You may not know this, but if Spotify has been your go-to streaming service for jamming to your favourite tunes during your office commute or while keeping up with the latest fashion trends on Esquire (yes shameful, I know), then you’ve been unknowingly settling for low-quality music this whole time.
Spotify, of course, is aware of this and has been trying to introduce a high-fidelity (HiFi) subscription plan since 2021, despite rumours of them scrapping the idea. However, the plan is finally coming to pass as HiFi streaming is expected to arrive by the end of 2024, joining fellow streaming moguls, Apple Music and Tidal as streaming services that offer a high-quality option.
Amidst the controversy surrounding Spotify's recent price hikes—increasing costs twice a year across all subscription plans (the second hike thankfully sparing Singaporeans), users finally have something to cheer for, right? Well, I have some ill tidings that may convert even the staunchest Spotify apologists. HiFi streaming will be offered as an add-on that costs users at least USD5 more per month on top of their existing plan. This means that if you're currently on the individual plan paying SGD10.98, you might end up forking out SGD17 per month instead.
In contrast, both Apple Music and Tidal offer high-fidelity audio built-in to their streaming services, charging SGD10.98 monthly. Anyone else thinking of jumping ship?
What’s better than a summer music playlist? When the weather gets warm and the days begin to blend together, you know it’s time to shift your music into high gear. After all, a good song has the power to turn any situation into a party. Even if you have to work this summer (as many of us do), flooding your headphones with a mix of pop, hip-hop, and indie-rock will carry you to 5 pm when you can actually enjoy the outdoors.
This year Esquire is ready to help get the good vibes flowing with a mix of offerings from favorites like Niall Horan, Miley Cyrus, and Lil Yachty, along with tracks from the newcomers Lola Brooke and Flow. There’s plenty more to explore so, without further adieu, here are the 10 best songs for the summer (so far). Take a listen, and prepare for brighter days.
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Lola Brooke's “Just Relax” samples the 90s hit “This or That” by Black Sheep. In her version, Brooke transforms the classic into an equally fun track for the next generation of hip-hop lovers. With an irresistible beat and clever lyrics, “Just Relax” is the perfect song to get people moving. Play at your next party and see what happens.
"Cupid" is the perfect soundtrack for a warm summer afternoon. With a saccharine beat and equally dreamy lyrics, the new track is positively irresistible. It's no wonder the new K-pop group is taking the world by storm.
Niall Horan's latest single "Meltdown" is a punchy ode to self-perseverance. When life gets tough, Horan reminds us to relax and let the universe lead the way. It's sage advice wrapped up in a groovy beat. What more could you want?
Miley Cyrus invites you to imagine your ideal romantic fantasy in "Rose Colored Lenses." Whether you're in a relationship or not, this idyllic track will make you feel like the star of a rom-com. Lyrics like, "We could stay like this forever, lost in wonderland," evoke an idyllic alternate universe where love is all you need. I don't know about you but that sounds pretty nice to me.
PinkPantheress and Ice Spice's viral hit "Boys A Liar Pt.2" is a cheeky hit that will stick with you all summer long. Do you need to vent about a flakey ex or stifiled summer fling? Put this track on and let the music-duo do the hard work for you.
This song is the musical equivalent of a glow-up. In “One That Got Away” Muna celebrates being someone their ex will always think about. The next time you find yourself lamenting a failed fling, play this track and be grateful you’ve moved on to bigger and better things.
"Running Out of Time" is a groovy departure from Lil Yachty's typical sound. Let the song's intoxicating bass carry you into a psychedelic dreamscape. It's quite the journey.
Lucy Dacus, Pheobe Bridgers, and Julien Baker teamed up to create $20, an angsty ode to belt from your car. Come for their expertly crafted melodies and stay for Bridgers screaming "I know you have $20 dollars."
Everyones favorite new girl group Flo teamed up with Hip-Hop legend Missy Elliott to create "Fly Girl." The track, which is inspired by one of Missy's own classic raps, is the perfect feel-good anthem for your next backyard barbeque. Listen to "Fly Girl" and remember anyone can be flossy with the right attitude.
"Double Fantasy" is here to prove that music made for TV shows can actually be good. The track was created for the singer's new HBO series, The Idol, but its synthesized beat practically begs for a spot on your night-out playlist. Turn this one on, and set the mood for a perfect summer night out.
