New Hits to Add to Your Summer 2021 Playlist: Lorde, H.E.R., & More

With the sunlight and good vibes that summer brings, it’s a natural pairing for the effervescent sounds of pop music. Judging by the songs that have already started hitting the airwaves, the charts will be exploding with celebratory sounds this summer. We’ve rounded up a few of our early favorites that you can stream right now.

“Solar Power” by Lorde

The queen of unfussy pop is back with “Solar Power,” Lorde’s first single since her 2017 album Melodrama. The song—the first released from her upcoming album of the same name—starts off with the restrained vocals that have become her signature, eventually opening into an ecstatic melodic hymn celebrating the joys of summer. That the 1990 hit “Loaded” by Primal Scream is, according to Lorde, “100 percent the original blueprint” for her new single is an added bonus.

“I Want Love” by Jesse J

The “Bang Bang” singer’s newest, uh, banger is saturated in the celebratory vibes of disco and an intense yearning for togetherness—on the dance floor or in the sheets—after a socially distant year. Her trademark power vocals are on full display here.

“Fever” by Kings of Convenience

The alt kid in your high school’s favorite band is back with their first new album since 2012, with a single that is the sonic equivalent of lazing in the sun on a Mediterranean beach. (For what it’s worth Erlend Øye, who is one half of this duo, lives in Sicily.) The song is about the highs and lows of love, mirrored by its delicate cascading piano outro.

“We Made It” by H.E.R.

Singer-songwriter Gabrielle Wilson has already built a distinguished career at just 23 years old, and the lilting vocal progression that is “We Made It” celebrates all of her career accomplishments. After a year full of troubles, it feels like sunshine to revel in the glow of someone else’s victories.

“Call On Me” by Raye

Up-and-coming singer and songwriter Raye has dropped the biggest dance hit of her career with “Call On Me,” a track that she says she wrote for her sister. “Hold my hand when you’re in fear / and when you’re far I’ll hold you near,” croons the 23-year-old British-Swiss singer. This isn’t only a touching tribute, but a bop that’ll have you rocking out wherever you are.

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