Another summer full of great music has come and gone. So in light of the warm weather coming to an end and the crisp dawns of fall creeping their way into the air, I've come up with a group of songs that will remind me of warmer times when I'm walking back to my dorm in the freezing cold after my public relations class gets out at the ungodly hour of 7:30 p.m.
Less Than Zero - The Weeknd
It only took one listen for this track to become one of my favorites not only of the summer but one of my favorites in general. The chorus makes it clear that the artist is dealing with some addictive battle that drives somebody close to him away. This deeper meaning adds something dark to a song with already powerful lyrics connected to it, even though it has such a fun and upbeat tempo and fantastic chorus.
R U Mine? - Arctic Monkeys
I've always found something fascinating in how the lead singer, Alex Turner, can make his lyrics have a unique sound. This song from the group's 2013 album is a prime example. Turner keeps those unique lyrics while creating a clear message through a killer rock song.
Love's Train - Silk Sonic
Released after their debut album "An Evening with Silk Sonic," this cover of Con Funk Shun's "Love's Train" is arguably one of the best in the duo's discography. Silk Sonic takes an old R&B classic and turns it into a track that makes you want to dance with your significant other more than the original did before. I'd put this song as my number two song of the summer, behind "Less than Zero."
Home - Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros
There is no better duet to sing about their love for one another than this one. But unfortunately, my girlfriend doesn’t know the lyrics to the female singer’s part of the song, so I have to sing that part myself in a high-pitched voice. Even still, the music makes you think of a bright summer day spent with the one you love.
family ties - Baby Keem ft. Kendrick Lamar
Lord save my lungs when I hear those trumpets start to play. Because once I hear them, it's game over for the next four minutes and twelve seconds. This track would help give Keem his first Grammy for "Best Rap Performance," cementing him as one of today's best new artists.
Cash In Cash Out - Pharrell Williams, 21 Savage, Tyler, The Creator
I'd first seen a clip of the song, and the collaboration of the three artists caught my attention. Then I listened to the complete track. 21 Savage's verse is my favorite of the three, but Tyler's was also excellent. I wouldn't say it's my favorite summer song, but it's a solid listen if you enjoy any of either 21, Tyler, or Pharrell.