Memorial Day weekend is the unofficial start to summer. Why? Because the warm weather is finally here and you likely have the day off on the actual holiday. Whether your plans include attending a cookout or going to the beach, a playlist filled with new music is key for setting the mood for the entire weekend. Luckily, you’ll don’t have to search high and low to find tracks that’ll instantly transform your day. Start with these five new songs, which are worth adding to your playlist for this upcoming holiday weekend.
1. Universe (Sped Up) – Thuy
Soulful R&B singer Thuy’s song titled “Universe (Sped Up)” is an instant classic. The track is a remix of her 2021 single “Universe” and features high-pitched vocals and a fast tempo that breathes new life into the song. Despite only being two minutes and 12 seconds long, this track will quickly become one you’ll come back to time and time again. (Listen to “Universe (Sped Up)” on any streaming platform at Play.thuymusic.com/universe.)
2. Little Things – Jorja Smith
Jorja Smith channels upbeat and flirty energy in her newest single “Little Things.” This track produced by P2J and New Machine meshes the idea of love at first sight with having the time of your life at a party. “The song is pretty self explanatory, I had a lil concoction – rum, ting and a magnum,” the British singer-songwriter said in a statement. “When we started creating this song I was just imagining hearing this walking into a party and seeing someone I’d had my eye on. It’s fun!” (Listen to “Little Things” on any streaming platform at Famm.orcd.co/littlethings.)
3. 4EVA – KAYTRAMINÉ
If you’ve been living under a rock, you may not be aware that Aminé and Kaytranada released a collaborative album titled “KAYTRAMINÉ” on May 19. On the bright side, you know now and can add the project to your playlist. The bouncy lead single called “4EVA” is high energy and features production and vocals from Pharrell. No wonder it’s already a contender for song of the summer. (Listen to “4EVA” on any streaming platform at Kaytramine.lnk.to/KAYTRAMINE.)
4. On My Soul – Tobe Nwigwe and Nas Featuring Jacob Banks
Tobe Nwigwe, Nas and Jacob Banks join forces to create the lead single for the “Transformers: Rise of the Beasts” soundtrack. The song called “On My Soul” features an innovative, hard-hitting sound where each artist has their moment to shine. “It was just so seamless and smooth,” Nwigwe said in a recent interview with Sway Calloway. “[Director] Steven Caple Jr. gave me an opportunity to participate in some musical aspects of the movie. So I had an opportunity to do some production and rap on it. Even though we have a more futuristic sound, we was able to have top-five-dead-or-alive Nas participating [on the record].” (Listen to “On My Soul” on any streaming platform at Tobexnas.lnk.to/TF7.)
5. The Journey – H.E.R.
Acclaimed singer, songwriter and producer H.E.R. released an uplifting song titled “The Journey” on May 18. The song was penned by legendary songwriter Diane Warren as part of ESPN’s storytelling series on the journey of the 16 teams through the NBA Playoffs. This song is sure to be your go-to motivational anthem for this summer and beyond. (Listen to “The Journey” on any streaming platform at Her.lnk.to/thejourney.)
Sounds of the Summer
With these five songs, you’ll get an early start on ushering in the vibrant spirit of summer! Can’t get enough of music that you enjoy vibing to? Read our other music-related stories below:
- Tiny Desk: Big Performances
- ‘SOS’ Album Review: SZA’s Deep in Her Feels
- The Influence of Jazz on Popular Music
Featured image credit: Photo by Roman Samborskyi on Shutterstock
