A Spicy Summer

As August approaches and the sun gets hotter, so does the music. Spanish flares and saucy lyrics seem to be taking over the music scene. There’s nothing better than a cold beverage and a hip shaking tune. Add these to your summer playlist…ASAP.

 

cc
Image via indiebrew.net

1.) “Havana” – Camila Cabello 

Camila is proving her worth in the pop genre. “Havana” has bouncy piano chords and a classic clap beat. The newly solo singer sings, “Havana, oh na na, half of my heart is in Havana, oh nana, he took me back to East Atlanta.” A feature verse from Young Thug adds the hip-hop element Cabello seems to     be harnessing in her latest music.

 

captain cuts
Image via Twitter.com

 

2.) “Cocaina” – Captain Cuts, Rich the Kid, Daniels 

Shakers, twang-y guitar chords, and a punchy horn section make this song play in your head for DAYS. Think of a sweaty club past midnight; that’s “Cocaina.” Every feature adds more flavor to this spicy track.

 

 

frenchy montana
Image via complex.com

 

3.) “She Workin” – French Montana feat. Marc E. Brassy

Montana’s latest album “Jungle Rules” took a more groovy route than we’ve seen in the past from the rapper. Featuring smooth crooner, Marc E. Brassy kicked up the sex appeal ten notches. “Mmm, she know what to do with it” says Frenchy right off the bat followed by a solid steady beat. *(Dancing girl in the red dress emoji)

 

tyler
Image via hypebeast.com

 

4.) “I Ain’t Got Time!” – Tyler, the Creator

A reoccurring horn line echoes throughout this track that somehow fits effortlessly behind Tyler’s aggressive verses. Various instruments make a background mash-up during “Time.” Tyler told Beats 1 Radio he made this track while in the studio with Kanye West. He just started making odd noises and thought it would work for Kanye (who didn’t like it) so Tyler kept it for himself.

 


 

Michael Blume Is Not A Trend

 

michael blume
Image via songkick.com

A horn line blasts through “I Am Not A Trend” as Blume declares his independence with a no f***s given attitude. Something he’s been able to master since the very start. “I dance how I dance, I pray how I pray, I sing what I sing, I say what I say.” The lyrics are simple; be yourself, and do YOU. A happy-go-lucky chorus ties the song together making it an empowering pop/jazz tune.

Blume told me his inspiration behind “Trend” saying, “It’s about living your grandest self, realizing your fantasy is unique to you, and submitting yourself fully to your own truth.” Honesty has been a common theme in this New Jersey natives music as fans heard on his 2016 EP titled, When I Get It Right. He dealt with relationships, love, his career, and did it all in a brash yet meaningful way.

“Trend” is apart of Blume’s new EP to be released this year. Listen here:

 


 

Charli XCX Returns with “Boys”

 

xcx
Image via celebzz.com

A couple months ago Charli XCX shared a photo on Instagram with a caption that sent fans for a bit of a loop. “I spoke about my album and how it was done and coming out in May. I know it’s May now and there still isn’t an album but I just wanted you guys to know it’s not because anything’s wrong or I don’t wanna put it out or anything,” the singer continued, “I just want to make as much music as possible. So that’s what’s happening. I’m in the studio a lot and feeling more creative than ever…”

From then on, Charli lent her voice to other hit makers in the fresh/futuristic genre of music. Artists like Whethan (“Love Gang”) and Mura Musa (“1 Night”) borrowed Charli for some sassy hooks bound to be perfect. But, she didn’t stop there. The pop star released a mixtape titled Number 1 Angel back in March of this year. Charli has made it crystal clear that her album will be flawless, which is why she might not let go of it until 2018. “Boys” is her latest single. Will it be tied to the new album? Does this mean the album release date could be this year? Or is “Boys” just a taste of what we can expect for future tunes?

Charli explains the male-heavy music video to radio host Annie Mac saying, “They’re doing all the sexy things that girls usually do in music videos.” No hot girls bouncing in bikini’s or dancing on guys in the club. Joe Jonas eating pancakes, Diplo playing with puppies, Cameron Dallas modeling with a chainsaw, Charlie Puth washing a car, Flume reading a book; those are just some of the stars in this homage to sexy men. As usual, the pop tune is glowing with futuristic sounds and a bouncy chorus, “I was busy think bout boys, head is spinnin, thinkin bout boys.” 

Listen and watch for yourself:

 


 

New Album Picks

The Japanese House – Saw You In A Dream

 

japanese house
Image via allthingsgomusic.com

 

Distilled vocals and extended guitar riffs compile a gorgeous EP worthy of every summer sunset. Title track “Saw You In A Dream” is a romantic pop montage, while “Count to Nine” is a borderline indie hit infused with modern electronics. Lead singer, Amber Bain’s voice is as breathy as a summer breeze reminiscent of the eclectic Imogen Heap.

Top songs: “Saw You In A Dream” and “3/3”

 

LANY – LANY

 

lany
Image via josepvinaixa.com

 

16 tracks make up this epic electropop fusion of music. LANY have started to make a name for themselves with the unique soft edged voice of Paul Jason Klein leading the group onto the charts. His voice glides along any riff, melting into your ears. Exploring every element of love and relationships, the band tackles it head first.

Top songs: “Super Far” and “Hericane”

 

Calvin Harris – Funk Wav Bounces Vol.1

 

calvin
Image via themusicalhype.com

 

Far from his “Feel So Close” days, Harris shakes his EDM brand. With a plethora of cameo’s, Funk challenges what we’re used to hearing on pop radio from the UK native. Each song has an underlying funk layer stacked with top R&B/hip-hop slayers like: Kehlani, Nicki Minaj, Travis Scott, Pharrell, and more. “Rollin” is your car jam and “Feels” is your Friday night turn-up.

Top songs: “Prayers Up” and “Feels”