PolicyMic's Picks For Best Songs Of the Summer

2013 has been the summer of controversial music. First there was Miley Cyrus with her Molly popping lyrics, then there was Justin Timberlake with the "Tunnel Vision" music video that launched a thousand Twitter rants, and of course Robin Thicke, whose "Blurred Lines" has essentially caused social media to implode. Throw in the releases of a new Kanye West album and a new Jay-Z album, and you could round out a really hearty playlist solely filled with the summer's most headline-grabbing music. 

In homage to this summer of buzzworthy new music, I asked the PolicyMic staff to share the songs that they've been playing all summer long. Our team shared their favorite tunes, and just what it is about those songs that makes them keep pressing repeat. Check out our staff's favorite summer picks, and share yours in the comments section below. 

1. The Weeknd, "Belong to the World"

Liran Okanon; Lead Designer 

The latest track from poetic artist The Weeknd, is an intense beat-bumping journey through the celebrated lyricist's complicated mindset. 

2. Tove Lo, "Habits"

Julianne Ross; Deputy Culture Editor 

Raw, ridiculously catchy pop song with lyrics that are probably too familiar to heart-broken 20-somethings. A better post-breakup anthem than anything Taylor Swift has ever written.

3. Daft Punk (Razihel Remix), "Get Lucky"

Tom McKay; Breaking News Publishing Editor

I always make a point to listen to this song when I'm shooting lasers out of the back of a flaming speedboat. Please don't mention that to my parole officer. 

4. Janelle Monae, "Dance Apocalyptic"

Sam Meier; Gender Editor

I miss Janelle Monae's old hair, but I love absolutely everything about this song. I really really want to thank you, for listening till the end. 

5. Miracles Of Modern Science, "The Singularity"

Uchechi Kalu; Politics Intern 

So addictive. No way to just listen once.

6. Icona Pop, "I Love It"

Nina Ippolito; Publishing Editor 

Came out last fall, but it's been stuck in my head all summer. 

7. T.I., "Get Loose"

Laura Dimon; Politics Publishing Editor 

When T.I. tells me to get loose, I listen. 

8. Lorde, "Tennis Courts"

Elena Sheppard; Culture Editor 

There were about two weeks in July when the only sounds I heard came from this song. Also, the music video is spooky good. 

9. Robin Thicke, "Ooo La La"

Alex Marin; Social Media Editor

It's the perfect summer tune that makes you feel like you're enjoying a piña colada in Rio de Janeiro (or Paris) even when you are trapped in Mahnattan's infernal middle-of-August heat. Also, it could be a song from 2013 or 1978! 

10. The Front Bottoms, "Twin Size Mattress"

Ben Cosman; Breaking News Assistant Editor

"Twin Size Mattress" is the best song about furniture this year. With its slow build to let-it-all-out ending, no other song will make you want to yell as loud as you can into the summer night. 

11. Kanye West, "Black Skinhead"

Caira Conner; Community Manager

Kanye West's persona is one thing, but his music I love. This song is like an adrenaline rush. (Plus, I'm really pumped to see The Wolf Of Wall Street.) 

12. Daft Punk, "Random Access Memories"

Chris Miles; Founding Editor 

I was probably one of the first people in America to play Daft Punk at a party. It was 2004, in Lexington, Ky. Everyone said, "What the hell is that?" I'm glad Daft Punk is mainstream now. 

13. Disclosure, "Confess To Me"

Bayo Adafin; Sales Marketing Associate 

A fresh British take on electro-pop that will have you shamelessly boppin' your head on the street. 

14. Chance The Rapper, "Chain Smoker"

Michael McCutcheon; Politics Editor 

It makes me want to call up some friends, hop in the car, roll down the windows, turn up the volume, fly down the highway, and generally jam out. I don't know how else to describe it.