Where’s my Jam? The 2018 Summer Playlist Disappoints

Every summer has that one dominant song. My rock out in the car, stuck in my head, drive my kids crazy singing it in the kitchen song, until now. Here we are rolling into August and no song has established itself as the “Song of the Summer 2018”.  At least not as far as I’m concerned. There are some contenders (so say the billboard charts) but none of them are doing it for me.

The Contenders

I asked the teen what she thought the song of the summer was. She said either Arianna Grande’s “No Tears Left to Cry” or Bazzi’s “Mine”. I have included both for your listening pleasure (clean version of “Mine”).

_Source

 

_Source

I actually like them both, catchy, singable (If I could understand what the heck Arianna is singing, worst diction ever!), and they certainly get a lot of air time. But they lack that special something that makes a summer song my jam. I want something a bit more up tempo, something that makes me want to roll down the windows at stoplights and sing to unsuspecting motorists.

The Viral Sensation

Some would argue the popularity of the Drake “In My Feelings” challenge makes it a great contender for the song of the summer. However, due to the stupidity of the challengers I have to reject this one outright. Also, it’s just too slow.

_Source

Dark Horse Candidates

Cardi B’s “I like It” is getting some press as the song of the summer, but I just can’t get myself to  seriously consider any song by Cardi B. Some say “Boo’d Up” by Ella Mai is the break out hit of 2018. I was not familiar with it so I was excited to give it a listen.

_Source

It’s a nice enough song but it doesn’t give me that summer fun feeling. My local radio station is still playing “The Middle” by Zedd, Maren Morris, Grey, and Marshmello and Anne-Marie’s “Friends” almost hourly. They get good scores for singability but they are really hold overs from winter. Not reasonable contenders as far as I’m concerned.

_Source

_Source

Past Summer Favorites

So what is it I want? What would satisfy my song of summer checklist? Here are some of my past summer anthems.

2017 Despacito

Just look at the video, if that doesn’t say SUMMER what does? It’s tropical, has a great beat, and no one will know the difference if you mess up the lyrics. Loved it.

_Source

2016 Can’t Stop the Feeling

This song is just one big happy party.  Oh and Justin, enough said.

_Source

2013 Blurred Lines

I don’t particularly like Robin Thicke, but this song is catchy, a little naughty and great for road trips.

_Source

2010 California Gurls

Though technically about California living and not summer, the beaches, drinks, bikinis and cruising in your jeep all sound like a great summer vacation.

_Source

The Challenge

Who among you can find me a summer jam? Here is my song of the summer want ad.

MWF in search of upbeat party song that invokes feelings of sunshine, flip flops, fruity drinks and dancing the night away. Must be karaoke ready and clean enough to share with the kids. 

What songs are in your summer playlist? Has one song stood out above the rest to be the “Song of the Summer 2018”?

_{Source Featured Image}