Serving the UMN community since 1900

The Minnesota Daily

Serving the UMN community since 1900

The Minnesota Daily

Serving the UMN community since 1900

The Minnesota Daily

Daily Email Edition

Get MN Daily NEWS delivered to your inbox Monday through Friday!

SUBSCRIBE NOW

By demonizing pleasure, we set ourselves up for unfulfilling sex lives.
Opinion: Let’s talk about sex
Published March 27, 2024

This week in music: A&E’s late contenders for song of the summer

Who can resist a late bloomer?
No+Brainer+cover+artwork

“No Brainer” cover artwork

The summer of 2018 has been full of highly-anticipated album releases, cryptic song lyrics and undeniable toe-tapping beats. 

From Drake’s 25-track “Scorpion” to Father John Misty’s “God’s Favorite Customer,” there has been no shortage of new tunes over the past few months.

But the sun has yet to set on this summer and a few new tracks have been added to the playlist. 

A&E is here to crown the latecomer for song of the summer. 

Eighteen” by Pale Waves

This English indie-pop band has yet to make headlines in America, but their single, “Eighteen” may change that. 

This song tells the story of youthful innocence and falling in love for the first time. 

At first glance, it may appear to be another cliche love song that 15-year-old girls listen to while longing for the senior quarterback — but it isn’t. 

With lyrics like, “Poured my heart out, spilt all my truth,” this track has the ability to pull at heartstrings you thought had since healed. Oh, and the arrangement is upbeat enough to play at the pool.

No Brainer” by DJ Khaled, Justin Bieber, Chance the Rapper and Quavo

The idiom “too many cooks in the kitchen” comes to mind during this four-minute track. 

Starting with DJ Khaled’s most notable lyric, “DJ Khaled,” the song transitions at every possible opportunity. 

With four heavyweight artists, it sounds as though they are all competing to tell the same story in their own way… which seems nice, but only in theory. 

The reality of the track is that there is a catchy enough beat to keep you listening, but ultimately the essence of the lyrics is lost in translation as the listener is jolted from one genre to the next. 

But hey, the cover art is fun to look at. 

Give A Little” by Maggie Rogers

Rogers is known for her smooth vocals and passionate lyrics, and this new single is yet another testament to her talent. 

The 24-year-old sings ballads flooded with melancholy emotions and slow building choruses. This is where “Give A Little” stands apart. 

Right out of the gate, this single has far more energy than we have ever heard from her before. Once that energy is coupled with Rogers’ changing octaves, magic is made. 

Heavy, California” by Jungle

This pop disco, alternative-sounding English band seems to have it all with their impeccable pitch and perfectly timed key changes. 

But this track would seem misplaced at a backyard barbecue or an afternoon at the beach. 

If anything, it may remind your parents of their youthful summers. But if we wanted to listen to this genre, we would put on some ABBA.

Strangers on an Island” by Brother Leo

This debut track is truly an unexpected frontrunner from Swedish artist Brother Leo.

With island vibes, an insatiable drum and a chorus that is full of life, this track is not to be overlooked. And if that isn’t enough, the music video has been described as Wes Anderson-esque. 

We might have ourselves an underdog. 

A&E’s pick: “Give A Little” has all the right ingredients and we would gladly let Maggie Rogers carry us into the setting summer sun. 

Leave a Comment
More to Discover

Accessibility Toolbar

Comments (0)

All The Minnesota Daily Picks Reader Picks Sort: Newest

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *