The Sounds of Summer

Ask me what sounds I associate with summer and – along with tree frogs and the hum of air conditioners – there’s a short list of songs that pop into my head. I’ve blogged before about how music sticks in our heads, and it seems doubly true for the summertime.

I read a post this morning from MTV about their contenders for “Song of the Summer” for 2011. And while I shouldn’t have been surprised, even I was a little taken aback at the brashness of the lyrics in all the songs.

Obviously Mr. Montgomery’s criteria somewhat skewed his choices, but these aren’t obscure songs … this is the music that permeates radio, iTunes, youtube and everywhere else music is played.

If ever there was a snapshot of why students needs to have alternative choices in their music, this list is it. To save you the time googling, here are some highlights of the lyrics for MTV’s top 5 leading contenders for the title of “2011 Song of the Summer” (click the song titles for the complete lyrics) …

Katy Perry | “Last Friday Night (T.G.I.F.)” (we talked about this song in another post)

There’s a stranger in my bed,
There’s a pounding in my head
Glitter all over the room
Pink flamingos in the pool
I smell like a minibar
DJ’s passed out in the yard
Barbie’s on the barbeque
This a hickey or a bruise

Pitbull | “Give Me Everything”

Excuse me but I might drink a little more than I should tonight
And I might take you home with me if I could tonight
And baby, I’ma make you feel so good tonight
‘Cause we might not get tomorrow

LMFAO (featuring Lauren Bennett and GoonRock) | “Party Rock Anthem”

One more shot for us, another round
Please fill up my cup, don’t mess around
We just wanna see you shake it now
Now you wanna be, you’re naked now

Nicki Minaj | “Super Bass”

And I think I like him better with the fitted cap on
He ain’t even gotta try to put the mac on
He just gotta give me that look, when he give me that look
Then the panties comin’ off, off, unh

Maroon 5 (featuring Christina Aguilera) | “Moves Like Jagger”

Take me by the tongue
And I’ll know you
Kiss til you’re drunk
And I’ll show you
All the moves like Jagger
I got the moves like Jagger
I got the mooooooves…like Jagger

So here’s my challenge to you: What songs from Christian artists would you put on a “Top 5” list for the Summer of 2011? Comment and let’s put together our own list for the Songs of the Summer!