The Gleaner x WCCR Present: Is this the Song of the Summer !?!?!?!?!?!

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Welcome to the first installment of The Gleaner x WCCR column. For those unaware, WCCR is Rutgers–Camden’s very own student-run radio station. Check them out here.

There are many important awards in the world of music, ranging from from the Grammys and large magazine “best of” lists to fan-made online arguments about which Death Grips song is really the loudest and most obnoxious. However, one award remains the most coveted–the oh-so-elusive “song of the summer.” This came to a head with Charlie XCX’s now infamous lime-green tinged “Brat summer”.

With summer having been officially gone for many weeks here at Rutgers–Camden, it is finally time for the most anticipated award of all: the WCCR short list of the top five songs of the summer.

Keep in mind, as a disclaimer to all of the haters out there, you DO NOT need to agree with this list. HOWEVER, if you believe “MILLION DOLLAR BABY” or “Espresso” is the best song of summer 2024, you are objectively wrong. With that out of the way, let’s get started.

5. U c@nt fwm if u rlly wnted 2 – kkamiistar

The prolific juug artist kkamiistar did it again this summer, dropping an impressive four albums. However, the win10 server.iso project really stands out above the rest, showing kkamii’s impressive production capabilities, which are even more polished than the year before. The opening song “U c@nt fwm if u rlly wnted 2” not only brings extreme energy and chaotic vibes, but also showcases an extremely catchy hook (even if you can’t understand it at parts).

4. RAL2222 – Radio Edit – SEES00000

Enigmatic LA-based artist SEES00000 came out of nowhere this summer, dropping his debut album, “If I Promise To Miss You, Will You Go Away” and almost immediately going on tour with South Jersey indie star mk.gee. On this album is the song RAL2222 – Radio Edit, a droning post-indie punk song very reminiscent of dirtbag-core artists such as The Hellp. If this is what SEES00000’s debut material looks like, I am definitely very excited to see what he drops in the future.

3. KELIS – Vayda ft. WiFiGawd prod. Dylcinci

I am not going to lie. When I saw this song pop into my just released page on Spotify and saw the collection of artists on this song I immediately knew it was going to be a banger. WiFi’s trademark catchy flow over the hook, combined with Vayda’s nonchalant baddie yet dangerously hard energy over the verse, all on an extremely versatile Dylvinci beat creates a delicious music sandwich. Listen to this song.

2. Turn it up – PinkPantheress

Do I really need to say anything about why this song encapsulates the pure vibes that is summer? PinkPantheress totally redeemed herself after the complete mess that was “Heaven Knows.” This song feels like fun, it feels like happiness, it feels like the beach, it feels like classic PinkPantheress, and it feels like a reminder that things will work out.

D I M C O L A R E P R I S E – Salami Rose Joe Louis

So here’s the thing: I do not know if this song actually counts. This recording is what I believe to be the best live set of the summer. This eight (yes eight!) minute long journey is more of a pure emotional response to the beauty of music than it is a song. However, the song is not boring-the jazz combined with neo soul and electronica dance overlaid with Salami’s playful yet strangely angelic voice makes for an engaging and transformative listening experience that will no doubt leave goosebumps on your skin.

There it is, the official WCCR x Gleaner top five songs of the summer. I truly hope you give all of these songs a listen and do not forget to KEEP KEEPIN’ YA MIND OPEN!

Check out the WCCR website https://wccr.camden.rutgers.edu, and tune into one of their many show offerings!