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Entertainment June 8, 2017
Because your songs of the summer should rock and empower.
With so many musicians heading on tour, performing at festivals and releasing new music, it’s hard to commit to just a few “songs of the summer.”
To cut through the male-driven chart-toppers, here are seven alternative – alternative rock and alternative to the mainstream – releases by female solo artists, girl bands and bands fronted by women to expand your musical library and diversify your playlist.
Release Date: May 12
After four long years, Paramore is back with new music. This album is the perfect mix of introspection, summer ‘80s aesthetics and loud female pop vocals that could give Cyndi Lauper a run for her money.
The main single released is “Hard Times,” but a starry-eyed must-listen on the album is “Pool.”
Release Date: July 7
The LA-based trio of sisters performed two of their new singles from their new album, “Little of Your Love” and “Want You Back,” on Saturday Night Live. From these performances, we think it’s fair to expect similar powerful, vocally-driven anthems on the rest of the album.
Release Date: April 7
This four-piece girl band from London gives a dreamy vibe to grunge and soul with their new album. Their heart-wrenching single, “Sucker,” just has to be played on repeat.
Release Date: June 16
After performing her singles “Green Light” and “Liability” on SNL earlier in the season, Lorde has had a series of shows before releasing her full album. As is the case with her music, you can probably expect more melodramatic signs soon.
Release Date: May 12
This punk-folk duo is a hidden gem of warped sweetness. They have scratchy and airy vocals that would be appropriate on the “Juno” soundtrack. “It Gets More Blue” has a psychedelic and homemade-looking music video that should culture us all.
Release Date: June 2
Similar to Lorde, Halsey has shifted to a more sincere sound, but she still features tracks with more techno backing. While “Bad at Love” has a Forever-21-playlist vibe, “100 Letters” is perfect for dancing to during your summer road trip.
Release Date: May 19
This enthusiastic and colorful band features the battle-cries of a warrior woman and the jazzy pop-punk support of four men. “Drummer Boy” is a sweet single from the lead singer to the drummer (her fiance). If this doesn’t restore your faith in love, you can at least dance to it. Other songs on the album, such as “Machine” and “Revolution,” will also fuel the fire to your political angst.