Illustration by Leah Mandel. Photographs from left Jamie McCarthy, Alberto E. Rodriguez, Mark Ralston, Donald Miralle/Getty
It's almost Memorial Day, which means the race for the song of the summer 2017 is fully underway. Drake's "One Dance" took last summer by storm, and set all kind of crazy international records in the process. It's unclear at this point which track will be omnipresent this year, but there are already solid contenders from the likes of Kendrick Lamar, Calvin Harris, Selena Gomez, and more. Let's examine all of the possible champions.
DJ Khaled f. Justin Bieber, Quavo, Chance the Rapper, and Lil Wayne, "I'm the One"
A super-sized posse cut produced by the internet's favorite son.
Evidence of heat: A hotshot debut at number one on the Billboard chart, and a hook that's equally suited for sunset kickbacks and day camp carpools.
Last year’s version: Chance The Rapper f. Lil Wayne and 2 Chainz, "No Problem"
Calvin Harris f. Frank Ocean and Migos, "Slide"
Sony Music
A disco crowd pleaser with killer keys.
Evidence of heat: A little viral video, and an early release date, which bodes well for a slow-burn.
Last year's version: Justin Bieber, “Company”
J Hus, "Did You See"
J Hus
Dan Wilton for The FADER
The one you'll want to hear in every country you travel to.
Evidence of heat: The Jae5-produced beat is maybe the most danceable thing we've ever heard. Once all your friends learn the words, you'll understand the pleasure of screaming "They never seen such a skinny man in a big puffer jacket."
Last year's version: Rihanna f. Drake, “Work”
Selena Gomez, "Bad Liar"
Interscope
Your mysterious older sister's post-breakup soundtrack.
Evidence of heat: Hitmakers Justin Tranter and Julia Michaels perfectly molded Selena Gomez's deadpan delivery around a timeless Talking Heads sample. A late arrival to the party, but could gain steam if a shareable official video drops soon.
Last year's version: Mø, “Final Song”
G Perico, "All Blue"
The West Coast sound all your playlists need.
Evidence of heat: 200k YouTube plays and climbing. A dark horse candidate for sure, but one keep your eye on.
Last year's version: Young Greatness, “Moolah”
Luis Fonsi f. Daddy Yankee and Justin Bieber, "Despacito"
A cross-genre anthem for lovers everywhere.
Evidence of heat: It's the first Spanish-language song to hit number one on the Billboard Hot 100 since the "Macarena." The sexiest song, period.
Last year's version: J. Balvin, "Bobo"
Lil Uzi Vert, "XO TOUR Llif3"
Lil Uzi Vert
Tyler Mitchell for The FADER
A song you can mosh to with sunglasses on.
Evidence of heat: It's been hovering in the Billboard top 10 for a minute now. With its emo mood and sing-a-long couplets, hitting number one feels inevitable.
Last year's version: D.R.A.M. f. Lil Yachty, "Broccoli"
Wande Coal x DJ Tunez, "Iskaba"
The aural equivalent of summer skies.
Evidence of heat: It's the hottest song in Nigeria right now, and an authentic alternative to the faux afro-pop made in L.A. studios presently dominating pop radio.
Last year's version: Maleek Berry, "Kontrol"
Julia Michaels, "Issues"
A moody pop song with staying power.
Evidence of heat: 278 million plays on Spotify and another 39 million on YouTube. Not bad.
Last year's version: Zara Larsson and MNEK, “Never Forget You”
Kendrick Lamar f. Rihanna, "Loyalty"
TDE
Summer without Rihanna is a waste of time.
Evidence of heat: With "HUMBLE." continuing to perform on the charts, it's pretty easy to picture this DAMN. duet having a big moment.
Last year's version: Calvin Harris f. Rihanna, "This Is What You Came For"
