State In The Real

Carly Rae Jepsen needs no introduction, though it seems that every other single she’s released (other than “Call Me Maybe” of course) needs plenty of introduction. Her debut album Kiss dropped last fall and featured 16 tracks bursting with 80′s flavor and bright, flourishing hooks. Unfortunately, even with strong, house-centered tracks such as “This Kiss” and “Tonight I’m Getting Over You,” Jepsen has yet to equal the commercial success of arguably the biggest song of 2012 (and probably one of the biggest songs of her career). But “Call Me Maybe” aside, the Canadian songstress really does have a knack for creating solid pop music. She further proves this fact with her newest single “Take A Picture,” a stand-alone track that she made with the help of her fan base. Her listeners had complete creative control over the song, picking everything from the lyrics to her outfits for her performance of the track on the American Idol stage. And though “Take A Picture” definitely doesn’t have the same kind of strength that “Call Me Maybe” and “Good Time” have, it’s undeniably made for summer road trip playlists.

For Spotify users, here’s the HQ version!

“Take A Picture” is a bit of a retro pop throwback, flaunting 90′s synth-pop that also draws some comparisons to Robyn’s “Dancing On My Own.” The fluttering bass line and simple 808 percussion take a backseat to Jepsen’s vocals, which is a nice change of pace from some of her work on Kiss, where she often had to compete with the loud and raucous dance drops in her tracks. Admittedly, there’s not much to the song lyrically, though it does paint a pretty picture (if you’ll pardon the pun) of Jepsen and her love interest enjoying a fun day out enjoying the summer. She’s living in the moment, and she wishes she could take an infinite number of pictures to fully preserve the good times she’s having. It’s a cute little tune, and even if it doesn’t get much radio play, it’s a great summer song for sure!

The Chainsmokers are SITR regulars, and with their breezy and groovy remix of Say Lou Lou’s “Julian,” they once again prove why their presence is a blessing to our site. This song is definitely a summer feel-good anthem that everyone can enjoy, and drop is just begging you to be happy and dance in the sunshine. And it’s a free download, which means you don’t have to spend a cent to immerse yourself in the sunshine-soaked musical bliss!

Since everyone is busy with work/internships/classes and may not be able to constantly check up on new music releases, here is a recap of some of the hottest new tracks to come out this past week!

“Can’t Hold Us (Major Lazer Remix)” – Macklemore & Ryan Lewis

Major Lazer brings their signature reggae/trap sound to one of the biggest songs of the year and completely makes it their own, while keeping some of the original vocals intact. Be on the lookout for this song in DJ sets everywhere this summer.

“Bubble Butt (Remix)” – Major Lazer featuring 2 Chainz, Bruno Mars, Tyga, and Mysic

In true 2 Chainz fashion, he jumps on the remix to one of the hottest tracks off Free the Universe. This version was debuted at Coachella when 2 Chainz came out during Major Lazer’s set, and the CDQ version is finally here!

“Gold Rush” – Clinton Sparks featuring 2 Chainz, Macklemore, & D.A.

Clinton Sparks drops a song that could quite easily be an early summer anthem. The production is great, the chorus is catchy, and the whistling beat is sure to get stuck in your head. Not to mention, both Macklemore and 2 Chainz spit fresh verses that leave you wanting more.

“Pe$o” – Machine Gun Kelly featuring Pusha T and Meek Mill

The wild boy from Cleveland lets loose a track that has a beat reminiscent of Gucci Mane’s “Lemonade,” but it still stands alone far above the old track. The two guest verses only add to the fire left by MGK’s opening verse and show that all three rappers are just trying to get their pesos. Look for this song on MGK’s upcoming Black Flag mixtape.

“Mad Fo” – Ludacris featuring Meek Mill, Pusha T, Chris Brown, & Swizz Beatz

The biggest posse cut from Luda’s #IDGAF mixtape is the final version of the song that previously only featured Pusha T taking shots at Birdman and Lil Wayne. But the full version features far more than just shots at YMCMB and is definitely not a song to pass up on.

“Killthemau5″ – Deadmau5 vs Kill the Noise

The title says it all: a collaboration between two of EDM’s biggest names. The song is still unfinished, but it’s a strangely perfect mix between the two artist’s unique styles. Keep your eyes out for the final version of this huge collaboration.

“Turnt” – The-Dream featuring Beyonce & 2 Chainz

Everyone can always use more Beyonce in their lives. 2 Chainz seems to feel the same way about himself considering he’s always on at least 4 new tracks a week. But everything comes together splendidly in this low-tempo jam that is perfect for rolling the windows down to.

As of a few days ago, Steve Aoki & Angger Dimas recently released three brand new remixes of his hit single “Singularity” ft. My name is Kay. He released the three in a set that can be found on his Soundcloud featured below. Each brings the song to an entirely new level of it’s own. Rage on!

This week we have a sick remix to “Radioactive” by Imagine Dragons. DJ dBerrie takes the popular track and makes it even more bumpin’ than it already is. Be sure to add this song to your party playlist for a great night! Take a listen below and enjoy TGIF!