The “perfect” summer song, according to Josh Homme
Every year, as the grey skies disperse and the sun begins to creep further into our everyday lives, the music we listen to steadily changes. All over social media and dominating conversations around the country, people discuss what they think is the “song of the summer” as playlists usher out slowed-down monotone numbers and welcome in bright, upbeat and happy sounds.
So, what makes for a good summer song? There are a few different aspects. First, the piece must be radio-friendly so that when you’re sitting outside with music in the background, you can ensure the track will come on at some point. The timing of a song’s release is important so that it captures the nation and becomes an earworm almost instantly. Finally, there has to be a good beat, a lot of feeling and lyrics that are easy to sing along to.
One track that could be argued to be a summer song is Queens of the Stone Age’s ‘No One Knows’. The track has an exciting beat and guitar riff that are equal parts intricate and memorable. Equally, the song has a playability about it, which means radio stations are keen to have it on the airwaves. It has been welcomed by packed crowds at sun-stricken festivals for years now.
Of course, the band’s frontman, Josh Homme, would never admit that his track is the perfect one for the summer. In fact, he seems to have entirely different criteria as to what goes into a summer song. Rather than looking for a piece that comes out at the right time, is radio-friendly, and is catchy, he is instead looking for something intelligent, aggressive, and attractive, which comes in the form of one band.
“I love Blondie,” he said when listing some of his favourite records of all time, “I like what this album did in its time frame. And Debbie Harry is just smart, tough, sexy all at once. It’s like, ‘What do I do?!’ I like girls that make other men scared.”
He continued, “Lots of guys versions of respecting those girls is to panic, like ‘I need to go to the bathroom!’ – but I love it. ‘Heart of Glass’, it’s the perfect music for a sunny day, and it’s not always raining.”
‘Heart of Glass’ has to be one of the most recognisable tracks in Blondie’s catalogue. There is no escaping that the minute the introduction can be heard, people feel inclined to stand up and start dancing and singing along. Before you dive any deeper into Josh Homme’s love of women who scare other men, the song is simply oozing with everything that calls for sunshine.
Released in 1978, ‘Heart of Glass’ is, without a doubt, a perfect track for the summer. Take Josh Homme’s word for it. The next time the rain clears out, put this piece on and revel in the rays coming your way.
