Who he is: One guy named Jean-Philip Grobler.What he sounds like: Happy! This song will make you smile. Sunny and warm like the island, duh.Random: Perfect music for a sunny day with a cocktail next to the pool.  Who she is: An Australian singer song writer with an amazing EP.What she sounds like: It’s all very ’80s but not in a dated annoying way.Random: Listen to her EP on Spotify!!!!!! It is so, so good. “High Society” is perfect.  Who they are: A guy and a girl who went to college together. Now they live in Brooklyn.What they sound like: Kind of like Florence and the Machine.Random: Lizzy, the lead singer, has amazing hair. Also this music video is an acid trip. Good luck!  Who she is: A 21-year-old from the U.K. who wrote the song “I Love It” by Icona Pop.What she sounds like: Her music is described as “neon goth.” Which means it’s really fun and inspired by everyone from the Spice Girls to Lil Wayne.Random: She wrote a song for Britney Spears’ new CD. Also check out her debut album, especially the song “Nuclear Seasons.”  Who she is: Country’s new “alt” darling. What she sounds like: A softer version of Miranda Lambert.Random: Her CD is definitely one of the best country albums of the year.  Who she is: The swedish Kesha.What she sounds like: Way better than Kesha.Random: “Run On Love” is another great song.  Who they are: A YouTube comedy group from Australia. What they sound like: Basically One Direction. It’s actually a cover of this song by Wallpaper.Random: Janoskians stands for Just Another Name Of Silly Kids In Another Nation.  Who they are: A band from New York.What it sounds like: Another super happy song. So freeing. Also very ’80s sounding.Random: This song was actually produced by the guy from St. Lucia, which is probably why it’s so happy sounding.  Who she is: A british singer and songwriter whose real name is actually, for real, Neon. Her family members were travelers, like gypsies, so that has some influence on her music. Neon has been around for a while now, but has only really had a hit as a featured artist in the Gym Class Heroes song “Ass Back Home.”What she sounds like: This is a hot slow jam. It reminds me of “Skin” by Rihanna.Random: She does some AMAZING covers. Check out this one of “Gucci Gucci” by Kreayshawn. She also co-wrote Kesha’s “Blah Blah Blah.”  Who he is: A DJ.What it sounds like: The song samples Cassie’s hit “Me & You.”Random: This song is blowing up on the U.K.’s Radio 1, which is like the U.K.’s most important pop station.  Who they are: A band from Los Angeles who released their first album in 2010. What it sounds like: According to Wikipedia, “soul-influenced indie pop.” It’s a good thing. I swear!Random: Listen to “Dont Gotta Work It Out.” Hot jam.  Who she is: MS. AVRIL LAVIGNE.What it sounds like: Basically like any other Avril record… which isn’t a bad thing.Random: The song hasn’t totally caught on yet… but the video is crazy.  Who she is: The only and only, Regina Spektor!What it sounds like: The theme song from Orange Is The New Black, because it is.Random: If you only know the song from the TV show then you definitely need to listen to the full version. It’s so much better.  Who they are: Three Russian women. What it sounds like: Crack.Random: Good luck getting it out of your head!  Who she is: A 16-year-old from New Zealand with a shitload of talent.What it sounds like: “Royals”-esque, her other hit.Random: Lorde’s big hit this summer was “Royals.” The song hit No. 1 on the U.S. alternative chart and Lorde became the first female to top that chart in 17 years!!  Who he is: Another Brit.What it sounds like: Fun/dance. There are horns. Random: This song was really big in the U.K. this summer.  Who she is: An electropop singer/songwriter. What it sounds like: Chill.Random: Little Boots is a great pop artist. If you haven’t heard “Remedy” go to YouTube RIGHT NOW.  Who they are: A girl group that formed on the show X-Factor.What it sounds like: Classic girl group jams.Random: Demi Lovato cried when she saw this music video.  Who is she: “Lights,” “Anything Can Happen,” “I Need Your Love.” You get it.What it sounds like: A solid mainstream pop record.Random: The song is HUGE overseas. It hasn’t quite caught on stateside.  Who is he: A U.K. producer.What it sounds like: Starts out slow but catches up.Random: Naughty Boy is one of the current “it” producers. He’s worked with Rihanna, Cheryl Cole, and on Britney Spears’ new record. This song was also HUGE worldwide this summer.  Who they are: ANOTHER band from Britain.What it sounds like: A warrior chant. Random: HUGE song around the world but only made it to No. 95 in the US.  Who they are: A Norwegian hip-hop duo.What it sounds like: This song is chill as fuck. Listen a few times. It get better every time.Random: This song was big in Norway this summer, obv.  Who they are: A swedish pop duo.What it sounds like: Kind of like “I Love It.” It samples Tupac’s “Me And My Girlfriend.”Random: It’s just a cute song!  Who they are: Three sisters!What it sounds like: Shania Twain/Fleetwood Mac, I guess. Random: HAIM is the best!! Listen to “Falling” too.  Who they are: A scottish electropop band.What it sounds like: Lots of “Oh oh oh ohs.” They’re influenced by Robyn and Prince.Random: Their debut album comes out on Sept. 23.  Who she is: Selegend.What it sounds like: SO YUMMY.Random: This better be a single. She released a video for it on her actual birthday.  Who they are: A girl group from the U.K. that formed on its version of X-Factor.What it sounds like: Very ’90s! The Missy Elliot rap is impeccable. Random: If you’ve been missing Missy guest raps THIS IS YOUR JAM.  Who she is: Will Smith’s daughter duhhhh.What it sounds like: ~Melodic Chaotic~ … whatever that means.Random: The British accent is bizarre but somehow works.  Who she is: One of the most underrated pop divas.What it sounds like: Hard.Random: This entire album is pretty good. Also check out “Livin It Up” with Nicki Minaj.  Who they are: Canadian indie-pop-rock duo. What it sounds like: Awesome piano pop.Random: Tegan and Sara are flawless. Check out their last album.  Who they are: A band from Rochester.What it sounds like: A lit’ral eargasm.Random: The RAC remix may be even better than the original.  Who she is: An epic songwriter who has basically written every Katy Perry hit.What it sounds like: Basically like Katy Perry.Random: Bonnie has written so, so many huge pop hits. It’ll be interesting to see what she pulls together for hew new album.  Who she is: A singer, songwriter, and pianist best known for her song “Love Song.”What it sounds like: This is the original “Roar” by Katy Perry. Random: “Brave” >>> “Roar”  Who is it: A DJ.What it sounds like: The word “Bubble butt” x 100. It’s good.Random: The video is amazing if you haven’t seen it already.  Who is it: A girl group from the U.K.What it sounds like: Very ’90s. This is different for them.Random: The Saturdays are amaaaazing. Check out “Higher” and “Work” if you’ve never listened to them before.  Here’s a Spotify playlist of most of the songs if that’s your thing: The 35 Best Pop Songs You Might Have Missed This Summer.
A compilation of really good pop songs that came out ~around~ this summer. Post your own favorites in the comments, please!