The top music hits of the summer

BY ALEXANDRA SANSONE

For most students, summer is characterized by liberation from school. Finally free to have fun without assignment deadlines and final exams looming over them, plans of tanning on the beach and pool fill the schedules of weary students. Plans and playlists are made, shared and blasted at every event, growing in length as the months pass. If only Summer vacation could last as long as these summer hits did on the charts.

“Stay” by Zedd and Alessia Cara has gained lots of popularity this summer and easily made the American Top 40 Chart, where it has remained number one for 16 weeks. It is also known for its appearance in the movie “Everything Everything” and was the most purchased song on the soundtrack according to iTunes. Its use of various forms of drum-like beats grabs listeners’ attention, providing a facile song to sway or jump to.

Bruno Mars has been smashing the charts with his upbeat single “That’s What I Like,”  maintaining a high spot on the Billboard Hot 100 and American Top 40 for multiple weeks. The music video, which has collected over seven hundred million views, showcases Mars’ dancing skills as he performs for the camera while the animation adds to the playfulness of the song. The catchy tune provides an environment in which any form of dancing is accepted, including but not limited to awkward swaying, random jumping, or actual choreographed dancing for those who want to show off.

An unforgettable summer tune by the name of “Despacito” has gained lots of popularity, its music video collecting over three billion views. Although written by Luis Fonsi, Daddy Yankee and Erika Ender for Fonsi’s upcoming album “Así,” Justin Bieber was later featured on the track, giving it a boost in the eye of the music industry. “Despacito” is fast paced during its verses but slow during the chorus, sticking true to its name. Often played at parties and gatherings, it has created a setting in which everyone can dance freely to the flow of the music. This is huge for Fonsi, not only because he took part in producing a popular, successful song, but because it was also the first mostly Spanish Language song to work its way up to number one on the Billboard Hot 100 in 21 years.

Miley Cyrus has propelled herself into the spotlight by releasing her first new song in two years. “Malibu” is sweet and slow with periodic percussion beats layered throughout the song. As the song progresses these beats increase, adding to the intensity behind the lyrics. This is a big contrast to some of her other works, as “Malibu” is telling of a new part of her life that is reflected in the music.

Photo by Lariat photography