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Hank Lane Music’s Top Summer Songs of 2013

Just as the smell of pumpkin pie can remind you of Thanksgiving dinners at the table with your family and friends, the sound of certain songs bring back fond memories of summer parties and trips to the beach. Over the past decade, each summer has had hits ranging from pop to soul and everything in between. This summer the songs that are defining those outdoor barbeques and lazy days around the pool are showing a change in popular trends. It’s something at Hank Lane Music we are keenly aware of. Carly Rae Jepsen’s “Call Me Maybe” was just one of the top songs that defined the summer of 2012. Think back to any summer and you are bound to have memories accompanied by that summer’s top hit. Whether it was Katy Perry’s “I Kissed A Girl” back in 2008, or Gwen Stefani’s “Hollaback Girl” in 2005, each summer is defined by its own unique sound.

So what’s to be expected of summer 2013? This summer, we’re finding a sweet mix of retro-feeling songs, such as Daft Punk’s “Get Lucky” and “Fall Down” by Miley Cyrus that are topping the charts with a more futuristic sound offered by house music, such as Zedd’s “Clarity.” Two styles of music that seemingly go in opposite directions on the musical timeline are coming together at the top of the charts, creating an unforgettable summer sound this year. The house music trend is definitely one to get you off your feet and keep you dancing with its up-beat, futuristic sound. Songs to look out for in this trend include Krewella’s “Alive,” Zedd’s “Clarity,” Icona Pop’s “I Love It” and Will.i.am ft. Justin Bieber’s “#ThatPOWER.” The retro-feel trend is one that brings you back to the 80s, while still staying current. According to Hank Lane Music bandleader Michael Hart, of the Michael Hart Band, “The new trend this summer sounds as if Prince was the producer. It has that retro 80’s feel to it a little.” Songs to look out for with that vibe include Robin Thicke’s “Blurred Lines,” Bruno Mars’ “Treasure,” Daft Punk’s “Get Lucky” and Chris Brown’s “Fine China.” Band leader Bobby Attiko and his band have fielded a countless number of requests for songs such as “Glowing” by Nikki Williams, “Cant Hold Us” by Macklemore and Ryan Lewis and “Treasure” by Bruno Mars. According to Bobby, “These songs are good mood songs that are great to open a party room. They have good vibes for getting audiences on their feet and on to the dance floor.”

A tip to keep in mind when planning your special event is to not forget about the old, fun songs. Hank Lane Music event coordinator Stephanie LaBruno speaks to brides and grooms every week to go over their special requests and sees the trends up close. She suggests songs such as Rihanna ft. Calvin Harris’ “We Found Love,” P!nk’s “Raise Your Glass” and songs by LMFAO, to keep your song list fun and diversified. Stephanie also recommends keeping up with what the radio is playing to find up-and-coming songs and sounds.

We compiled a list of this summer’s hottest songs with the help of Billboard magazine’s Top 40 and our client’s most popular requests: