Song of the Summer 2017: 15 New Tracks by Women That Deserve the Top Honor – Glamour

Some of the best pop music comes out during the summer, but only one track can reign supreme as the Song of the Summerthe ubiquitous, wildly catchy tune that even your grandmother knows by heart. Past winners include "California Gurls" by Katy Perry and "Umbrella" by Rihanna, but, for whatever reason, the title usually goes to a male artist. That's a shame because female artists consistently put out stellar work every year around this timeand 2017 is no exception. These 15 newish tunes are particularly great, and all deserve a shot at being 2017's Song of the Summer (because the last thing we need is another "Party Rock Anthem").

Miley Cyrus, "Malibu"

"Malibu," a bright (and very romantic) tribute to Cyrus' fianc, Liam Hemsworth, sounds nothing like the bizarre electro-pop from her last two albums. The "Can't Be Tamed" singer reins it in here, swapping shock-and-awe antics for a lovely acoustic-based melody and some genuinely heartfelt lyrics. ("Sometimes I feel like I'm drowning and you're there to save me," she sings.) But don't think "Malibu" isn't catchy: A thumping baseline kicks in 60 seconds into the song and catapults it to beach-party utopia. (And her vocals, as always, are beautiful.)

MisterWives, "Drummer Boy"

Yes, MisterWives is a co-ed band, but it's fronted by the supremely talented Mandy Lee, so "Drummer Boy" earns a spot on our list. The song, which is Lee's ode of sorts to her real-life fianc (and MisterWives drummer) Etienne Bowler, expertly weaves between backyard indie rock and gleeful eighties dance. It's an unexpected but incredibly satisfying progression.

Katy Perry, "Bon Apptit"

"Bon Apptit" is a departure from Perry's typical brand of bright disco candy, but that doesn't make it any less sweet. The newly blond pop queen swaps effervescent hooks for slick, R&B-tinged beats and food metaphors galore. Granted, "Bon Apptit" doesn't deliver instant pleasure, like "Teenage Dream" (or even "Roar"), but its grimy, groove-heavy sound will eventually seep into your brain and stay there. Enjoy the meal.

Emmalyn, "Phone Off"

You probably know Emmalyn best from G.R.L, the L.A.-based pop group known for bubblegum hits like "Ugly Heart" and "Vacation." But on "Phone Off," one of Emmalyn's first singles post-G.R.L, she substitutes sugar with sex. Lots of it. Specifically, she wants the scrub in this song to put his damn phone down and pay attention to her (which, let's be real, same). This midtempo jam exudes nightclub bombast; its slow-burning hook harks back to Cassie's "Me & You"R&B that's practically tailor-made for grinding (or, ya know, other stuff).

Hey Violet, "Break My Heart"

"Break My Heart," the latest single from Hey Violet (formerly known as Cherri Bomb), is instant gratification in music formand that's not a bad thing. The track mixes glossy, synth-heavy verses and a truly orgasmic dubstep chorus to create a summer smash that demands your attention. And gets it. "Heart" is earworm ecstasy at its finest.

Lady Gaga, "The Cure"

"The Cure" marks Gaga's true return to sticky dance pop after going country with last year's Joanne. The song is not groundbreaking by any meansthe chorus is paint-by-numbers, and it follows trends rather than sets thembut, damn, it's effective. What "The Cure" lacks in originality it makes up for with its unyielding dedication to the hook. There's plenty of room in Gaga's expansive catalog for a simple slice of pop pie.

Nicki Minaj, "Regret in Your Tears"

"Regret in Your Tears" is a slightly more bummed-out version of "The Night Is Still Young." In lieu of an ear-crashing dubstep refrain, Minaj opts for simple, beat-driven production and a very clever use of echo and Auto-Tune. Catchiness with a side of feels.

Dorothy, "Down to the Bottom"

"Down to the Bottom" isn't a pop song, but its stomping, rebellious rock chorus is just as catchy as any Max Martinproduced smash. Dorothy's soulful vocals sound particularly powerful against the emphatic, guitar-laden instrumentals of "Down to the Bottom." A hit with a kick.

Hailee Steinfeld, "Most Girls"

"I don't want to be like most girls," Steinfeld exclaims on this very routine (but nonetheless fun) piece of top 40 EDM. The track doesn't hit the spot quite like "Starving" did last year, but its plucky and swirling chorus will certainly find a home in your subconscious.

Rebecca Black, "Foolish"

Yes, the gal who brought you "Friday" just delivered one of the season's best pop songs. (On that note: The hate Black received back then was uncalled-for. She was just a teenager having fun, and the Internet crucified her.) With "Foolish" Black trades in the shrill, plastic-pop sound of "Friday" for a luxurious, Daft Punkesque production. It's a smooth, twinkly track that will fit perfectly inside any smoky nightclub. You'd be foolish to skip.

Halsey, "Eyes Closed"

The Weeknd cowrote "Eyes Closed," an ominous and gritty jaunt from Halsey's forthcoming album. "Now if I keep my eyes closed, he looks just like you," Halsey sings over a lush (and deeply sensual) techno groove. "But he'll never stay; they never do." The song is one of Halsey's strongestand sexiestto date.

Haim, "Want You Back"

Haim's highly anticipated second studio album drops in July, and they've teased it so far with two songs: "Right Now," and "Want You Back," a positively jovial slice of summertime pop. Seriously, in a landscape dominated by moody, sexed-up midtempos, the breezy, funk-ified handclaps of "Want You Back" are more than welcome. It's just so damn happy.

Lorde, "Green Light"

Lorde puts exuberance in place of emotion on "Green Light," a dizzying dance tune that oddly combines piano beats and computer beeps. "Green Light" is the antithesis of "Royals," Lorde's gloomy, slow-boiling debut single that reached number one on Billboard's Hot 100. It's bonkers, but it works.

Alessia Cara and Zedd, "Stay"

"Stay" is the oldest song on this list, but it's getting a resurgence thanks to the film Everything, Everythingand cheers to that. Zedd works his standard magic on this zany, electronic confection, but it's Cara who really steals the show. Her robust, velvety vocals sound otherworldly against the song's zipping bells and whistles. If we had to predict Song of the Summer right now, this would be it.

Selena Gomez and Kygo, "It Ain't Me"

Gomez's last attempt at an EDM collab, 2015's "I Want You to Know" with Zedd, was lackluster and stale. The singer sounded lost amid Zedd's involved production, but she defiantly finds her voice on "It Ain't Me," which features beats from Kygo. The track is strong, straightforward, and immediateall the ingredients needed for good dance music. Studio trickery on Gomez's voice gives the song an extra jolt of electricity.

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Song of the Summer 2017: 15 New Tracks by Women That Deserve the Top Honor - Glamour