“Baby”: “I’m learning to let in all the laughter” starts off Devendra Banhart’s “Baby” in the first verse. “Baby” is a fun, get-up-and-dance, conversational tune. It feels like floaties, orange juice, and a popsicle dripping down your arm. Since dropping out of art school to pursue music in 2000, Banhart has been known to defy categorization, and “Baby” is no exception. Banhart’s album “What Will We Be” is the perfect encapsulation of his career, while “Baby”, third on the album, is simple yet new and fresh. It’s impossible to be overplayed—you don’t have to take our word for it.
“Charmed”: In “Charmed”, Σtella and Redhino ask the question many have contemplated at least once: “Tell me, do you think of me like I think of you?” The answer? I don’t know, but I am sure I would discover it if I could materialize the opening guitar riff of this song and eat it for breakfast every day. It’s rare that a song compels you to listen to it right off the bat, but “Charmed” does just that in a satisfying, ear-tantalizing way. “Charmed” is the leading single from Greek artist Σtella’s second album, “Up and Away.” Σtella’s layered vocals take the listener on a journey through an unhealed heartache, singing lyrics like, “Now you’re gone far away, far away, If you could, would you stay, would you stay with me?” She perfectly captures the feeling of intense yearning all in a simple guitar lick. We love this song and think it will go down as a summer song for the ages.
“Reflecting Everything”: As July’s simple days blur together and you get lost in blistering heat, you may find yourself Reflecting (on) Everything. What else is there to do? An easy, upbeat guitar blooms in the beginning of “Reflecting Everything” by Mapache. The record feels like long roads, a desert montage, and maybe cowboys begrudgingly bonding. Mapache is a band coming out of LA, and the song comes off their 2023 album “Swinging Stars.” The album as a whole is gentle, swaying, and flows right into the welcoming introspection of “Reflecting Everything.”
“Waves”: Picture this: you’re in a car driving on a long stretch of coastal road, windows down, when suddenly, out of nowhere, you hear a heavenly chorus of Miguel’s isolated harmonizing vocals. They become louder and louder until they engulf your entire car, and you are lost in the song Waves. “Waves (Tame Impala Remix)” is a collaborative track between acclaimed singer-songwriter Miguel, and renowned musical artist Tame Impala. “Waves” is off of Miguel’s 4th studio album, “Wildheart”, released ten years ago in 2015, but whose songs remain sounding fresh to this day. Through the vivacious guitar and bass riffs that carry the chorus into a techno soundscape, Tame Impala’s influence is very strong in “Waves”, allowing you to escape through Miguel’s soothing voice. Miguel’s infamous strong ballads are displayed, reminding listeners of his more popular hits like “Sure Thing” and “Coffee.” In “Waves” Miguel delivers an unconventional contender for song of the summer.
This article also appears in our June 2025 print edition.
