This spring girls are running the music world, and no, I’m not talking about Beyonce, I’m talking about the new comers who are creating fast-paced, windows down jams. The weather’s hot, the sun is shining and winter is officially gone, which means it’s time to ditch your slow and mellow music and start searching for your summer anthems. I’ve compiled a list for music tastes that range from dirty rap to bubblegum pop and all the indie and folk music in between. You better get in that summer state of mind, because these jams are sure to have your feet moving.
Azealia Banks – “212”
It is absolutely no secret that I am obsessed with this overnight YouTube sensation. After Azealia Banks’ video for “212” was released, myself and just about every other person fell for her catchy beats and dirty lyrics. Not to mention her fun and quirky style in her video made her fashion’s new favorite, and she has since performed at Karl Lagerfeld’s party, been featured in V Magazine and had her music appear during Mugler designer (and Lady Gaga’s good friend) Nicola Formichetti’s runway show. With her album coming out in September, we’re sure to see more singles drop over the summer, so get ready for this Harlem sensation to hit the big time.
Oh Land – “Wolf & I”
A twist of fate led Oh Land in to her music career. The Danish singer was once a student of ballet, but when she suffered a slipped disc and spinal fracture, she had to quit and instead found a creative outlet through singing. Her dance pop music is catchy and great for people who like Florence and the Machine and music with hints of electro beats. “Wolf & I” is soulful but fun enough to move to, and if the success of “Sun of a Gun” wasn’t enough to sell you, her self-titled American debut is full of melodical and catchy tunes.
Lana Del Rey – “Off to the Races”
The ever-controversial Lana Del Rey may have received mixed reviews from her Saturday Night Live performance, but there are no mixed feelings on “Off to the Races.” The quirky jam is fun and sultry and is hands down my favorite on Del Rey’s recently released “Born to Die.” While close seconds may include “This is What Makes Us Girls” and the wildly popular and moody “Video Games,” it’s the fast pace of “Off to the Races” that makes it the perfect summer jam for those of you who like indie music with an edge.
Nicki Minaj – “Starships”
Now, some of you may be thinking that Nicki Minaj is old news and that her performance at the Grammys still gives you nightmares, but “Starships” is no doubt going to the be the dancing jam of the spring and early summer. Her sophomore album “Roman Reloaded” will hit stores in April, and love her or hate her, there are sure to be some more catchy rap and pop jams on the 22-track deluxe album. In the mean time though, roll your windows down and blast “Starships” because if that doesn’t make you want to go to the beach and party with your friends, I don’t know what pop song will.
Carly Rae Jepsen – “Call Me Maybe”
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AsBsBU3vn6M
“Call Me Maybe” has become my official spring and summer jam. Not only is the song catchy and upbeat, but also the video features a star-studded cast complete with Justin Bieber, Selena Gomez and Ashley Tisdale dancing and lip-synching to Jepsen’s awesome pop tune. I’ve heard girls in the supermarket singing the song out loud, and the video behind it makes it that much better. So, if you feel like you just can’t get into it after listening to the song on its own, give the video a shot because I guarantee you will walk away singing to yourself “Hey, I just met you, and this is crazy.” And also, just as a warning, side effects of watching the video include hitting replay incessantly and having a weird desire to be best friends with everyone in it.