Editorials

Summer Beats

25 June 2016

By Joseph

Finally! Summer has arrived, and even though the season certainly comes with a few drawbacks, I’m sure we’re all ready to welcome the British summer with open arms.

Some of us might be on the look-out for a few new bikinis; for some of us it might be a holiday, but for all of us, a few summer beats will help to get us in the spirit.

1) Summer Of 69 – Bryan Adams

You could have bet your house that this song would feature. The 80s hit has become synonymous with the free-wheeling spirit of summer – I just won’t talk about what the real meaning of the song is…

2) Bonfire Heart – James Blunt

Normally associated with his sedate lyrics and brittle voice, James Blunt’s songs are usually felicitous to the more depressing moments in life, however, ‘Bonfire Heart’ turns that view on its head by conjuring up images of those long summer nights under the stars.

3) Shut Up And Dance – Walk The Moon

This song is – quite literally – all-singing, all-dancing; perfect for the party season!

4) Booyah – Showtek

Whenever I hear this song, the sight of bald middle-aged men, driving round in clapped-out old bangers, headbanging along to the electric beats of the Dutch techno duo always springs to mind. Thanks, Dad…

5) Timber – Pitbull & Kesha

Aided and abetted by contemporary artist Kesha, Pitbull’s creation ticks all the boxes for a catchy summer beat. And the melody comes from a harmonica… What’s not to like?

6) Last Friday Night – Katy Perry

A true crowdpleaser, Katy Perry’s Friday night jam hits all the right notes, and – if viewed in the right way – the music video is even a tad inspirational.

7) This One’s For You – David Guetta & Zara Larsson

In light of a tumultuous and volatile couple of years (especially in France), I found the official Euro 2016 song to be particularly sentimental – even unifying – as well as being a rousing party song.

8) Use Somebody – Kings Of Leon

I remember once being asked by my music teacher to try and put our own twist onto this song – we tried playing it as a string quarter, going a cappella and even tried interpretive dance, but we simply couldn’t outclass the Kings of Leon. Quite simply, this song just can’t be improved upon and it felt like sacrilege to perform it in any other way.

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