When school let out and summer vacation finally arrived, many already popular songs tore up the charts once again, climbing the iTunes Top Singles list faster than ever before. From Brits to American Idols to familiar Grammy-winning faces, the hottest songs of this summer really did shine. Here is a brief look at several songs that rocked summer 2012.
1. WHAT MAKES YOU BEAUTIFUL—One Direction
The British boy band’s first single topped charts from the moment it was released in the United States. It is true that the five boys from The X Factor (UK) will forever be known for this popular track whose lyrics make girls everywhere swoon. Summer 2012 without “What Makes You Beautiful” would be like peanut butter without jelly…it just should not happen. The hit blared from radios everywhere— all summer long, every summer night.
2. DARK SIDE—Kelly Clarkson
Clarkson’s third single from her fifth chart-topping album, Stronger, provided long summer nights with the perfect mix of a sweet and mysterious melody. And yes (if anyone was wondering), Kelly is stronger. The very first Idol winner’s tune is made for blasting on those summer nights while driving around town with a best friend, simply because there really is nothing better to do.
3. AS LONG AS YOU LOVE ME—Justin Bieber (feat. Big Sean)
Beliebers everywhere are loving the second single off of JB’s third studio album, Believe. The hit’s popularity has matched that of Bieber’s previously released single, “Boyfriend”, thanks to its summer explosion. Topping charts since the dog days of summer began, “As Long As You Love Me” reminds fans why they love the 18 year-old heartthrob.
4. GIVE YOUR HEART A BREAK—Demi Lovato
After her time in rehab, Lovato came back strong and released Unbroken. Though many of the songs included on this album are great, “Give Your Heart a Break” is the first one that has completely broken through and dominated the charts literally all summer long. The Disney diva’s new pop sound is spunky and powerful, which proves why she is still rocking the billboards.
5. WANT U BACK—Cher Lloyd
The X Factor (UK) alum’s first single from her very first album, Sticks + Stones, has been tearing up the charts since the middle of May. Lloyd, the newest British pop princess, has showed the world that her hit contains plenty of attitude and sass, is utterly addictive, and is the perfect jam for any bad girl trying to cause trouble during the summer.
6. SOME NIGHTS—Fun.
The title track from one of the newly popularized bands on the music scene proved to be a cool, different-style summer song. Although it does sound as if a bunch of guys got together and started chanting, it still has passion. The tune reached maximum popularity towards the end of summertime, passing “We Are Young” and putting the fun-filled days of summer to rest while slowly ringing in the new school year.
7. WIDE AWAKE—Katy Perry
Straight off of Perry’s sugar coated Teenage Dream: The Complete Confection, “Wide Awake” rose to fame after its music video sparked the attention of fans around the world. The hit knocked off chart toppers that dominated for a vast majority of the summer. “Part of Me”, its predecessor, clarified that Perry’s singles always find some way into everyone’s summer playlist.
