Keep it cool: 20 tracks poised to be 2019 summer anthems

It’s been four years since Tame Impala released its third studio album, “Currents,” and the psychedelic band is back with a groovy tune that is perfect for summer parties. Tame Impala premiered its newest single, “Borderline,” back in March on NBC’s “Saturday Night Live.” As fans continue to wait on a release date for a new album, they can enjoy “Borderline" with its chill, hazy vibe that is evident across the band’s discography.

Just six months after releasing his last album, Gucci Mane is back with an unlikely collaboration alongside Justin Bieber. “Love Thru the Computer” samples the 1985 Zapp & Roger track, “Computer Love” as the two discuss finding Mrs. Right in the digital age.

Bad Bunny teamed up with reggaeton producer Tainy on its latest summer jam, “Callaita.” Upon first listen, the song sounds like the ultimate beach groove with waves crashing and seagulls heard in the distance. Its hazy, island vibe is sure to be played during beach getaways and day parties.  

Houston’s newest rap sensation and the self-proclaimed “Hot Girl” is Megan Thee Stallion, and she’s making quite the impression in the industry. “Best You Ever Had” is one of the standout tracks on Megan’s latest album, “Fever.” The song is a different pace than the majority of the album, as Megan gets into her R&B bag to croon about knowing her worth in a relationship.

Just two years after releasing his last album, Ed Sheeran is set to put out “No. 6 Collaborations Project,” in July. Sheeran dropped the album’s lead single, “I Don’t Care,” alongside pop heartthrob Justin Bieber. This isn't the first collaboration between the pop stars; the two previously worked together on Bieber’s 2015 single “Love Yourself.” This time around, the singers are describing what it feels to be lonely at a party and how that special someone can make their bad anxiety disappear.

R&B duo Lion Babe is masterful at mixing soul, funk and electronica to fulfill any party mood. A standout track from the band’s “Cosmic Wind” album is the bouncy bop “Sexy Please.” Lead vocalist Jillian Hervey’s sensual tone makes any listener grasp the mode of looking and feeling good all season long.

When bands decide to take things in another creative direction and members focus on solo projects, fans are often left wondering if groups will join forces again. That was the case when the Jonas Brothers decided to take a hiatus and try their hands at solo careers before eventually reuniting for a tour in 2013. However, the band ultimately split and after six years decided to make a comeback with the single “Sucker.” It’s the perfect love track to show how much one is smitten by a significant other. 

Tyler, The Creator has found his element, creating music that mixes soulful plush and hip-hop on his latest album, “IGOR.” On the lead single, “EARFQUAKE," he teams up with Playboi Carti as the two trade vocals on admitting wrongdoing in a relationship and vowing to make it right. The additional vocals from Tyler’s frequent collaborator Charlie Wilson also help take the song to another dreamy realm.

Beyoncé, aka The Queen Bey, took over social media timelines when she released her “Homecoming: The Live Album” to correspond with her Netflix documentary. One of the album’s bonus tracks and fan favorite is her cover to the 1981 Maze & Frankie Beverly hit, “Before I Let Go.” The song is already the anthem for electric slide dance breaks; however, the BeyHive took to social media with their own dance craze for the #BeforeILetGoChallenge.

If there’s one thing fans can expect from a YG song, it’s how his music can make anyone move. Therefore, it was perfect for the Compton rapper to join forces with Kamaiyah, RJ, Mitch and Ty Dolla $ign on one of his latest tracks, “Do Yo Dance.” The 1-O.A.K.-produced song gives a California vibe that veterans like Snoop Dogg would be proud of, as YG opens it with, “red cup, turn down for what?," a mantra for partygoers everywhere.

Once June is on the horizon, it’s time to find a summer love. With matters of the heart, sometimes it may be hard for people to express their feelings. Shawn Mendes knows how to put his heart into a song with his latest toe-tapping single, “If I Can’t Have You.” He stresses his emotions on the hook as he says, “I can’t write one song that’s not about you / Can’t drink without thinking about you / Is it too late to tell you that everything means nothing if I can’t have you?”

DC rapper GoldLink saw commercial success with his hit single “Crew” back in 2016. Just a couple of years after his major debut, GoldLink is ready to set the summer ablaze with his latest single, “Joke Ting.” The chill, breezy track is different from his previous 2019 singles, as it adds an essential bounce that is needed for summer functions.

After a two year hiatus, alternative pop singer BANKS has returned with her latest single, “Gimme.” The synth-heavy track with production reminiscent of Justin Timberlake’s “My Love” has BANKS giving listeners an anthem about confidence and determination. BANKS is unafraid to ask for what she wants and deserves and firmly believes in going after what’s rightfully hers.  

Six months into 2019, and it may be the year of calling J. Cole for features. Young Thug teamed up with Cole and Travis Scott on his latest single, “The London,” in which the three rappers speak on tales about their lives at a swanky hotel. The three have no issues trading verses about their lavish lifestyles, wealth, haters and love lives.

New k-pop obsession BTS has been taking over the pop scene for the past couple of years. On the band’s latest project, “Map of the Soul: Persona,” BTS collaborated with Halsey on the feel-good single “Boy With Luv.” The song doesn’t shy away from the band’s well-known theme of self-love.

Hip-hop veteran Missy Elliott has always been an advocate for welcoming new female MCs into the industry. It was no different when newcomer rapper and singer Lizzo added Elliott to her bass-heavy single “Tempo.” Lizzo knows how to keep people on the dance floor, and “Tempo” makes for a perfect twerk session.

DJ and producer Martin Garrix keeps his style of pop, electronica and house while collaborating with some of the biggest names in music. For the ultimate dance track this time around, he teamed up with Macklemore and Fall Out Boy’s frontman, Patrick Stump, on his new single, “Summer Days.” Garrix mashes ‘70s guitar funk with EDM as the video beams with sundress weather.

Another one! Producer and hitmaker DJ Khaled could easily claim a song of the summer every season. His newest album, “Father of Asahd,” has the typical Khaled formula of anthems, dance tracks and countless collaborations. A fan favorite is the hip-hop gospel of Nipsey Hussle and John Legend on “Higher.” The song is a testament to what the late Nipsey embodied, vibrating life at a higher frequency. 

Besides vacations and getaways, summertime is also a great season for relaxation. Soulful New Orleans band Tank and the Bangas has a track that isn’t just perfect for 4/20 activities but also for cool vibes all season long. “Smoke.Netflix.Chill.” tells a story from a woman’s perspective of asking a guy to hang out and see how it plays out.

Electropop singer Billie Eilish is the industry’s newest sensation since she released her debut album, “When We All Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go?” Her eerie yet eclectic single “bad guy” sounds like a theme song of a horror and action flick crossover. “bad guy” has helped Eilish dominate the Billboard charts for weeks.