Summer Song 2014: Michael Jackson and Justin Timberlake, Iggy Azalea, Ariana Grande Problem, Ed Sheeran, Pharrell, and of course Lil Jon...
Adam Rifkin stashed this in Music Videos!
Stashed in: @mileycyrus, Michael Jackson, @jtimberlake, @edsheeran, @arianagrande, @pharrell, Grantland!, Nordic!, @iggyazalea, @liljon, Summer
The Early Favorite: Michael Jackson featuring Justin Timberlake, "Love Never Felt So Good"
This is the ersatz disco sound that Pharrell has been channeling for the better part of a year — but now it is from the actual early '80s (mostly), with Michael Jackson himself. This is your safe bet.
The Mr. Saxobeat Pick: “Problem,” Ariana Grande featuring Iggy Azalea
Ariana’s Mariah Carey impression + some light En Vogue references + a glorious saxophone riff = your bubblegum anthem for 2014. It debuted at No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100 this week; it is your not-so-dark horse. Don't fight it.
The Minivan Pick: "Sing," Ed Sheeran
We have already debated Ed Sheeran in great detail, but to recap: Teens love him; moms love Jason Mraz; and this song cribs off Justin Timberlake enough to get it some radio play. Never underestimate that which Pharrell has produced.
The Inertia Pick: "Happy," Pharrell
It’s been done before: Sometimes a song from the previous year — like, say, “Rolling in the Deep” — worms its way so deep into the collective ear that no other song can triumph. “Happy” probably peaked a little early? (It was No. 1 for ten weeks straight.) On the other hand, every single wedding dance floor of 2014 will involve crazy aunts losing their minds to “Happy.” Victory is possible!
The Charli XCX Pick: "Fancy," Iggy Azalea
Lesser female act finds success on the back of a Charli XCX hook — it workedfor Icona Pop, and it is totally plausible for Iggy. To wit: “Fancy” is already No. 4 on the Billboard Hot 100.
The Scandinavian Pick: “Do It Again,” Robyn and Röyskopp
a.k.a. the Brooklyn barbecue pick, a.k.a. the “Robyn, for the love of all things holy, please release another full album” pick. This will work in the interim.
The Internet Pick: “Turn Down for What,” DJ Snake & Lil Jon
Your unofficial soundtrack for “people doing goofy shit on the internet.” Did you have other summer plans?
GQ has 25 unconventional picks:
http://www.gq.com/entertainment/music/201406/25-best-songs-of-summer-2014
Time names 14 songs...
http://time.com/119285/song-of-the-summer-2014/
...including this Pharrell ditty featuring Miley Cyrus:
My bet for the summer song 2014 is Ariana Grande, Pharrell, Lil Jon, or Iggy Azalea:
http://pandawhale.com/post/41079/pharrell-williams-happy-tribute-videos
http://pandawhale.com/post/42866/dj-snake-amp-lil-jon-turn-down-for-what-meme
http://pandawhale.com/post/41592/iggy-azalea-and-charli-xcx-fancy
Iggy probably wins because she's in two of these songs. Plus "Happy" is getting kinda old...
All the biggest summer 2014 songs in one mashup:
http://pandawhale.com/post/46808/dj-earworm-mash-up-for-what
7:32 PM Jun 26 2014