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Don’t you love summer? The sun is out. Clothing is optional. And, there’s a boatload of new music.
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In the past couple weeks alone we’ve been bequeathed with the latest and greatest from Arcade Fire, Lorde, Phoenix, Big Boi, Queens of the Stone Age, ODESZA, and much more. Listen for yourself with this playlist of Summer Sounds.
Arcade Fire
This is the second stellar retro-fitted track off the Canadian Grammy winners’ highly-anticipated album, Everything Now “, which was co-produced by Daft Punk’s Thomas Bangalter (due July 28th). Very good so far.
Lorde
The dynamic, overly dramatic (I mean, her new album is called Melodrama), New Zealand songstress‘ first album in four years is an engaging follow-up to her breakout 2013 debut, Pure Heroine. Still only 20, Lorde is an old soul storyteller in the social media age — able to convey heartfelt self-reflective emotions that are both mature beyond her years and expertly manicured.
Phoenix
Whereas everyone and their grandmother (does Madonna have new music?) seems to be vying for the song of summer crown, Phoenix aims for something higher (or at least more fun) with Ti Amo. The French rockers’ first album in four years is unapologetic synth-driven, Mimosa-fueled, yacht rock and I’m 100% onboard.
Higher Brothers
China’s greatest hip-hop hope released their debut album, Black Cab, last month, but it’s just now picking up heat in the States as evident by a “rappers react” video to their music featuring Migos, Lil Yatchy, and Kyle, Playboi Carti.
ODESZA
The Seattle DJ-duo came out of nowhere a couple years ago, scoring hits and headline gigs with their brand of euphoric, ethereal dance-pop beats that would melt your face and heart. Now, they’re back with some teaser tracks off their forthcoming album just in time for festival season.
2 Chainz
Two Chainz might have the album title of summer 2017 with today’s release of Pretty Girls Like Trap Music, but it’s his collaboration with Nicki Minaj that has social media on fire as the no fucks given femme fatale rapper uses “Realize” fire shots at rap rival Remy Ma.
