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7 Songs That Scream Summer

It's not too late to add these tunes to your playlist

By Kate Rockwood, Newser Staff

Posted Aug 18, 2008 1:12 PM CDT

(Newser) – Salon’s critics pick the songs that sizzle in summer 2008—from Estelle and Kanye West's sartorial lust to Tilly and the Wall's bubble gum New Wave:

Estelle with Kanye West, “American Boy”: Elegant English beats blend with in-your-face American lyrics.
Jonas Brothers, “Burning Up”: Saccharine silliness that fills a hole in our inner 13-year-old, boy-band-loving hearts.
Ida Corr, “Let Me Think About It”: Sexy beats that have kept us dancing (and Corr in the Top 10) for 40 weeks.

Duffy, “Rockferry”: Honeyed British vocals and echoey piano chords sound like the summer of '68.
Beck, “Gamma Ray”: Hypnotic riffs and heat-soaked lyrics from the king of minimal and mellow.
Tilly and the Wall, “Falling Without Knowing”: Bubble-gum lyrics and lightweight, New Wave beats.
Sharleen Spiteri, “Don’t Keep Me Waiting”: A clutch of summer staples (including the “na na na” chorus) from a lustrous Scottish singer.

[Videos (2)]

"Gamma Ray," on Beck's "Modern Guilt" cd, brings heat-soaked lyrics and hip beats to summer 2008. (AP Photo/DGC Records)

From left, Nick Jonas, Joe Jonas and Kevin Jonas of The Jonas Brothers give a free concert at the SOHO Apple Store on Tuesday, Aug. 12, 2008 in New York. (AP Photo/Evan Agostini)

The Jonas Brothers, from left, Joe Jonas, Nick Jonas and Kevin Jonas pose backstage after co-hosting MTV's "Total Request Live" on Monday, Aug. 11, 2008 in New York. (AP Photo/Evan Agostini)

Kanye West performs during Rolling Stone magazine's 40th anniversary VIP party at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas on Sunday, Sept. 9, 2007. (AP Photo)

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Beck's "Gamma Ray" is the song of summer 2008, writes on Salon music critic. (YouTube)

Estelle and Kanye West team up in "American Boy." (YouTube)

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7 Songs That Scream Summer

It's not too late to add these tunes to your playlist