Trap Queen" last year as well). But it took its time gaining popularity, eventually exploding this summer to help Fetty become arguably the hottest new rapper in the game. Now the guy is topping the charts and posing for Maxim. It's always nice to have a major breakout candidate on the short list of memorable summer tracks.
The Track: "Cheerleader," by Omi (Felix Jaehn remix)
Why It Stands Out: In a recent write-up about "Cheerleader," it was described as "the understated reggae tune that sounds like a vacation in a bottle," and that about says it. If there's a prototypical "summer song" of 2015, this might just be the one. Even saying that seems unfair to Omi, as there is something uniquely relaxing about this track. It's made a bit of a late push to get into the conversation for defining the season, but for me at least it will be one to remember.
It's hard to prop any one of these above the others, but together they make up a nice little sampling of what we've been listening to all summer long.