This summer, we heard hyped releases from industry giants and excellent new songs from up-and-comers. In case you haven’t had time to catch up on all the fresh music during your internship or off-the-cuff Eurotrip, the Indy has compiled an authoritative list of this summer’s best songs for you. Put this playlist on as you move in, frantically unpack, and heavily reconsider taking a 9am class.
Speed Drive – Charli XCX
Barbenheimer was arguably the biggest cultural phenomenon of the summer, which means this list is incomplete without a song from the incredible Barbie soundtrack. Even without the internet hype driving interest in both movies, Charli XCX’s contribution would deserve a nod. Charli’s latest car anthem features minimalistic yet dynamic instrumentals and light-hearted lyrics, ideal for a carefree summer drive.
Enchanted (Taylor’s Version) – Taylor Swift
Swift’s ongoing Eras Tour and “Taylor’s Version” album re-recordings have brought our attention back to her earlier hits, so naturally this classic makes the list. Taylor’s updated vocals are richer than they were when she was 20. Nevertheless, she still captures the unmistakable twinge of young love and overwhelming desire that makes the original so great.
Old money bitch – underscores
underscores first gained recognition with their sophomore album fishmonger, which was named a top ten album of 2021 by The Atlantic. underscores’ production on “Old money bitch” is electronic pop at its best, combining various dings, whistles and beeps into a cohesive song. The melodies are catchy, the production fresh, and the lyrics quite relevant to an abundance of Harvard students who may or may not identify with the song title.
MODERN JAM – Travis Scott ft. Teezo Touchdown
On “MODERN JAM,” Scott’s lyrics don’t provide much of anything, but no one listens to Travis Scott for his amazing lyricism (“I like a bi girl on a bi-cycle?”). Teezo Touchdown’s wavering vocals float beautifully atop understated drums, and the instrumental production gives listeners a variety of different sounds to follow as elements are seamlessly added and stripped away.
PHONK É O CARALHO – d.silvestre, MC Gw, MC Rennan
Blow out your speakers with some Brazilian phonk. d.silvestre found sudden success this year by joining forces with superstar producer MC Gw on a series of collaborations, including this track. The distorted bass and blaring instrumental make “PHONK É O CARALHO” difficult to understand for even the most experienced Portuguese speakers, but the lyrics are secondary to the red-blooded energy this song brings.
Most Viewed (Himera’s Dream) – twst, Himera
twst, an electronic pop artist whom the Independent interviewed in 2022, released a series of great singles in 2023. “Most Viewed,” released in April, inspired a remix by prog house/techno producer Himera. Himera’s remix adds vocal distortion and spritely production that make perfect sense for the hyper-digital nature of twst’s lyrics. Like on much of their other work, twst’s vocals walk the line between fragile and firm, and the additional effects from Himera take that quality to new heights.
Psychedelic Switch – Carly Rae Jepsen
In July, Carly Rae Jepsen delivered The Loveliest Time, the B-side to The Loneliest Time (2022), and demonstrated once again why her throwaways are worthy of official releases. The production on “Psychedelic Switch” is suitably bouncy for the joyous subject matter, and Jepsen’s consistently excellent songwriting on the album cements her place at the top of the pop genre.
Came In Like This – STARKIDS
A group formed of young Japanese-American and Japanese artists, STARKIDS has perfectly melded hyper-electronic production with autotune rap delivered in English and Japanese. The group exudes swagger and joie de vivre that is especially evident in “Came In Like This.” Within the first few lines, they note that they “just can’t give a shit;” it’s clear that J-rap is at its best when inspired by this devil-may-care attitude.
Perfect Picture – Hannah Diamond
This teaser single for glitch pop artist Hannah Diamond’s upcoming album—also called Perfect Picture—is among the first Diamond releases not to feature production from A.G. Cook. David Gamson’s production, though less distinctly digital than Cook’s, still perfectly complements Diamond’s voice and allows her sincere singing to shine. Supported by swelling synths and tasteful vocal distortion, she laments the blurred lines between people and their online personas.
4runner – Brenn!
Brenn! broke both of his legs in a viral TikTok promoting this song. 18-year old Brenn!’s “4runner” was one of the biggest breakout indie singles by an artist this summer and a personal favorite. The simplicity of the beats and lyrics as well as the raw strumming of the guitar makes the song feel familiar, and plays into Brenn!’s strengths. Combined with great audio production and catchy beats, this song can easily stay in your head all day.
Run, Run, Run – McKinley Dixon
McKinley Dixon’s new album Beloved! Paradise! Jazz!? contains some of the best jazz rap I have heard in a while, and Run, Run, Run is the best of the lot. Dixon intertwines smooth trumpet melodies and hard hitting lyrics throughout the entire album. The Virginia-born rapper outdid himself on this album, widely outperforming his last.
Pasture Child – Dominic Fike
Fike’s latest album, Sunburn, includes hits like “Mona Lisa” from the Across the Spider-Verse soundtrack and my personal favorite, “Pasture Child.” Relaxed drums and guitar accompany Fike’s nonchalant delivery. Fike found success in his laidback, melodic style on his 2020 album What Could Possibly Go Wrong, and has improved upon his at-times repetitive style and delivery in Sunburn.
FUNKFEST – grouptherapy.
FUNKFEST is reminiscent of early BROCKHAMPTON tracks: raw, unedited, and harsh lyrics combined with erratic sounds that at first don’t seem to fit. grouptherapy.’s newest album, if i was mature for my age, but i was still a child, impressed me, and FUNKFEST highlights the group’s ability to combine unconventional rap styles to create something fun, lighthearted, and extremely catchy.
I Been Young – George Clanton
I didn’t really know much of George Clanton’s music before this summer, but in early July I stumbled upon his album Ooh Rap I Ya. With his unconventional style of electronic sounding R&B/rap, George Clanton has created a fresh and enjoyable sound. This album reminded me of a more digital, and inspired version of Currents by Tame Impala.
Sprinter – Dave & Central Cee
Two of the biggest names in UK rap collabed to release some of the hottest songs of the summer on their EP Split Decision. Packed with pop culture references, ranging from the Kardashians to various soccer players, Dave and Central Cee come out hot on the first song. Central Cee’s “alright” adlib and model Jessica Gomes’ “Maybach music” adlib are my favorites on the track and perfectly timed.
Who Told You – J Hus & Drake
J Hus’s newest album Beautiful and Brutal Yard is his most complete album so far, outdoing his 2020 album Big Conspiracy. J Hus combines both afro-beats and UK drill styles in his memorable beats, and his features add texture and depth to his sometimes one-dimensional sound. The best song of the album is “Who Told You,” a collaboration with Drake, whose lyrics will provide many a middle schooler with Instagram captions.
Matt Sakiyama ’25 (msakiyama@college.harvard.edu) often wonders what Macklemore is up to.
Luke Wagner ’26 (lukewagner@colleg.harvard.edu) almost totaled his car bumping this playlist.
