8 tunes competing this year for unofficial title Song of Summer
Summer comes with a soundtrack.
It changes from person to person, as individual tastes dictate what genres, artists and moods dominate the playlists.
Yet, there are a few songs each year that transcend the normal sonic constraints and just become simply inescapable. Those are the songs that truly seem to define the season, as they accompany pool parties, trips to the beach and vacations.
And the most memorable and omnipresent one in the batch takes the unofficial title of Song of Summer.
This year’s contenders are all over the map, stylistically, from melancholy pop to a party anthem to feel-good R&B and sultry hip-hop. Here’s a look at some of the top contenders for 2022.
‘As It Was,’ Harry Styles:
The former One Direction star is no stranger to the Song of Summer race, having offered up a truly sensational seasonal selection with “Watermelon Sugar” in 2020.
“As It Was” bares little in common with that sunny, celebratory earlier hit.
It’s not a party tune, but rather a kind of mediation on what it’s like to reenter society in these post-pandemic times. Despite the cold, detached vibe — or perhaps because of it — “As It Was” has struck a strong chord with the public and appears to be the tune to beat in the Song of Summer sweepstakes.
‘Big Energy,’ Latto: Here’s a more typical Song of the Summer contender, selling big fun with the promise of big singalongs at big block parties. As an added bonus, Tom Tom Club fans will
applaud yet another use of the rhythm from 1981’s “Genius of Love.” “Big Energy” is a true star turn for this Georgia rapper.
‘Heat Waves,’ Glass Animals:
“Heat Waves” originally came out in 2020, but it’s still the most popular indie-rock tune on the planet. The silky, sultry song gets under the skin and stays there. It’s nice to see quality rewarded and a song like this exhibit real staying power.
It’s surprising that it has taken people as long as it has to grab hold of this top-notch number from Doja Cat’s third studio effort, “Planet Her.” Yet, sometimes slow and steady can win the race. There’s a lot to like here, especially the incredibly groovy musical mix that draws from pop, hip-hop, R&B and Afro-fusion, as well as the nice balance of equally enjoyable sung and rapped lyrics.
‘Woman,’ Doja Cat: ‘First Class,’Jack Harlow:
Harlow’s chart-topper definitely lives up to its title as it provides an excellent showcase for the Kentucky rapper’s delightfully smooth lyrical flow. The song pulsates with sex, self-confidence and superstar mojo, as Harlow
sells his lifestyle of the rich and famous with memorable lines, cool beats and a sample of Fergie’s 2006 song “Glamorous.”
‘Running Up That Hill (A Deal with God),’ Kate Bush:
A nearly 40-yearold offering from Kate Bush’s “Hounds of Love” has gotten a new lease on life after being featured in Netflix’s “Stranger Things.”
‘That That,’ Psy, featuring Suga:
Psy — the K-pop star known for the 2012 smash “Gangnam Style” — returns with another winner. The tune is pure fun, combining a pumped-up EDM groove with Psy’s high-flying wordplay into a treat just made to get you moving your feet. Oh, and then there’s the Suga factor.
The BTS rapper joins the party midway through “That That,” which he also co-produced, and takes the song to the next level.
‘About Damn Time,’ Lizzo:
It’s a classic summer jam that already feels timeless — even though it has only been out a few months. The sound is a mix of funk, disco and soulful dancepop, which proves to be a fabulous platform for Lizzo’s patented feel-good lyrics.