Summer Series Part 9: Tommy's Weekly Playlist
By Tommy Rodriguez
Summer always goes by too fast.
As the quarantined summer of 2020 comes to a characteristically quiet close and everyone returns to their college abodes for online classes or at-home offices for remote work, there’s no better time than now to remember the songs that will define this awkward season. Strap in for one more Summer list: a modern take on some of the best summer songs to come out in 2020. Whether you’ve heard of them or not, these songs perfectly capture the music scene of this past season.
Read Tommy’s other additions to the Summer Series here.
DUCKWRTH feat. KIAN - “Quick”
DUCKWRTH’s latest album, SuperGood, is less of a traditional hip-hop record, and more an amalgamation of the sounds that are running through the pop, rap, and R&B airwaves right now.
“Quick” is a funky, danceable number that showcases DUCKWRTH’s sly wordplay and smooth verses over a wonderful piano line and dance beat. KIAN’s singing is equally smooth, gliding over the mix with a flirtatious sway. The song itself is nothing serious, just fun wordplay over an equally fun beat. A fan of any genre can enjoy it, but the songwriting has turned it into a late summer bop for me. It’ll definitely remind you of the wild thoughts that were dancing in your head as you pondered what to do during a quiet quarantine home.
Taylor Swift - “the 1”
Taylor Swift’s surprise indie-pop odyssey, folklore, did more than just shock fans and critics with its lack of promotion and stripped back aesthetic; it gave Swifties and new fans some of this season’s best heartbreak anthems. “The 1” is the records stellar opener, which utilizes subtle strings and naked guitar to lay bare the emotions of a breakup. The song itself is almost an ode to summer flings that got away, something many of us have experienced at some point in our lives. Combine the beautiful aesthetics of Taylor’s production choices with her soft singing and ever so catchy songwriting, and you have a song that’ll simultaneously tug on your heartstrings and nostalgia goggles.
Lady Gaga and Ariana Grande - “Rain on Me”
There’s a lot to love on “Rain on Me:” the disco beat is rife with quirky electronics and wonderful effects, Ariana Grande’s vocals remain as gorgeous as ever, and Lady Gaga’s mastery of pop songwriting is as apparent now as it was when she debuted. “Rain on Me” is the definition of a song being as good as it sounds on paper. It’s a disco duet between pop divas that has enough artsiness to satisfy the critical thinker and enough groove to get anyone dancing—a musical chef’s kiss!
The Strokes - “Brooklyn Bridge to Chorus”
There’s a lot to be said of The Stroke’s latest album, The New Abnormal. Not only does it’s title reflect the band’s change in sound as they incorporate odd song structures and synths into their garage rock sound, but it also reflects the weird times that we live in.
“Brooklyn Bridge to Chorus” is a wonderful rock song, featuring an infectious instrumental that mixes sweet and sour in a way that only angst-riddled adults can. The song’s dark topics on social anxiety and frustration perfectly match up with Summer 2020’s generally moody atmosphere, but the hope the song presents in its roaring guitars and punchy keys make it a fun romp. This song, much like the album and season from which it was borne from, is quirky and bizarre, mirroring quarantine in all its insanity. Catchy, fun, exciting insanity.
Anderson .Paak feat. Jay Rock - “Lockdown (Video Edit)”
Anderson .Paak, as far as I can tell, crafted the best soundtrack to the craziness that is lockdown. With a smooth, jazzy drum beat backing his swaggering vocals, .Paak’s rapping and singing are as perfect as his teeth.
The song is a powerful statement on the state of affairs in America, and it will only become more and more important as the year goes on. When you mix a powerful message with a smooth, nocturnal beat and one of this year’s best verses from Jay Rock, you have a masterclass mashup of hip-hop and soul. It’ll get you thinking, but you’ll be tapping your feet in time with the rhythm, as well.
Neon Trees - “Used to Like”
After a six-year-long silence of studio releases from the pop-rock sensations known as Neon Trees, I was overjoyed to discover that their mix of pop production and anthemic rock edge still thrives in 2020.
“Used to Like” is a wonderful jam, loaded with tasteful electronic effects, sweet guitar lines, and a mix of synths that recall an era of music long gone. Tyler Glenn’s songwriting shines through here, portraying his steadfast devotion to getting back to his partner by returning to “what [they] used to like about [him].” We all want to return to times gone by, to the happiness we used to feel; this song is the soundtrack to those very feelings.