Pleaser Staff’s Votes for Song of The Summer
Is the song of the summer defined by the best new single released in June? We don’t exactly think so. Summer sounds like a lot of things, new and old, pop and rap and indie, depending on who you ask. Or it can be all of them at once with our playlist! Pleaser’s music obsessives cast their vote for song of the summer, which we wrapped up in a metaphorical bow on Spotify, and tell you exactly why you should save their fave:
GRAPHIC BY ELENA PEJOVSKA
Sarah Dean Morales’ pick: “misses” by Dominic Fike
(who is surprised?)
What initially began as a surprise drop of eight tracks all conjoined together—presented in the form of a video—“misses” has manifested itself to be the standalone single from Dominic’s 14 Minutes EP. I first heard it when Fike originally dropped the project on April 23, and it quickly became my favorite. I could tell it had the recipe for star power with a twinge of twangy guitars, layered vocal harmonies and a hint of nostalgia. It’s no wonder it’s been ubiquitous on social media—it’s an instant classic.
Tori’s vote: “Cinderella” by Remi Wolf
Amid the wave of beginning of summer pop releases, Remi Wolf has been dropping singles for her new album (which released July 12!), “Cinderella” being the first in late March. It’s been stuck in my head ever since. The psychedelic voice throwing on the chorus paired with the whistles throughout the song make it the perfect backtrack for anything out in the sun.
Lindsey’s vote: “Sci-Fi Disco” by Surf Hat
I just recently discovered the band Surf Hat and safe to say they are my newest obsession. Their entire self titled album has been on repeat all summer long so far and “Sci-Fi Disco” is a stand out for sure! I even bought it on vinyl because that’s how much I love it…highly highly recommend!
Maya Sante’s vote: “Add Up My Love” by Clairo
Charm is such a summer album and vibe and this song only adds to that. It’s not a single so it may go under the radar but it should be on everyone’s summer playlist! The piano, the flutes, the soft vocals and tempo bring something so strong together that is a new sound Clairo has taken on.
Madeleine’s vote: “Sunset” by Caroline Polachek
Caroline Polachek has been one of my most-played artists this summer. Her voice sounds like a precise, cool breeze that breaks through sweltering afternoons. “Sunset” feels particularly summery to me. Unmistakably groovy percussion, tropical guitar arrangements and Polachek’s flawless, flickering high notes make this track essential for languid days and sunny drives.
Mya’s vote: “My Fun” by Suki Waterhouse
“My Fun” is a stepping stone in Suki Waterhouse’s catalog; a creative bridge between the solemnity of her debut and the wilder, more eccentric music on her latest album, Memoir of a Sparklemuffin. It’s a vivid little ditty that maintains the sincerity and sentimentality of Waterhouse’s first studio album I Can’t Let Go while weaving in notes of a cautious, but contagious joy. It’s vibrant and irreverent and kitschy in all the most wonderful ways. Whether you listen to it in July or January, “My Fun” will put you right into that summer state of mind.
Kaitlyn’s vote: “Favourite” by Fontaines D.C.
The group's second single off upcoming album Romance, this song features signature post-punk vocals, poetic lyrics and a catchy pseudo-indie guitar riff. Perfect for a park picnic or a day at the beach, this song captures the lightness and happy days of summer.
Allyson’s vote: “The Girl, so confusing version with Lorde” by Charli XCX ft. Lorde
To be a woman is to be criticized and compared and made to believe your worth is dependent on male approval. And that pressure is magnified when you are two women making a name for yourself in the music industry. Chali XCX and Lorde are raw and honest about how they have both felt wary of one another, unable to fully connect, because of the way the media treated them. Only now are they able to be so open and candid about it — i.e. they worked it out on the remix 🥲— letting the Male Dominated Powers That Be know that they couldn’t be broken. Brat summer is about the poetic nature of being a girl, riding hard for your friends, feeling and being authentic and experiencing love on deeper levels than you ever have before.
Nadya’s vote: “She Loves Me” by Dora Jar
Summer is weird. It’s hot, it’s wet, it’s fun and everything is happening so fast. Dora Jar’s first single of 2024, “She Loves Me” isn’t much different. The single is quoted by Dora as an “an ode to the girl I wish I could be.” With a strong bassline, a tight drumbeat and silly vocalizations, “She Loves Me” is the perfect compliment to the drive home from a full day on the water. The world is quickly realizing that summer 2024 is for the girls — the girls we were, the girls we are, and the girls we wish we could be.
Nia’s Vote: “TGIF” by GloRilla
Nothing boasts summer like the opening line of this distinctly southern single: “It’s seven p.m. Friday / it’s 95 degrees / I ain’t got no n*gga / and no n*gga ain’t got me.” In just a few bars, “TGIF” captures the ripeness of a hot summer Friday, hyping us up for what the weekend will eventually bring — turning up, looking cute and being (or acting) single. After recently wrapping as the opener for Megan Thee Stallion’s nearly sold-out stadium tour, GloRilla’s summer star has risen. This single has cemented her place among the women in rap who give us the confidence to pop out every summer, bound by nothing but the promise of a good time.
Katie Cerulle’s Vote: “Charmed” by Σtella
From the 2022 album Up and Away, “Charmed” has an ethereal sound that is accompanied by the soft, smooth lead vocals and a tantalizing back beat. This song reminds me of whimsical summer nights chasing daylight with your besties. I can’t get enough!! Best paired with good friends and sunshine.
Carson’s vote: “Maine” by hey, nothing
Indie folk is finding a perfect home with the rising stars of hey, nothing, a musical duo of two teens hailing from Athens, Ga. Equally wistful, nostalgic and biting, “Maine” encompasses the more complex emotions that can come with seasons of change. The lead track off the band’s recent EP of the same name, “Maine” is just one of many songs within hey, nothing’s musical catalog that will sweep you off your feet for the summer nights you just need to stare at the fleeting sunset alone and feel your feelings.
Grace’s vote: “This is Life” by Winnetka Bowling League Feat. Medium Build and Dawes
Following Winnetka Bowling League’s most recent record “Sha La La,” this upbeat single creates nostalgic narratives that outline specific and humorous formative situations. This song is perfect for a windows-down, existential summer road trip to your hometown that you haven’t visited in a while.
Rachel's vote: “Anthems for a Seventeen Year-Old Girl” by yeule
Breaking out into wider acclaim, nonbinary artist yeule provided this song for the soundtrack of A24's I Saw the TV Glow. This cover originates from group Broken Social Scene, but yeule's reimagining uses synth and distorted vocals to evoke the memories of childhood. This song feels like bike rides, kickbacks and laughing with friends from summers past.
Faith’s vote: “cherry cola” by Devon Again
Perfectly encapsulating the nostalgic feelings that are paired with youth, innocence and first love, Devon Again has created a song that can be applied to any scenario. Whether you’re listening in a car full of friends, sharing a moment with your significant other or enjoying a nice summer day to yourself, this song is the one for you. If you miss your 2014 Tumblr era, you should definitely check this one out!
Maddie’s vote: “Look At That Woman” by Role Model
Even though the song dives into themes of regret and heartbreak, its ‘70s vibe, soft vocals and vibey chorus disguise it as the perfect easygoing jam. Role Model always releases bangers, but this one is definitely a top favorite of mine. When listening, it gives you that nostalgic feel that just screams summer. And the music video is a must watch! It’s so retro-coded with a cute little photo booth featuring cameos from women Role Model finds inspiring like girl in red, Lizzy McAlpine, BENEE, UMI and Ariana Greenblatt.
Emma Zoe’s vote: “Boom Boom Back” by Hinds ft. Beck
Starting off with whoops and laughs over an addictive guitar riff, “Boom Boom Back” encapsulates the fun and thrill of summer. Part of Hind’s upcoming album VIVA HINDS, it has their distinct blend of garage rock and pop, combining an edgy song with catchy lyrics. I was initially surprised to see Beck as a feature, but trust me, once you listen to the song, it works. And the video is the cherry on top, highlighting all the fun to be had in summer with your best friend. Full of life and full of fun, viva Hinds all summer long!
