“This is America” — Childish Gambino
When Donald Glover, AKA Childish Gambino, releases any new album, episode, movie or track, it’s almost always great, which is why it was no surprise when “This is America” took flight across the airwaves. It’s great commentary on the state of America and it has a great sound — what more could we ask for?
Gambino gets a little weird in this track, but just weird enough. With pops and bangs of sound from his voice and instrumentals, this song is impossible to stay silent to.
“My My My” — Troye Sivan
Troye Sivan, a 22-year-old Australian singer doesn’t hold back on his tracks. Since his 2015 debut, his punches just keep coming and “My My My” is the perfect way to showcase that.
Sivan’s voice is strong against the backdrop of a heavy, synthy, head-bopping beat. His second album is set to be released by the end of the summer, so until then we have a plethora of singles to listen to in the car.
“Girls Like You” — Maroon 5, featuring Cardi B.
It’s 2018, so most songs featuring Cardi B. are obviously a hit. Throw Maroon 5 into the mix with their original pop-rock sound and “Girls” is a seamless tune.
The best part about this song? It’s about women (in a pretty non-obnoxious way), it features women in the music video and lets Cardi B. do what she does best.
Maroon 5 hits gold with this release.
“Back to You” — Selena Gomez
Selena Gomez finds anthem-like quality in her newest track, “Back to You.” Originating from the “13 Reasons Why” series, Gomez finds a strength in her voice that is well showcased in this song.
Similar to many of her recent releases, this track is deeply emotional but surrounded by a dance-pop vibe, perfect for bobbing your head.
“Young Blood” — Five Seconds of Summer
Since 2011, Five Seconds of summer has waned in and out of pop rock-loving public’s consciousness. With boyband One Direction no longer in the picture, Five Second of Summer has been given time to flourish — with “Youngblood,” they have.
This track has a literal foot-stomping sound and strong guitar riffs. Their voices have become more assured and their songs less of a pre-teen dream, Five Seconds of Summer is helping keep boy bands alive.
“Youth” — Shawn Mendes, featuring Khalid
Perhaps one of the more talked about songs of the summer, Shawn Mendes makes waves with this track off his newest album titled “Shawn Mendes.”
“Youth” features Khalid’s sultry soft tone right off the bat. Other than Mendes’ stronger sound during the chorus, Khalid opens the song and the two share the track nearly equally.
It’s a powerful release off Mendes’ junior album, one perfect to sing to in the car.
“Make Me Feel” — Janelle Monae, featuring EDX
Janelle Monae released “Make Me Feel” back in February, but it’s still hot enough to fly into the summer.
Off her third studio album, “Dirty Computer,” Monae gives a plethora of solid tracks, but this one, in particular, takes the cake.
“Make Me Feel” starts off funky and gives off Prince vibes right out of the gate — it’s ’90s without being too ’90s. It references Michael Jackson’s “The Way You Make Me Feel” in all the right ways.
This funky, feel-good beat is too good to leave off a summer playlist.
Hailey Stewart can be reached at [email protected] or on Twitter at @Hailey_ann97