Songs of the Summer

PHOTO CREDIT: SAMI ROBERTS

BY SAMI ROBERTS

Summer 2014 had many great songs. However, there were some tunes that just wouldn’t get off the radio. The songs of the summer weren’t bad overall; however, near the end of the short break, some tunes became old and overplayed. It became so intolerable when the same song was on three different stations at once; I just settled for silence. Here’s what you’ve been waiting for, the songs of the summer in order from best to worst:

1. Stay With Me by Sam Smith

There aren’t many songs that start with a smooth instrumental opening. Few ​male artists out there give me goosebumps like Sam ​Smith. His voice has a very diverse range, which makes me want to listen to this song on repeat. He definitely had a break out summer, but this was my favorite song from him.

2. Maps by Maroon 5

Maroon 5 never seems to disappoint. Adam Levine is not only a god, but he also has a unique voice. The song has a great beat and the words have meaning. Whenever Maps came on the radio I didn’t turn it off. If you haven’t heard this one, I highly suggest checking it out. ​

3. Am I Wrong by Nico & Vinz

The first time I heard this song I thought it was sung by a Jamaican​. It has a heavy bass​, which gives it reggae vibe. Almost every time I heard it, I couldn’t stop myself from​ tapping my feet along with the beat. I’ve never really heard anything else from Nico & Vinz, let alone know who they were before Am I Wrong came out. Based on how big of a hit this song was, I’m excited to see what else they come up with in the future.

4. ​Boom Clap by Charli XCX

This one comes straight from the Fault In Our Stars album, so some ​fans of the book had heard this song before it even came on the radio. Charli XCX mentions how her ​heart makes ​”boom” and​”clap” sounds​, so that part makes no sense​, but overall the song brings good vibes and happiness. Also, the scene it appeared in during the movie was a perfect fit. The way it was presented in the movie brought tears to my eyes since it appeared while Hazel Grace and Augustus Waters first arrived in Amsterdam together. I was ecstatic when I first heard it on the radio. I’m glad it made its way to the top on the charts.

5.​ This Is How We Do by Katy Perry

Although Katy Perry is super repetitive, we all know how they “do” now. She says almost no other words in the chorus except for the ones in the title of the song. There is one silly part in the song about halfway through where Perry applauds all those party animals that never make it home at the end of the night. Despite its redundant chorus, this song shot up to the top and has a funky rhythm.​

6. ​Latch by Disclosure/Sam Smith

This was one of the first songs to storm ​onto the radio this summer. It started out as a great, catchy track. It would pop up about once a day and was just enough​ to get me through my long drives. Near the end, I couldn’t get myself away from the​ song. Also, once I really listened to the lyrics, I noticed it sounds like a crazy, attached boyfriend who can’t “let go” of his ex. My opinion on this song changed immensely over time but was definitely one of the top songs this summer.

7. ​La La La by Naughty Boy/Sam Smith

This song starts out with something that sounds like a new​-born baby who’s still too young to say anything but sounds​. I used to think it was kind of odd, but it grew on me. The music in the background of the “la la la’s” is good and catchy. Sam Smith’s part is what makes it an actual song because he’s the only one who sings lyrics, so I would consider it his ​track more ​than Naughty Boy’s. However, together they did create one of the ​summer hits. ​

8. Rude by Magic!

I never liked this song. From the beginning I thought the lyrics were stupid and irrelevant. They make absolutely no sense because the​ main singer just complains the whole time about someone who’s rude to them but then contradicts themselves and says that they’re going to marry whoever is being rude. I’m not even a big fan or supporter of the music itself ​either. Overall, I wish it didn’t become as mainstream as it did because it doesn’t deserve the popularity.

9. ​Problem by Ariana Grande/Iggy Azalea

This song makes me want to vomit​. I have a huge problem with Ariana Grande’s high-pitched, annoying voice​. Iggy Azalea’s​ feature in the song doesn’t make it any better either. Both of their voices clash and make my ears bleed. I’m counting down the days when this song gets taken off from the Top 10 Playlist. The only reason why it made this list is because it was very overplayed, but I don’t understand why.

10. Fancy by Iggy Azalea/Charli XCX

I despise the 3 minutes of torture this song puts me through. This song has no business being on the radio, and I could list multiple problems I have with it. One time, it was on 4 different stations at once. I cried.