Summer 2021 allowed us to enjoy our songs and albums in a less stressful time. We even got to go back to the theaters! With life finally coming back to some form of normalcy, we all got to enjoy our favorite works of art. Here are some of the Arts & Entertainment desks’ favorite songs, albums, movies and shows from this past summer.
Rashad Alexander, A&E Assist. Editor
My favorite song of the summer is “Stay” by The Kid Laroi and Justin Bieber. I remember hearing this song when it leaked earlier in the year. I just knew when I first heard it that it had potential to be THE song of the summer. So when I saw it was getting an official release, I was excited as I knew it would be big for the artists and their fans. The song is short but simple, and has such a great summer vibe to it. The hook and is something you can sing along with your friends with and never get tired of. The Kid Laroi is someone to definitely look out for in the future, as he’s on a superstar track with his number one song.
My favorite album of the summer is “Hall of Fame” by Polo G. Despite the criticism Polo G has received from social media, “Hall of Fame” still had a big impact on my summer. Polo G delivered arguably his best album to date, having a good mix of songs from the 20 track project. With a mix of drill songs like “Clueless” with Pop Smoke and Fivio Foreign, to love songs like “So Real”, the album has songs that everyone can enjoy. This includes his #1 song “Rapstar“ which helped bring the rapper into the mainstream world. Polo G has been one of my favorite artists for awhile, as he is a native of the north side of Chicago like myself. Overall, this album just had so many moments that will hopefully bring back memories to this past summer in future listens. My Favorite tracks off “Hall of Fame” are “Heart of a Giant” with Rod Wave, “Zooted Freestyle” and “Black Hearted.”
Izzy Fonfara Drewel, A&E Reporter
Izzy’s favorite artists from the summer are Wallows and Glass Animals.
“It just makes me think of all the good memories and stupid ideas me and my friends had. It just always seems to fit perfectly with our group dynamic.”
Izzy’s favorite album from the summer is “Fine Line” by Harry Styles.
“My best friend and I have a shared love for Harry, so it reminds me of her, but I’ve also bonded with my new roommate over his music. The album just brings me through memories of friends new and old.”
Izzy’s favorite movies and shows from the summer include “Luca” and “Young Royal.”
“The movie ‘Luca’ is quickly becoming one of my favorites,” Izzy said. “I’ve also bonded with a lot of people over a shared interest in Netflix’s new series ‘Young Royals.’”
Randi Haseman, A&E Exec. Editor
Randi’s favorite albums of the summer were Olivia Rodrigo’s “SOUR” and Miley Cyrus’ “Plastic Hearts.”
“I’ve been painting dorms all summer and thankfully we got to listen to music, so I’ve been going through full albums, which is something I usually don’t do.”
Randi’s favorite shows and movies of the summer was “Full Metal Alchemist.”
“The mystery is so interesting!” Randi said. “Another favorite is ‘Mamma Mia 2,’ which is a comfort movie and oozes summer fun.”
Kim Cook, A&E Assist. Editor
Kim’s favorite album of the summer was Taylor Swift’s “Red.”
“I have always loved this album and I am even more excited that it is getting rereleased this fall. The emotional highs and lows of this album make it perfect for pretty much anything you are feeling, whether you want to dance with your friends or sit in the room by yourself.”
This story was written by Rashad Alexander. He can be reached at [email protected].
