Although it’s tempting to bump Beyoncé all the way, we’ve rounded up some excellent new tunes to soundtrack your summer roadtrip. Whether you’re going upstate, down-shore, or cross-country, you can press play on these tracks for a refreshing summer playlist. Once you’ve got these contenders for “song of the summer,” check out Flavorpill’s exclusive Summer Guide for our top picks of awesome things to do this summer.
tUnE-yArDs: “Water Fountain”
From her brand-new album Nikki Nack, “Water Fountain” is ample proof that Merrill Garbus is still as effervescent as ever. This song was made for car sing-alongs.
MNEK: “Every Little Word”
This incredible R&B/pop tune is going to be on repeat on the Flavorwire stereos this summer. We suggest bumping it from your car stereo, too. And keep an eye on this guy. If there’s any musical justice, he’ll be huge by August.
Sia: “Chandelier”
When she’s not writing mega-hits for other pop artists from Rihanna and Pitbull to David Guetta, the Aussie singer is putting out excellent pop that’s a little left of center, compared to aforementioned club tracks. Bonus: this music video is already being heralded as the vid of the year. We won’t argue.
“Rather Be” by Clean Bandit ft. Jess Glynne
It’s hard not to dance to this house-tinged hit from British electronic band Clean Bandit. It came out at the end of last year, but the band is just starting to make waves stateside. We’re all for this particular British invasion.
Phantogram: “Fall in Love”
Stereogum predicts that this will be Phantogram’s year, and this song definitely supports that prediction. The expansive “Fall in Love” is perfect for a dreamy drive.
Rita Ora: “I Will Never Let You Down”
Some guys buy flowers, others write perfect pop songs for their girlfriends. This track was penned by Ora’s boyfriend Calvin Harris. Roll down the windows and blast it!
Betty Who: “Heartbreak Dream”
Betty Who garners a lot of comparisons to Robyn, both for her sound and her personal style. Like the Swedish star, this Aussie newbie relishes in anthemic pop songs that take unhappy moments (ahem, “heartbreak”) and spins them into danceable hits.
Sigma: “Nobody to Love”
You’re not hallucinating. This is Kanye’s “Bound 2,” remixed and with re-recorded vocals to take it from slow jam to dance track. Definitely makes for a more amped-up drive!
Beyoncé: “XO” (Monsieur Adi remix)
OK OK, here’s your hit of Queen B. We’re digging Monsieur Adi’s clubby remix of “XO,” and we’re pretty sure your car-mates will too.
Now that you’re ready to hit the road, check out our Ultimate Summer Guide for the best ways to spend your time and cash in LA & NYC, brought to you by our friends at Starbucks.