Likely the most intriguing event of music in 2017 is the still competitive nature for song of the summer. Kendrick Lamar, Justin Bieber, and DJ Khaled have all had their respective #1 clenches, with this occurrence not only being felt commercially and critically but also around Woodside High School social circles.
The nature of the charts is not only exemplified by opinion, but also by the fact that competition of this size hasn’t existed since 2010. Over five singles have made a #1 move in less than two months, when you might typically see one or two. This could likely be attributed to Ed Sheeran’s early dominance this year and subsequent drop, and how variety is nonetheless present, causing listeners to switch between songs and finding the ones they truly like.
Audio Production II teacher Rapheal Kauffman agreed with these terms and also commented on his pick, providing some context for why his was chosen among other hits as HUMBLE., Despacito, and I’m the One.
“You can define it as competitive as one sense and that listeners have low attention spans in another. I define a summer song by the vibe, tone, emotion, and lyrics it has. That’s What I Like just feels good, and falls with many summery themes.”
On the flipside, there are also songs that can strive for underrated spots. Woodside High School junior Mason Moss had a well-set bet on what would rule the summer.
“Definitely I’m the One. I like the song, but the radio is going to kill that for me.”
He also pointed to trap artist Playboi Carti’s two hit singles (Magnolia and *wokeuplikethis) as did other students. Other artists and songs commonly in this spot were electronic artist Calvin Harris with his pop rap combination Slide, and rap-rock band Gorillaz whose two pre-album singles (Ascension and Andromeda) have become hits with fans.
As with every year, there were also students who weren’t too fond of what was currently popular. In a survey conducted by Woodside High School’s Audio Production class, a quarter of suggestions were based off of other songs, either released this year or long before. Woodside High School student Eric Westermark commented why he chooses these options in the Summer instead of relying off of what’s currently popular.
“I like it because, not only is it nostalgic, but there’s also plenty of memories already associated with it.”
Lastly, in terms of overall success, Bruno Mars’ That’s What I Like, and DJ Khaled’s I’m the One (featuring Justin Bieber, Chance the Rapper, Lil Wayne, and Quavo), and Justin Bieber’s remix of Despacito with Luis Fonsi and Daddy Yankee are gearing up to make the biggest splashes. The latter is the first Spanish language song to get the #1 spot since the Macarena, a dance hit that crossed over in the late 90’s. Woodside High School student Mason Moss commented on the status of these hits, also applying some of his surprise to the DJ Khaled pop posse cut.
“DJ Khaled’s main talent is bringing a ton of artists on one track. When I first heard that I’m the One was going to feature Justin Bieber, Chance the Rapper, Lil Wayne, and Quavo, I was astounded. Three of the biggest names in hip hop on one track; it’s a money-maker.”
