Advertisement

arts entertainmentPop Music

10 songs to build the soundtrack to your summer

Mark these on your streaming network, or better yet, support your local artists and purchase the songs to make your summer about great music instead of just avoiding the heat.

As you're taking poolside breaks every chance you get and enjoying those deliciously cold drinks and late nights, you'll need the perfect summer playlist. This year, we're forgoing the usual Katy Perry and Taylor Swift tracks and keeping it closer to home. Many of your favorite Dallas-Fort Worth artists have recently released new tracks or records that are ready for your enjoyment, so take a minute and add these gems to your soon-to-be favorite playlist.

Brenna Rushing is a Dallas freelancer.

Advertisement

1. "Better Man" by Leon Bridges

Giving us classic doo-wop in every sense of the word, Bridges has brought the soulful innocence of the '60s back to life with his smooth swagger and silky chords. This track, one of the first singles off his debut record, Coming Home, lets the lyrics speak for themselves with easygoing guitar work and steady backup vocals that'll get your head swaying and fingers snapping.

News Roundups

Catch up on the day's news you need to know.

Or with:

2. "Honey Pie" by Jonathan Tyler: 

Quick and refreshing, this warm track paves the way for Tyler's new path forged with a little less hard rock and a lot more organic folk that's reminiscent of Bob Dylan.

Advertisement

{"version":1,"type":"rich","provider_name":"SoundCloud","provider_url":"http://soundcloud.com","height":400,"width":"100%","title":"Honey Pie by JonathanTyler","description":"From \"Holy Smokes\" - the new album available August 7\nPre-order now and get this song instantly\nhttp://smarturl.it/HolySmokes","thumbnail_url":"http://i1.sndcdn.com/artworks-000121440271-gbrab0-t500x500.jpg","html":"

","author_name":"JonathanTyler","author_url":"http://soundcloud.com/jonathantylermusic","providerType":"soundcloud","providerLink":"http://soundcloud.com/oembed.json"}

Advertisement

3. "Why Let It Go" by Telegraph Canyon

A step back from the group's usually homey folk numbers, "Why Let It Go" features colorful glimpses of electronic flair that give off an Arcade Fire vibe. The signature trembling chords make a great companion for the stutter-step beat and calm tempo of this cool track.

{"version":1,"type":"rich","provider_name":"SoundCloud","provider_url":"http://soundcloud.com","height":400,"width":"100%","title":"TELEGRAPH CANYON 'Why Let It Go' by velvet blue music","description":"Telegraph Canyon 'Why Let It Go'\n7\" single of the same name available 6/23\n'You From Before' new full length out on 7/31\nhttps://velvetbluemusic.com\nwww.telegraphcanyon.net\n","thumbnail_url":"http://i1.sndcdn.com/artworks-000119100511-rak4jz-t500x500.jpg","html":"

","author_name":"velvet blue music","author_url":"http://soundcloud.com/velvetblue","providerType":"soundcloud","providerLink":"http://soundcloud.com/oembed.json"}

4. "Whats Up" by Post Malone, featuring 1st

The slow, rolling beat adds just the right amount of swag to a mellow, toned-down attitude. Save this chill vibe for the end of your night, when it's time to wind down from a great day.

{"version":1,"type":"rich","provider_name":"SoundCloud","provider_url":"http://soundcloud.com","height":400,"width":"100%","title":"Whats Up Feat. 1st (Prod. FKi & Charlie Handsome) by Post Malone","description":"Whats Up\n@PostMalone\n\nSubscribe on YT - bit.ly/PostMaloneYT","thumbnail_url":"http://i1.sndcdn.com/artworks-000117462639-h7z6h6-t500x500.jpg","html":"

Advertisement

","author_name":"Post Malone","author_url":"http://soundcloud.com/postmalone","providerType":"soundcloud","providerLink":"http://soundcloud.com/oembed.json"}

5. "Vision" by Sarah Jaffe, featuring Sam Lao and Taylor Rea

Three of the sharpest, and most talented, female artists in Dallas-Fort Worth on the same sexy and flippant track? Hell yes. This synth-infused '80s single is guaranteed to be your summer jam for any and all activities.

Advertisement

6. "Dance With Me" by Kelly Clarkson

This energetic and explosive track showcases the Texas sweetheart's hearty chords with a fun buildup of a chorus and tiptoeing notes. Also, it won't hurt to check out the rest of her newest record, Piece by Piece, for other catchy pop songs you won't be able to get out of your head.

7. "Turn It On" by Eli Young Band

With an easy, fun chorus and hearty, crystal-clear chords from frontman Mike Eli, this sweet country number reminds us of our Southern roots and cracking open a frosty beer on those inevitably sweltering summer days.

Advertisement

8. "Good for You" by Selena Gomez, featuring A$AP Rocky:

In a sharp turn from her former bubbly, good-girl vibe, this steamy pop single reveals Gomez's grown-up persona with racy lyrics and breathy vocals.

9. "Most in the Summertime" by Rhett Miller

A bit more honky-tonk than Miller's usual Old 97's ragers, this moseying number is sunny and like a breezy summer day.

Advertisement

10. "The Stars Over Your House" by Bob Schneider

Laid-back and relatable, this single was made for longroad trips and barbecues. The effervescent message and Schneider's likable persona make this one of the best tracks on the list.