August! The month of salty air, rusty doors, too-hot weather, and car rides to the beach. As someone who absolutely despises weather above 75 degrees Fahrenheit, I definitely have a mixed relationship with the month of August. However, the music releases last month have been more than extraordinary, reinvigorating my love of summer pop music. Here are just a handful of songs I loved listening to in August:
HOT TO GO! – Chappell Roan
Gearing up for her debut album release this September, Chappell Roan released “HOT TO GO!” earlier this summer. Combining the vibes of a classic cheerleader-pop song and her signature relatable lyrics, “HOT TO GO!” is the perfect hot-girl-summer jam.
cracked teeth – dacelynn
19-year-old dacelynn may be known for 2019’s soft-pop hit, “80s makeout session,” but “cracked teeth” introduces us to a new side of her musical world. Combining elements of 2000s indie rock and today’s indie pop, this song makes me feel as if I am floating. The ever-so-relatable verses and the catchy chorus makes it an instant hit for me, and I hope others can realize it too!
Vampire Empire – Big Thief
A long-awaited single from indie rock veterans Big Thief, “Vampire Empire” was hit with controversy when it was released. Personally, I adore this version and the changes that came with the official release, in comparison to the live version most fans were used to. Despite only having two chords repeating throughout the entire song, “Vampire Empire” feels amazingly complex. Adrienne Lenker’s signature rasp is ever-present throughout the song, complimenting the vulnerability of the lyrics.
Fast Times – Sabrina Carpenter
Sabrina Carpenter might be summer 2023’s “It Girl,” and for good reason. Having starting off opening for the Latin America leg of the Eras Tour earlier this month, Carpenter is skyrocketing her way into everyone’s hearts. “Fast Times” off of 2022’s emails i can’t send might just be pop perfection. The verses hook you immediately, paving a clear way into a perfect pop chorus that might just be the catchiest thing I have heard this summer.
High in Brighton – FIZZ
FIZZ is the British supergroup composed of dodie, Orla Gartland, Greta Isaac, and Martin Luke Brown. “High In Brighton” was their first single, and it perfectly introduces the chaotic, colorful, and fun aesthetic that FIZZ is. Lead vocals are passed along to each member at different points in the song, but the harmonies are what elevate this song to be the bop that it is.
daybreak 