Five songs to get you in the summer groove

KARACHI:

Whether you’re working out, shopping, or stuck in a snoozefest nine to five job this summer, there is one thing that can definitely set you free and make those never ending torturous hours fly faster – music! These days it’s more Indian than English songs that cable TV plays so we have a list of popular songs that should definitely make it to your iPods.

The summer anthem: “Call Me Maybe” by Carly Rae Jepson

The first time you hear it, its super annoying and then the inevitable happens — it’s stuck in your head and you just can’t get it out.

I heard it in a store and kept humming it all day, not knowing who the artist was. Catering to my curiosity, I googled it and to my surprise found out that the Canadian artist behind this song, Carly Rae Jepson was actually popstar Justin Bieber’s discovery.

From being a nobody, she’s become a hit wonder, with another song “Good Time” slowly climbing the charts. Her overall packaging and sound is something between singers Katy Perry and Zooey Deschanel.

The undiscovered star: “Beautiful Tango” by Hindi Zahra

While listening to singer Damien Rice on YouTube, I stumbled upon this Moroccan artist. Listening to her song, I am indeed convinced that she’s the next big thing. As soon as you listen to this bluesy number, you’ll be tango-ing your way into Zahra’s hypnotic dream — a place where you’re a travelling gypsy dancing away with beautiful, exotic strangers from faraway lands.

Easy listening: “The A Team” by Ed Sheeran

Every now and then, we need something to calm our nerves, center ourselves and come back into the world a little bit saner. British artist Ed Sheeran’s voice does that for me. Whether you’re studying, writing or cruising away on a summer day, “The A Team” is that perfect background tune which soothes your mind as well as allows you to concentrate on your thoughts. It’s already become the soundtrack to my life.

Best cover: “Holding Out For a Hero” by Ella Mae Bowen

When Welsh singer, Bonnie Tyler came out with “Holding out for a Hero” in 1984, she seemed to delineate an aggressive and impatient urge for her hero. Then comes along the beautiful Ella Mae Bowen, who with her slow pace and sweet sound, turned the song into a little melodic prayer for her hero. That’s exactly how covers should be done. They should give the song a new direction, a different meaning and a fresh sound altogether.

To shake your booty to: “Beauty and a Beat” by Justin Bieber featuring Nicki Minaj

I won’t lie – I’m a total ‘beleiber’. I consume everything Justin Bieber faster than candy. Moreover, adding singer Nicki Minaj to this mix was the most intelligent decision Bieber has ever taken. In “Beauty and a Beat”, Minaj brings her badattude (bad attitude), and Bieber brings his playful spunk. While the song is danceable enough, I can’t wait for this song’s remixes. As Bieber swoons, “they’ll make my life complete!”

Published in The Express Tribune, July 20^th, 2012.