Beyonce has inspired me to create a playlist just in time for summer BBQ’s, parties, and sunset drives. I’ve compiled some of the best upbeat songs all in one place…BOPS ONLY.
Enjoy 🙂
Tag: Summer
Gambino Hijacks Summer
(image via consequenceofsound.net)
“Summertime Magic” and “Feels Like Summer” couldn’t be more summer if they tried. Play this out on your boat and slowly feel all your worries slip away. Gambino captures the full essence of summer in two fresh new tracks he fittingly calls the Summer Pack.
“Magic” features a slight electro/tropical beat while Gambino sweetly sings, “is it summertime magic that makes me wanna dance all night long?” A dance-esque pulse soon takes over. Try NOT to dance. I dare you.
“Feels Like Summer” has a smooth retro feel to it. This one could’ve been plucked right out of the 70’s with pleasant oo’s and aa’s echoing in the background. If you play the two songs back to back, you almost can’t tell the difference; it just feels like one continuous stream of playful soundscapes.
Enjoy 🙂
Summer Heat!
The best hip-hop/rap jams out currently:
Paramore: After Laughter Tour
(Image via musicfeeds.com.au)Â
Paramore’s main source of light is Hayley Williams. She twirls around the stage wearing red boyshort underwear and a large baggy t-shirt. Like she just rolled out of bed in the middle of the night to tiptoe to the kitchen and get some cereal. The Tennessee native looks far from 29, but she’s definitely lived.
If there’s one thing fans have learned on the After Laughter tour, it’s that Paramore is indeed still a band. Original member, Zac Farro is back and better than ever after several years away. The group vibed off eachother on old and new tracks in ways we haven’t seen before. Every sound/instrument had a human behind it, bopping their head, and tapping a foot or two. While the stage is large, the band seemed to be positioned close together while they smile and jam with eachother through every song. The genuine feeling of camaraderie is heartwarming.
After Laughter sparked a pop-art inspired tour; something that now fits the band effortlessly. Hayley gives a mini-speech on how great it feels to be back and playing in large venues again. She says, “Let’s have some fun. We’re Paramore!”Â
Within the first five songs, they’ve covered hits like, “Still Into You”, “That’s What You Get”, and even 2007’s epic “Crush Crush Crush”. Hayley nonchalantly steals the show while headbanging, dancing, and screaming on stage. Guitarist, Taylor York remains in his element stage left, head down, shredding on the guitar for a solid two hours. Zac Farro seems calm, cool, and collected on the drums, banging away like his life depends on it.
Newer tracks like, “Rose-Colored Boy,” “Forgiveness,” and “Caught In the Middle” brought a retro 80’s feel to the night. Mirrored screens lined the top of the stage in a “Saved by the Bell” blocky neon fashion. Over halfway through the set, they stopped for a quick acoustic session. Hayley gave a fitting intro, saying, “Some soft songs for your soft hearts.” They went on to play a cover of Drake’s “Passionfruit”, then melted fans’ hearts with 2009’s “Misguided Ghosts” and After Laughter’s emotional tribute to never losing hope, “26”.
Before the end of the show, Hayley handed over the reigns to Zac Farro. We had the chance to hear his side band called HalfNoise. Hayley picked up backing vocals, hit a tambourine, and some drums, bouncing around like his biggest (or smallest?) cheerleader. HalfNoise’s “All That Love Is” fit right in with Paramore’s already frenetic theme.
The major finale? A wildly fun performance of the song that kicked off their latest era; “Hard Times”. Hayley forcefully sings, “All I want is a hole in the ground, you can tell me when it’s alright, for me to come out?” Oh, honey, it’s okay, come on out. We love you.
To catch Paramore on the After Laughter Tour, click here!
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.
1.) “Havana” – Camila CabelloÂ
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.
2.) “Cocaina” – Captain Cuts, Rich the Kid, DanielsÂ
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.
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)
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.
Music blogger 