Entertainment

Has The Song Of The Summer 2016 Been Crowned?

by Jordana Lipsitz

Though it comes as no surprise, it's more than worth acknowledging: Drake's "One Dance" is number one on the Billboard's Hot 100 chart, as well as their ongoing Songs of the Summer chart — meaning it's likely going to be the official song of the summer 2016. It makes sense, of course: "One Dance," with its infectious rhythm and smooth vocals is a real treat for poolside hangs, and its tropical feel really goes hand-in-hand with a piña colada. When I first heard it, in fact, I got definite "song of the summer" vibes — and now here we are, a third of the way through the summer, and the Drake, Kyla, and Wizkid collaboration is the reigning king. During the first five weeks of Billboard's Songs of the Summer chart, the track has ranked at No. 1, and it doesn't seem like its going to get any less popular as the weeks go by. But, we can't sip our coladas poolside and simply listen to "One Dance" on loop this summer '16, as much as we'd all like to — there needs to be more tracks if this is truly going to be the perfect summer playlist.

The Songs of Summer chart obviously has some legitimate roots, but give yourself a treat, and take a listen to some other exciting tracks organized in one neat little package for you by yours truly. While it's not as official — the 20-position Songs of Summer Chart chart, which spans from Memorial Day through Labor Day, tracks the most popular tracks based on cumulative performance on the weekly Hot 100 chart — and I track things by personal preference, it's still the thought that counts, you know? So sure, Billboard seems to know what they're doing, but I've got a list of songs to add to the queue and I demand to be heard!

1. "One Dance" By Drake

It would be silly to not include our main man Drake as numero uno. He's the entire reason for the playlist. Love you, bae.

2. "Boyfriend" By Tegan And Sara

The poppy synths in this jam from Tegan and Sara's new album, Love You To Death, make it the perfect thing to listen to when getting ready to go out.

3. "Can't Stop The Feeling" By Justin Timberlake

"Sunshine in my pocket" is the perfect line for summer '16. The theme of "dance, dance, dance" is heavy this summer, and I don't hate it.

4."Kiss It Better" By Rihanna

Starting an illicit summer romance? Then "Kiss It Better," with its sexy undertones, is the perfect choice for your playlist.

5. "Something To Believe In" By Young The Giant

Everybody wants something to believe in, and I believe in listening to Young The Giant whenever the post-vacation blues get you down.

6. "In Common" By Alicia Keys

Any playlist should feature Alicia Keys' new single "In Common," because our favorite songstress is back in the game after almost 9 years — her last album, As I Am, came out in 2007. Let's all raise a glass (of the above-mentioned piña colada, perhaps?) and toast her sweet return.

7. "This Is What You Came For" By Calvin Harris, Ft. Rihanna

Taylor Swift's ex's new collaboration with Rihanna gets a mention — and it's because he's really talented and Rihanna sounds like an angel in this song.

8. "Sally" By Bibi Bourelly

This up and comer (and songwriter of Rihanna's "Bitch Better Have My Money," who'dve thought!) has been everywhere lately, including in a live performance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon . While a lot of the songs this summer have a decidedly synth-y feel, "Sally" harkens back to old-school jazz in a delightful way.

9."BeFoUr" By ZAYN

This track from Mind of Mine, the debut album of former One Directioner Zayn Malik is the perfect low-jey jam to ease the summer pool party into a very chill state. Upon hearing Malik's melodic "oooohhhhh's" in the song, the listener will totally find themselves in a deep, thoughtful state. It's nice.

10. "Ain't Your Mama" By Jennifer Lopez

This girl power anthem is a wonderful single for the lady who's been working hard and being her best self. It's perfect to dance to — its vibes really pump up the blood.

11. "Panda" By Desiigner

Desiigner's debut single is a hit already — it has already made it to No. 3 on the Billboard Song of Summer chart, even! It might be a good idea to listen to this one now to acquaint yourself with this rising star.

12. "The Big Big Beat" By Azealia Banks

As aforementioned, dancing seems to be a big, big theme in the music of summer 2016. So, it should come as no surprise that Azealia Banks' new jam from her mixtape, Slay-Z, makes the list. Banks just made it all the easier to spend the entire summer dancing.

13. "Sunshine" By POWERS

This song is perfect for that beautiful, temperate summer day when you are stuck inside working. Through their lyrics, "the sun is going to shine on you," it almost feels like the sun is in the room.

14. "Into You" By Ariana Grande

Like most of the songs on Dangerous Woman, "Into You" is hot. So hot, it's perfect for summer.

15. "No Problem" By Chance The Rapper, Ft. Lil Wayne & 2 Chainz

Sometimes, in the summer, tensions can be high. Everyone's trying to keep cool, get things done, and have fun all at the same time. As a result, tt's not unusual to find yourself caught up in any drama of some sort. The fun-loving "No Problem," off Chance the Rapper's new gospel-style mixtape Coloring Book, will get your mind off any potential stress like that with its fun twist.

16. "Sorry" By Beyoncé

I mean, look, I considered making this entire playlist tracks from Lemonade. In fact, if you're really trying to summer jam, just listen to Lemonade over and over — you won't regret it. In the end, though, I chose "Sorry" for this list, because everybody needs a good break-up song in the summer.

17. "Close" By Nick Jonas, Ft. Tove Lo

This single from the former Jo-bro, Nick Jonas on his third solo album, Last Year Was Complicated is another one for summer lovers in your life. It's perfect for that low-key makeout sesh in the back of the Uber on the way back from the outdoor movie screening, and a must-have on any summer playlist.

18. "Rock Bottom" By Hailee Steinfeld, Ft. DNCE

This song from Steinfeld's EP Haiz has just enough dance-y vibes that it will fill your heart with fresh summer joy. You can actually hear the ocean (I mean, maybe it's rain, but it sounds like the ocean) at the end of the track, so if that doesn't deem it deserving of a spot on this list, I don't know what does.

With this playlist, your summer days will rock some seriously chill vibes.