Ah, summer 2016. It feels like just yesterday we were soaking up the sun, maybe with a slightly questionable tan line, and a playlist that was absolutely on fire. Thinking back, it was a pretty eclectic year for music, wasn't it? We had those massive, feel-good anthems that just screamed 'vacation,' alongside some tracks that were a little more introspective, but still managed to capture that fleeting summer vibe.
One song that was absolutely everywhere, impossible to escape in the best way possible, was "Can't Stop the Feeling!" by Justin Timberlake. It was pure, unadulterated joy in musical form, the kind of track that made you want to dance down the street, windows down, singing at the top of your lungs. It’s funny how some songs just feel like summer, and that one definitely did.
Then there were the tracks that had a bit more of an edge, but still kept the energy high. "One Dance" by Drake, featuring Wizkid and Kyla, was a masterclass in laid-back cool. It had that infectious rhythm that just pulled you in, perfect for those late-night drives or just chilling with friends.
And who could forget "Don't Let Me Down" by The Chainsmokers featuring Daya? That one had a bit of a melancholic undertone, but the beat was so massive, it still dominated the summer airwaves. It was the kind of song that made you feel something, even while you were out having the time of your life.
Calvin Harris and Rihanna teamed up for "This Is What You Came For," and honestly, it was exactly what we came for. A perfectly crafted pop banger that sounded like sunshine and good times. It’s the kind of collaboration that just works, pure and simple.
Looking back at the lists, it's interesting to see how many of these songs were either released right at the cusp of summer or peaked during those months. "Cheap Thrills" by Sia, especially with Estelle Brand's take, was another one that just oozed summer fun. It had that playful, almost defiant energy that felt so liberating.
It wasn't all just pure pop, though. Tracks like "Faded" by DJ Mat & Nat and "Fast Car" by Natalie Gang (though the original is a classic, these versions clearly resonated) offered different textures. And then there were the remixes, like the "Ibiza Workout Remix" of "Can't Stop the Feeling!" or "This Girl (Ibiza Workout Remix)" by Galaxyano, which speak to how these songs were being adapted and enjoyed in different settings, from beach parties to, well, workouts.
It’s a reminder of how music soundtracks our lives, especially those precious summer months. These songs weren't just background noise; they were the pulse of our adventures, the soundtrack to making memories that, even years later, can transport us right back to that feeling of endless summer days.
