Sick of hearing Ariana Grande talking about her “Problem” and Pharrell singing about how “Happy” he is? Don’t fret — there are plenty of other music options to get you through the season, whether you’re into pop, rock, hip-hop or dance. In fact, there’s a song for almost every activity under the sun.
Perfect For: Bumpin’ & grindin’
“2 On” by Tinashe ft. ScHoolboy Q
After several false starts, this former model is proving she has the talent to make a splash in the mainstream. On this slick, finger-snapping cut of electro R&B, Tinashe playfully purrs like a younger Rihanna.
Perfect For: Driving with the top down
“Little Monster” by Royal Blood
This duo boasts brutal drums and bass riffs. Even sans a guitarist, their hot rock is like a condensed Led Zeppelin.
Perfect For: Sweating it out when the A/C breaks down
“Eye of the Needle” by Sia
This dramatic piano ballad by the writer of Britney Spears’ “Perfume” is powered by a gut-slugging vocal that’ll stop you in your tracks.
Perfect For: Late nights on the subway
“Canal” by Ratking
From NYC, and it shows: You can almost taste the Gotham grime in the se hip-hop beats.
Perfect For: Sunbathing on the roof
“Pills N Potions” by Nicki Minaj
The Queens rapper used to be crazy, and we loved her for it. But she tries on a mature sound for this soulful, reflective ballad — and it totally works.
Perfect For: The morning after a wild night
“Stay With Me” by Sam Smith
This track about wanting a one-night stand to last longer will make Smith huge — and send a chill down your spine.
Perfect For: Gym (or dance floor) workouts
“Black and White” by Parquet Courts
This Brooklyn trio is the best band in NYC right now — and this is their best track: Two-chord rock ’n’ roll played with a panicky, youthful twitch, as it should be.