by Liat Rubin

Editor-in-Chief

With summer comes unbearable heat, fun with friends, and that perfect summer song. This summer favorite artists like Ariana Grande, Taylor Swift, and Sam Smith, as well as many promising rising stars, have provided you with songs to fit your every mood.

Here are some of this summer’s most popular songs:

Shake It Off by Taylor Swift:

T-swift dropped this new single and music video in a Beyoncé-like fashion, releasing it with no warning and shocking fans across the globe. The song and video are sweet surprises for fans anticipating Swift’s return to the music scene since her last album was released in 2012. The music video, which was directed by award winning director Mark Romanek, has reached nearly 68 million views on YouTube. Swift’s latest album 1989 will be released on Oct. 27.

Problem by Ariana Grande (feat. Iggy Azaelea):

After her breakout hit “The Way” in 2013, Ariana Grande has climbed the charts and made a name for herself as the ultimate pop/R&B diva. She teamed up with everyone’s favorite up and coming female rapper Iggy Azaelea (the rapstress behind Fancy and Work) to create this upbeat and catchy single. Problem, which is the lead single from Grande’s second studio album, My Everything (2014), shows a bright career for Grande.

Am I Wrong by Nico and Vinz:

After gaining popularity in Norway (the duo’s native country) in 2013 under the group name Envy, Nico and Vinz released their breakout single in the US and began their journey towards stardom. In its third week after release, Am I Wrong reached number one on the Adult Pop Songs chart and number four on Billboard top 100.

Rude by MAGIC!:

The up and coming Canadian reggae fusion band MAGIC! made their debut with Rude this summer, and have experienced global success. They topped the US Billboard Hot 100 chart in July, and peaked at number two on both the Australian and New Zealand singles charts. The band’s unique sound played a key role in the songs success and has made MAGIC! stand out as a new band with a lot of potential.

Stay With Me by Sam Smith:

In this awesome single from his debut studio album In the Lonely Hour, Smith combines smooth sounds and gorgeous vocals. His distinct musical style and tremendous talent have earned him and his single Stay with Me number two on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.

Standout Album: Guardians of the Galaxy Awesome mix Vol.1

Guardians of the Galaxy has managed to be simultaneously the highest grossing film of the summer and have the top soundtrack on the Billboard 200 chart. The album, Awesome Mix Vol. 1, includes twelve perfect summer songs from the 70’s and 80’s, and features artists like David Bowie and Blue Swede. Awesome Mix Vol. 1 is also the first soundtrack album in history consisting entirely of previously released songs to top the chart.