George Ezra: Budapest
Shuffling along on train-track rhythms, with plucked acoustic guitar and the 21-year-old’s giant haystack of a voice, Budapest features none of the hip sounds of the moment, and for that reason sounds like a timeless classic.
Ariana Grande feat Iggy Azalea: Problem
George Ezra’s Budapest isn’t the only tune that’s ideal for blaring out of an open car window on a sunny day right now. Child actress-turned-pop-dynamo Ariana Grande offers a suitably sweltering saxophone hook on this recent No 1, which also features rapper of the moment Iggy Azalea.
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Hot Natured: Benediction
This supergroup of dance first released this smooth, spacious house tune in 2012 and it featured on their debut album last summer. This year they’re having another go at making it the hit it deserves to be, putting it out with four new remixes on August 10.
5 Seconds of Summer: Don’t Stop
Since supporting One Direction on tour, these Aussie pop-punks have become regular visitors to our top 10. Their most recent single is as catchy and lively as they come, with a “Know it! Know it! Know it!” chant that you may fall for even if you aren’t a lovesick schoolgirl.
MAGIC! Rude
It wouldn’t be summer without a reggae tune. This year’s most likely hit comes from that skanking hotspot, Canada, and a Toronto quartet who have already sent their head-nodding tune to No 1 in the US and No 2 in Australia. It’s currently one of Radio 1’s most played songs.
Jess Glynne: Right Here
Muswell Hill’s Jess Glynne didn’t quite match the No 1 successes of this year’s two guest spots with her solo debut but Right Here’s warm bass and slinky horns still make it a summer favourite.
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