By Callum Foulds
Music writer Callum Foulds takes us on a journey through all the songs that need to be on your playlist as you swing your way into this summer, or if you're on the British Isles, this season that is supposed be summer.
Despite what the weather in the UK suggests, it is actually summer! If it isn’t indicated by the temperature, it certainly is by the longer days, shorter nights, festival countdowns, and the demonic pollen count. At the time of writing, I am currently nursing a sneezing fit, my eyes are streaming, and I am fending off the overwhelming desire to rip the skin from my face.
At least a little of summer has made it through the clouds.
If you’re unlucky enough to not experience the joys of hay fever symptoms, then you may be finding yourself yearning for that summer feeling; those wine in the park afternoons; those pub garden evenings; those festival nights. Fear not, for I have compiled a selection of my favourite tracks that have appeared in last few weeks that will for certain, get you in that summer feeling.
Everything is romantic by Charli XCX
If you have been anywhere in the UK, especially in central London, then you will have seen the acid green posters that have seemingly appeared out of nowhere in the last few weeks. brat, Charli XCX’s sixth album has been highly anticipated since it’s lead single, ‘Von dutch’ dropped back in February; and to surmise, the album is a triumph.
I found it challenging to pick a song from the record to talk about, but settled on ‘Everything is romantic’, as I feel it’s a pretty good example of what makes the album, a record of the summer. The track is pure Charli: the lyrics are deeply silly, yet still manage to be profound; there are about four different genres, yet still the song does not feel bloated or confused; and it obliterates any preconceived notion as to what a pop song can be. It is huge fun, and is screaming to be heard under the blazing sun in a big city park, on repeat till the suns goes down.
encore by Shygirl
Back in March, I mentioned ‘mr useless’ - at the time a new song by Shygirl - as an antidote to a winter that hung around a little too long. Since then, the London native has been phenomenally busy; having a released an extended edition of an EP, a DJ mix, and then a remix version of said EP. ‘Encore’, the lead single for Club Shy RMX, is a scuzzy, distorted club-ready moment. It boasts classic Shygirl lyrics; “In the club, at the bar / Buy a drink, take a shot / Spill a bit, lick it up / Eyes on me, that’s what you want”.
Just like the Charli song, ‘encore’ is crying out to be played on a hot summer’s night. It screams sweat fuelled dancing till the early hours, far past the sunrise. I am sure that this will not be the last time I mention Shygirl this year, but for now, I shall be beckoning warmer weather with this song, willing the summer to make itself known.
liMOusIne (feat. AURORA)
Bring Me The Horizon finally released their long anticipated album, POST HUMAN: NeX GEn at the end of last month. It is an absolutely bonkers ride of an album, fusing together lead singer, Oliver Sykes’ love for video games; classic metal-core breakdowns; and hyper realised pop soundscapes - classic Bring Me The Horizon. They have been one of my personal favourites for a long time now, and even as a long time fan, I was surprised by ‘liMOusIne (feat. AURORA)’. It is a slow, chugging beast of a song, with a striking resemblance to alt-rock legends, Deftones. Norwegian synth-pop artist, AURORA somehow slithers her way into the song, with little to suggest she is out of place. Her inclusion in the song is oddly fitting, given her notable infatuation for metal; and let’s not forget Bring Me The Horizon’s vastly varied past collaborations, which include: BABYMETAL; YUNGBLOOD; Halsey; Grimes; Ed Sheeran, just to name a few.
LUNCH by Billie Eilish
As many of us were, I was hotly anticipating Billie Eilish’s third album. Being an artist who somehow continues to be at the top of the pop game, whilst delving into some truly experimental sounds and songwriting, I could not have told you what Eilish’s next move would have been. Not that I didn’t expect greatness, but I was not anticipating this level of accomplishment from an artist who is not only still very early on in her career, but still so young herself.
I could have picked any one of the songs from HIT ME HARD AND SOFT, to talk about at length. I settled on ‘LUNCH’, as I felt it encapsulated the record. The production is of course immaculate, and Billie’s songwriting has never been stronger; both Billie and Finneas appear here like artists with nothing to prove, as if they have already risen above the remaining naysayers with ease. ‘LUNCH’ is a wonderfully fun song, boasting all of what is great about Eilish’s music: memorable lyrics; deep bass grooves; and moments of genuine surprise. Although it is not the most summery album in sound, ‘LUNCH’ is by far the brightest moment on the record. If summer is to the year what ‘LUNCH’ is to Billie Eilish’s discography, then the song should be able to lift you above these cold nights whist you wait for the glorious wave of summer to crash.
BOA by Megan Thee Stallion
To round of this list, I simply could not fail to mention the woman who invented summer. ‘Hot Girl Summer’ absolutely dominated the airwaves back in 2019, and since then the season has belonged to Megan Thee Stallion. Beginning with ‘Cobra’ back in November, the rapper has released as steady flow of singles, culminating with last month’s, ‘BOA’; notable for the genius move of sampling Gwen Stefani’s monster hit, ‘What You Waiting For?’ It’s a classic Meg song, accompanied by a video that arguably could usher in the next era of music video greatness. ‘BOA’ is heaps of fun, completely bodacious, and all together the perfect way to welcome in the days of the Stallion.
Taking a writing break, I went out for a coffee; putting on my long leather jacket, just to make sure I didn’t feel the chill too much, it occurred to me that we may still be a little while away from the height of summer. The weather still feels very much attached to the spring, which is fine, but like the rest of the country, I am craving some heat. I hope the list I have made will not only inspire you to relish in the summer sun once it arrives, but perhaps will it to stick around for a little longer this year. Perhaps by the time you are reading this we will be watching the sweat drip off of our noses, yearning for the temperature to fall just a little bit. I will most likely be one of those people, but in the mean time, I shall be patiently awaiting the domination of summer.
About the Writer
Callum Foulds is a poet and recording artist based in Nottingham, England. They enjoy good food, scary movies and playing with their cat. They can often be found reading on the couch, or agonising over whatever creative venture they are currently embarking on. @cf_oulds
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