The A-List: Songs of the Summer

Starting this week, Amanda Troop will be bringing you the “A-List” every Thursday, a timely/fun/relevant/hard-to-find/just purely fun mix of songs to get your Cheeky weekend started.  Please email Amanda@cheekychicago.com if you have any personal favorites. Happy listening!

1. “California Gurls” – Katy Perry

California has long been a subject of inspiration when it comes to music, but Perry’s new single is as sizzling as the summer sun.  Her collaboration with Snoop Dogg is an infectious track sure to stick in your head.

2. “Live Like We’re Dying” – Kris Allen

American Idol Season 8 winner Kris Allen’s single is perfect for the season with longer days. Enjoy the weather, and like the song says, do the most you can with it. Summer only lasts for so long (unfortunately).

3. “Airplanes” – B.o.B

Wishing on stars is a thing of the past for Georgia rapper B.o.B (aka Bobby Ray). Through clever rhymes and a kickass beat – not to mention additional vocals by Paramore frontwoman Hayley Williams – this song is as wistful as it is vibrant.

4. “Tightrope” – Janelle Monae

This girl’s got soul pouring out of her. Not only does her timing put some male rappers to shame, but when she sings, you can’t help but stop and listen. “Tightrope” is a strong, powerful track which is sure to bring a whole lot of light and warmth to anyone’s day.

5. “Free Fallin’ (Live)” – John Mayer (Tom Petty cover)

For the quieter, rainy days, this song is a good choice. Of course, the original is timeless, but Mayer infuses classy acoustic riffs and some well-timed falsetto to make it his own.