It could be quite strange to move from one country to the next seamlessly. I often find myself disembarking the plane from Santo Domingo and greeting the airline crew in Spanish only to realize I’m in New Jersey. It takes a a few days to stop saying Hola and start saying Hey. Another thing that takes a few days, is getting a groove for the music of the moment and since music is a cornerstone of summer, I decided to speed up the process and ask some of my experts this question:
What song are you jamming to THIS summer?
And they answered. So whether you’re back home, staying in your expat country or exploring other walks of the globe this summer and wondering what’s new on the radio, here’s a mini summer soundtrack for you.
Renegades – X Ambassadors
These kinds of songs make my skin tingle, the songs about going forth and having courage and living the life you want. “It’s our time to make a move. It’s our time to make amends. It’s our time to break the rules. Let’s begin…” Indeed.
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Beautiful Life – Nick Fradiani
I can’t believe I missed this song which was the FIFA Women’s World Cup Anthem! Its a little cheesy (I’ll admit) but nonetheless it is a song that mirrors what I write about in my Drinking the Whole Bottle blog, a reminder to savor life, to look around (if only for one night) and be reminded that life is gloriously lovely.
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Cool for the Summer – Demi Lovato
Ok, technically, my 23-year-old self picked this song because what summer list would be complete without a song that has the word summer in the title? Also, the video has a pink flamingo floatie in it which makes it an instant win. Besides, what says summer more than terrible decision making and pool parties? Again, this is my 23-year-old self choosing this song and not the more responsible, motherly 35-year-old self which would ask Demi, “What do you mean ‘Don’t tell your mother?’
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Cecilia and the Satellite – Andrew McMahon
He wrote this song for his daughter. Sigh. It’s so pretty and what I really like is the message to not be afraid, to fly, to explore, and to know he’ll be there watching over her.
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La Gozadera – Gente de Zona (feat. Marc Anthony)
This is the kind of song that can make a dead man dance. I first heard it one night in Cuba last month when we were hanging on the porch with my cousin’s and then happily heard it every night there after. It is the only Spanish song to make my list and for good reason: rhythm and fun this good is impossible to stand still to in any language.
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Blame It On Me – George Ezra
You’ve probably heard his breakout hit Budapest but I like this one better on his debut album, perfectly and expatly titled Wanted on Voyage. Whether you’re home and visiting old friends or out exploring the world, this is a great tune for the summer soundtrack. The video starts with an older Asian man wearing a Hawaiian shirt asking, “Are you sure you want to follow the yellow brick road?” A question that is perfect for the start of any adventure you plan on taking this summer. And continues to sing the ever important question What you waiting for? Well… what are you waiting for?
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Freedom – Pharrell
I have a confession to make. I hated – HATED – Pharell’s hit, Happy. Hated. I know. I might be the only person on the planet to say it and I only say it now because I love – LOVE – this Pharell song. First, it’s completely different and fabulous from most anything I’ve heard in a looooong time and secondly because what other word describes summer better than Freedom. (Not the official video)
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Fight Song – Rachel Platten
I have another confession. I am a sucker for these take back your life, girl power, live your life songs. I listen to them when no one is around, play them in my car loud and sing them louder. But don’t worry, I won’t make you jam along… unless you want to, in which case I can swing by to pick you up and we could girl power it up.
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Bad Blood – Taylor Swift (feat. Kendrick Lamar)
Is it me or does TayTay come out with a new song every summer to car jam to? And the video is pure kickass girl fun! I wanna be friends with Tay for many reasons but mostly so we could make a fun Girls Rule video together.
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BONUS:
These aren’t too new but there is no doubt in my mind that these were made to roll you through the summer. Pure sun fun!
Shut Up and Dance – Walk the Moon
So much fun! It’s like a summer stroll down the 1980’s.
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Cheerleader – Omi
So here’s a cool story. Jamaican born, OMI (stage name), released this song in 2012 but it wasn’t until German producer, Felix Jaehn, remixed it that the song topped the charts. I’m not usually one for a remix but…
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Honey I’m Good – Andy Grammer
Yes, I’m sure you’ve heard it. Yes I’m sure it is starting to get played out. But there’s good reason. It’s quite chipper.
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What would you put on the summer soundtrack?
…And, as always, thanks to my experts for their help!