Our colleagues at Entertainment Weekly have pretty much crowned Ariana Grande’s “Problem” as song of the summer of 2014. The public seems to agree; the Nickelodeon television star’s song currently is No. 1 on iTunes charts, and deejays and pop music sites such as Idolator have also anointed “Problem” as the summer’s top jam.
For a different (more buttoned-up?) point of view, Fortune polled music executives for their picks for the song (or songs) of the summer. Here’s what the C-suite thinks you’ll be listening to at the pool or the beach.
Chris Muñoz, SVP of national sales for Univision Radio:
“My pick as the ‘song of the summer’ is “Bailando” by Enrique Iglesias, featuring Descemer Bueno & Gente de Zona. It’s already tracking very well, and I’m sure it will continue to increase in popularity during the summer months. I love this song’s rhythm and catchy Spanglish lyrics.
“‘Adrenalina,’ the World Cup anthem by Wisin, Jennifer Lopez, and Ricky Martin will also be among everyone’s favorites as millions celebrate and stay tuned to the biggest sporting event in the world this summer.”
David Zedek, president of global concerts, Live Nation:
“Problem,” Ariana Grande, featuring Iggy Azalea
“Love Runs Out,” One Republic
“Ain’t It Fun,” Paramore
“Am I Wrong,” Nico & Vinz
“Sing,” Ed Sheeran
“Birthday,” Katy Perry
Charlie Hellman, VP of product, Spotify. (If you have a Spotify account you can listen to his entire playlist.) Here are a few of the tracks:
“Summer,” Calvin Harris
“Fancy,” Iggy Azalea
“Youth,” Ben Khan
“Storyline,” Hunter Hayes
“La La La,” Naughty Boy
“Jealous (I Ain’t With It),” Chromeo
“Boom Clap,” Charli XCX
And Tim Westergren, founder, Pandora Media, offered a few songs that always remind him of summer:
“Wishing You Were Here,” Chicago
“Brian Wilson (live),” Barenaked Ladies
“Amsterdam,” Box Set
“The Swimming Song,” Loudon Wainwright III
“Fall on Me,” REM
