I’m Back: My Top 5 Summer Tunes That You MUST Hear

June 23, 2013

Sometimes when you’re busy writing about music, you stop listening. During my short break from Buzznet, I savored the novelty of hearing a song for the first time without having to think about what I’d blog about it. I haven’t switched off entirely though. I’ve still been hyping songs up in journalistic jargon, but it’s also been a welcome change to say “That’s a TUNE!” without having to think of anything more eloquent.

Now that my ears have been refreshed and my hands have had a much-needed rest from the keyboard, I thought I’d share what I’ve been listening to the most this month. Call them my favourite ‘tunes’, if you will.

Robin Thicke Feat. T.I., Pharrell – ‘Blurred Lines‘

There’s feminist furor surrounding ‘Blurred Lines‘ due to the gratuitous nudity in its video and accusations of “rapey” lyrics. However, although the repetition of “I know you want it” leaves many women feeling too ashamed to admit they like they song, (including myself) it’s impossible to deny that this is one of 2013’s most contagious anthems, even if the sexism sours it.

Paramore – ‘Ain’t It Fun‘

Despite ‘Still Into You‘ and ‘Now‘ still enjoying airplay and the news that ‘Anklebiters‘ will soon be joining them, ‘Ain’t It Fun‘ firmly remains the stand-out track of Paramore’s self-titled album – even on the umpteenth spin. With huge funky backing and a gospel choir to boot, it’s no wonder that this has become the a fan favourite – and I’m no exception.

Cassadee Pope – ‘Wasting All These Tears‘

Cassadee Pope has come a long way since her stint as Pete Wentz‘s pop-punk protégé fronting Hey Monday. With her The Voice win behind her, Pope is relaunching herself as a country starlet. Sadly, some people can’t let go of her roots with TeraBrite even performing a cover in Pope’s ‘original’ style. However, judging by the strength of Pope’s latest recording, I’d rather listen to her latest incarnation, than any other.

Kids In Glass Houses – ‘Drive‘

It’s no secret that I’m a big supporter of Kids In Glass Houses. However, even when trying to be objective, it’s hard to find anything to criticise about KIGH’s new material – both lead single ‘Drive‘, as well as the album pre-order exclusive ‘Black Cloud‘ are flawless – despite the change in sound. The only nod to Bruce Springsteen left from ‘In Gold Blood‘ is on the t-shirt of lead singer Aled Phillips, but their new choruses have enough heart and power left to rival today’s pop giants.

Bo Bruce – ‘Alive‘

While Andrea Begley‘s surprise win of The Voice UK 2013 will continue to be the show’s main talking point for a long while yet, my attention remains firmly on last year’s runner-up Bo Bruce. Her recently released co-write with The Script‘s Danny O’Donoghue is the perfect showcase for her haunting voice. Leah McFall fans may be panicking at her ‘loss’, but as Bo Bruce proves, it’s not always those who finish first that are the true winners.

What do you think of my Top 5?

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