9 Feel-Good Summer Songs that Aren’t ‘Despacito’

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Date July 12, 2017

Every summer, like clockwork, we all *try* to bestow the title of ‘The Song of the Summer’ on one lucky single. But unlike previous years when it was easy to pinpoint what that song was, we’re having a bit of difficulty naming this year’s winner. Could it really be Luis Fonsi and Daddy Yankee’s “Despacito” remix featuring our home-grown talent Justin Bieber? Judging from the countless times it’s come up on the radio, at the bar, at backyard BBQs and it being the most streamed song in history, we can all agree it’s a major contender – whether we like it or not.

But what is it about “Despacito” that has everyone groaning about it every single time it comes on? Could it be it’s being overplayed to the point we need to take a walk in the forest to avoid the catchy Latin beats or can we blame Bieber for ruining the chances of it becoming a memorable 2017 summer song? If it’s the former, we have the radio stations to blame. But last we checked, a summer song is a summer song precisely because it’s played over and over again. It’s the unmistakeable song that gets us dancing and singing every single time. It’s the song that will trigger the memories we make in summer 2017. However, if it’s the latter, let’s face it. It’s not going to be the last thing the Biebs ruins for us.

In the past, there have been unanimous summer songs. Summer 2010? Katy Perry’s “California Gurls,” hands down. Carly Rae Jepsen’s “Call Me Baby” was no doubt summer 2012’s fave. As for summer 2013, it was a toss up between Robin Thicke’s “Blurred Lines” and Daft Punk’s “Get Lucky. But as the years goes on, it seems like it’s harder and harder to agree on that one song. Honestly, what was the summer 2016 song? Calvin Harris and Rihanna’s “This Is What You Came For” or Justin Timberlake’s “Can’t Stop The Feeling” come to mind. But if the votes aren’t unanimous, can we call it the summer song? Could the notion of the Song of the Summer be actually over? Maybe.

While many media outlets out there are complaining about the lack of summer-worthy songs in 2017, we’d like to prove that it’s not the case at all. In fact, in the past couple of months, many artists have released head-bobbing-worthy singles, even if it’s not good enough for the radio – yet. So if you’re over “Despacito” and are in dire need of a new summer party anthem (or currently residing in Malaysia and banned from listen to it), here are 9 other feel-good songs to add to your playlist, stat.

‘Down’ by Fifth Harmony ft. Gucci Mane

After last year’s hit “Work From Home,” our former Summer 2016 cover girls make a comeback by teaming up with Gucci Mane for this summer single.

‘Cut To The Feeling’ by Carly Rae Jepsen

For an artist who had the most iconic summer song circa 2012, we’re surprised her latest feel-good song hasn’t graced the top 100 Billboard charts. Big mistake.

‘Want You Back’ by Haim

Walking down an empty street will never be the same again.

‘Power’ by Little Mix

Two words: Girl power.

‘Such a Boy’ by Astrid S

Turning the tables and making boys the insecure ones, the 20-year-old Norwegian singer’s latest single is the perfect car jam for your next road trip.