The Farr Side: What will be the big music hits of summer?
Memorial Weekend has passed but, for most of us, that meant the unofficial start to our summer fun. And, by fun, I’m talking about backyard barbecues, family reunions, beach trips, road trips and whatever else floats your boat, or kayak.
One thing is for sure, though. Music is sure to be a part of your plans. I’m all about my music and my playlists. To be honest, my music is a part of everything I do no matter the time of year. However, there’s something to be said about a good song or two to help make your summer fun that much more enjoyable.
In years past, it was pretty simple to identify the songs that were going to dominate your plans. Think about it … Remember “California Gurls” (Katy Perry) or “Umbrella” (Rihanna)? There was no question they were songs of the summer. We’ve enjoyed some great songs through the years, but in the past few years it wasn’t as easy to choose.
Songs like “Old Town Road” (Lil Nas X and Billy Ray Cyrus) or last year’s “As It Was” (Harry Styles) dominated the charts, but were they that good to be songs of summer? I’m going to, perhaps, get some flack for saying this, but I’m not so sure they were. They’re good songs, but they don’t make me want to set my drink down and dance.
There are some great new tunes out right now that have a good shot at being popular favorites this summer, but it’s anyone’s guess how they’ll stack up by the time Labor Day Weekend rolls around.
Morgan Wallen has made some incredible dents on the album charts with his mega-hit album “One Thing at a Time.” The album is actually becoming the biggest country album on the charts in 30 years. That’s pretty impressive. Several tracks from the album dominate the Billboard Hot 100 including his biggest hit, “Last Night.” The song currently is at No. 1, which is a rare feat in its own right for a country song on the Hot 100.
Wallen isn’t showing much sign of backing down anytime soon. But, “Calm Down” from the collaboration of Selena Gomez and Rema is definitely a song to pay attention to, as is the collaboration of For King & Country with Jordin Sparks on the track “Love Me Like I Am.” I absolutely love that song!
Ed Sheeran’s latest, “Eyes Closed” is the first release from his newest mathematical album, “Minus.” You can’t go wrong with Sheeran.
Lauren Daigle’s “Thank God I Do” is one of those songs that just goes right to the heart. I know it’s not one I’m going to get up and dance to, but it sure is an incredible song that I’ll be playing a lot this summer.
The song I believe is going to rise to the occasion is the latest single by Kylie Minogue. “Padam Padam” is the dance song this summer, no doubt. It’s a hot one and I cannot wait for the full album this September.
The only spoilers happen to be the two women who have dominated the charts since last fall, respectfully. Taylor Swift and Miley Cyrus have owned the charts for months with “Anit-Hero” (Swift) and “Flowers” (Cyrus). I know, I know … these songs can’t be the summer songs. But, Swift and Cyrus will make big splashes. Cyrus’s album, “Endless Summer Vacation” is a danceable gem with numerous tracks including her current singles’ “Jaded” and “River.”
Swift’s “Midnights” album continues to deliver, but it’s going to be the re-release of her 2010 album, “Speak Now,” that’s going to kill it this summer. “Speak Now” is her third album to be re-released in her attempt to gain control of her music masters. She’s so incredibly brilliant and such an important part of the musical landscape right now. The new-old album will feature 22 tracks, including six brand-new songs. The album comes out July 7. I can’t wait!
Other new album releases this summer include new music from Foo Fighters, Niall Horan, Janelle Monae, Kelly Clarkson, Post Malone and the soundtrack to the new "Barbie" movie.
— David T. Farr is a Journal correspondent. Email him at farrboy@hotmail.com.
This article originally appeared on Sturgis Journal: The Farr Side: What will be the big music hits of summer?
