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.
This content is imported from youTube. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site.
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.
