More than a month may have passed since school let out for the summer, but the summer is still very much alive and young. Need a new tune for that summer internship grind? The perfect pump-up song before those raging summer fiestas? Maybe a melody to beautifully accompany a warm summer night with friends around a campfire—maybe a little too cliché? We think so. Regardless, Recess is here to give you our must-listen-to songs for Summer 2015.
1. "Cherokee" by Kamasi Washington
This song is warm, bright, and funky--everything your summer should be.
2. "Crystals" by Of Monsters and Men
OMAM dropped their new album Beneath the Skin on June 9th, and this single is bright shiny beautiful gold. It sounds sincere and emotional but doesn't lack an eager intensity. As a band that's still building their name this song looks like the ticket to following early success.
3. "I Need Your Love" by Shaggy
If there is one thing that every summer needs, it's a little bit of a Latin and tropical flair. Shaggy is back from the dead in his new bright and sunny Jamaican vibes meshed with a kiss of seductive guitar strumming and a booming drum beat that cajoles you into dance. Close your eyes and let the music take control with this one.
4. "Annie" by Neon Indian
Neon Indian has a pretty weird history and really good music to show for it. "Annie" is a preview of their third LP—and their first release in four years— sounding peppy and tropical without sliding into kitsch. Alan Palomo's vocals are roundly satisfying on this decidedly summer song.
5. "Sweet Life" by Frank Ocean
What better way to celebrate Frank's new album than to listen to the best song from his last one?
6. "Another You" by Armin van Buuren
The best part of this song is its pop-y vibrancy. This EDM track is less melancholy than Zedd and more care-free than Calvin Harris. It just makes you feel damn on the good inside.
7. "The Night is Still Young" by Nicki Minaj
No one makes a better summer track time and time again than Nicki Minaj. Taking a more mellow approach than hits like "Starships" or "Anaconda," this single plays with tempos and quick beats that will make you crave that in the moment euphoria of a memorable summer night.
8. "Cheerleader" by Omi
This track is so stupid that it's great. The lyrics are so simple, but the bumpy rhythm and carrying trumpet will transport you to beach where maybe, you too will find your cheerleader.
9. "Crowded Stranger" by Girlpool
Reminiscent of early Tegan and Sara, this steady tune is full of feeling and will make you nostalgic for something you can't quite grasp.
10. "Lonely Town" by Brandon Flowers
Retro and electric. Flowers sounds great, but it's the backup that makes this one have a big sound.
11. "Down in the Water" by Mipso
Something different, something slower, but with singing that is damn near perfection and as catchy as bluegrass can get from this North Carolina band.
12. "Third Eye" by Florence + the Machine
This one gives you full exposure to Florence's huge and high voice and is one of the most danceable tracks on her new album. This is your "let's go" song.
Here's the whole list for your listening pleasure:
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