By: Edna Batengas, Sarah Kwan
“A$AP Ferg” – NAV, Metro Boomin, Lil Uzi Vert
Edna Batengas: Love this track, it has smooth vocals and a great beat. I’m becoming more and more of a NAV fan everyday. Honestly, I have no clue why they’re singing about A$AP Ferg, he’s really not that special.
Sarah Kwan: To be honest, I felt pretty lukewarm about this song. It’s nothing new to the scene, the vocals are monotone and repeat the same lyrics. I got it. You “put in work.”
“Beautiful People Beautiful Problems” – Lana Del Rey, Stevie Nicks
EB: I honestly can’t think of a Lana Del Rey song that I didn’t absolutely enjoy. The lyrics are just perfect and her voice is so unique and calming. Keep them coming, Lana, I’ll never get tired of your voice.
SK: This song gives an ASMR vibe. If you are a fan of Lana, you’ll love this song. Lana’s husky, low voice speaks to years of experience and melancholy. Definitely her signature style.
“Believe” – A-Trak, Quavo, Lil Yachty
EB: Meh, it’s an alright song, but Lil Yachty and Quavo’s singing makes me feel like I already heard this song before. Sounds so much like Broccoli, but I guess that’s his trademark thingy.
SK: This song is fun and generic enough to be the next radio hit. It’s nothing astounding. If you’re looking for mindless workout music, this does the job.
“Somewhere I Belong” – Linkin Park
EB: RIP Chester Bennington, oh my gosh this song’s lyrics are giving me chills. It’s like he knew. He didn’t want to feel anymore and needed to go somewhere that he felt he belonged. Sleep tight, angel.
SK: RIP Chester. Given the context of the song, it would be difficult to give this a bad critique, but honestly the song is amazing. If you’re a fan of Numb, you’ll find similar themes in this song.
“Why Do You Feel So Down” – Declan McKenna
EB: The beginning of this song sounds like a shady arcade game tune. I think this song makes for great background noise, but I wouldn’t consciously listen to this song.
SK: Lighthearted electro beats and fun summer lyrics make this a great indie pop song. Sadly, it’s not my cup of tea. My reaction is lukewarm.
“The Other Side” – Dizzee Rascal
EB: It has such a creepy beat in the beginning then BANG, aggressive British rap hits your ears. Cute, but meh. NEXT.
SK: This is a killer rap song for hardcore workouts. The violent lyrics and fast-paced unpredictable beat makes this perfect background music when running through a tough HIIT routine.
“Lady Powers” – Vera Blue
EB: I think I kinda dig this beat. Damn right, finally some empowering lyrics.
SK: This fun feminist pop beat will be popular among the alternative pop crowd. It’s quirky but fun lyrics make a great song for the summer, whether you’re having a girl’s night out or staying at home jamming.
“She’s On My Mind” – JP Cooper
EB: AHHHHH, JP Cooper! I’ve lowkey had the biggest crush on him ever since I heard him in “Perfect Strangers” with Jonas Blue. Such a cute and mushy song.
SK: I love his vocals, which have great range and a smooth, sexual tone. This is a must-listen-to song. JP Cooper makes love to this track when he’s preaching about his feelings for his mysterious lover.
“13 Beaches” – Lana Del Rey
EB:YAAAAAASSSSSSS, more Lana Del Rey. Now that’s exactly what I’m talking about. Let’s end things there.
SK: Lana’s sombre and melancholy melody makes another appearance, again Lana lovers know what to expect. Personally, I prefer something with more stylistic range, but I like this song’s unconventional dreamy sound.
“$4,000,000” – Steve Aoki, Bad Royale, Ma$e, Big Gigantic
EB: Mmmm, that’s a ‘no’ for me.
SK: An oddly specific title, but Steve Aoki rips up another hot beat. This song is a bit too slow, but builds up to a sick beat that drops with a dirty sound. For EDM lovers this is a must-have summer song.
“Kings and Queens” – De Hofnar, Bodhi Jones
EB: I actually like this one, but why do I keep picturing it playing as background music in a Forever 21?
SK: This indie pop beat has great childhood themes, reminiscent of an old love. It’s nothing special — I could see young teens bopping to this song.
“Bahar Yanmadan Gel” – Ozbi
EB: I don’t really know what they’re saying but it comes off as either being super passionate or super aggressive. Then again, what do I know?
SK: Its rap beat and foreign lyrics surprisingly complement each other quite well. If you’re a fan of Euro-rap you’ll love this song.
