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Songs Of The Summer 2017

Love In A Time Of Urbanization: The Twofold Vulnerability Of An East African Pop Hit

Tanzanian superstar Diamond Platnumz performs onstage during the 2016 BET Experience in Los Angeles. Bennett Raglin/BET/Getty Images for BET hide caption

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Bennett Raglin/BET/Getty Images for BET

Love In A Time Of Urbanization: The Twofold Vulnerability Of An East African Pop Hit

"I Miss You" is a love song by Tanzanian superstar Diamond Platnumz. This song of the summer touches on a big social problem for a booming part of the African continent.

Love In A Time Of Urbanization: The Twofold Vulnerability Of An East African Pop Hit

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Hope, Rebellion And Empowerment: The Multifaceted Appeal Of Mashrou' Leila's 'Roman'

"Roman" by Mashrou' Leila is Lebanon's song of the summer. Courtesy of the artist hide caption

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Courtesy of the artist

Hope, Rebellion And Empowerment: The Multifaceted Appeal Of Mashrou' Leila's 'Roman'

The Lebanese alternative rock band's hit single has taken on a life of its own this summer: as an anthem for women's empowerment and as a song of hope for troubled political times.

Hope, Rebellion And Empowerment: The Multifaceted Appeal Of Mashrou' Leila's 'Roman'

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A Greek Summer Hit Fills A Generation With Hope

Marina Satti and dancers rehearsing for the music video to "Mantissa," a "love song to yourself" that has become an anthem for young Greeks facing unemployment due to the debt crisis. Courtesy of the artist hide caption

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Courtesy of the artist

A Greek Summer Hit Fills A Generation With Hope

Marina Satti's song "Mantissa" ("Seer") has resonated with a generation of young Greeks trying to stay optimistic after the country's debt crisis and austerity.

A Greek Summer Hit Fills A Generation With Hope

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TFBoys' 'Go!AMIGO' Is A Summery Slice Of Pop Propaganda

Chinese boyband TFBoys' song "Go!AMIGO" is a big hit in China this summer. VCG/VCG via Getty Images hide caption

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VCG/VCG via Getty Images

TFBoys' 'Go!AMIGO' Is A Summery Slice Of Pop Propaganda

In China, the song of summer is by a boy band who cleverly promotes communist values to a fanbase that is mostly composed of kids in rural cities.

TFBoys' 'Go!AMIGO' Is A Summery Slice Of Pop Propaganda

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'Súbeme La Radio' Is Cuba's Heartbreak Anthem Of The Summer

After the success of their 2014 collaboration "Bailando," Descemer Bueno and Enrique Iglesias have come together for another hit: "Subeme La Radio." Gustavo Caballero/Getty Images for AEG Live hide caption

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Gustavo Caballero/Getty Images for AEG Live

'Súbeme La Radio' Is Cuba's Heartbreak Anthem Of The Summer

Written by Cuban reggaeton star and Latin Grammy winner Descemer Bueno and sung by Enrique Iglesias, the track is catchy, danceable and topping the Latin music charts.

'Súbeme La Radio' Is Cuba's Heartbreak Anthem Of The Summer

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What's Behind The Success Of 'Despacito'?

Luis Fonsi and Daddy Yankee performing "Despacito" onstage at the Billboard Latin Music Awards 2017. Sergi Alexander/Getty Images hide caption

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Sergi Alexander/Getty Images

Alt.Latino

What's Behind The Success Of 'Despacito'?

"The whole world is singing in Spanish," says singer Luis Fonsi. How the mainstreaming of reggaeton, the ubiquity of streaming services and some queasy culture clashes gave us the song of the summer.

What's Behind The Success Of 'Despacito'?

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NPR Music's Songs Of The Summer 2017

Luis Fonsi and Daddy Yankee's "Despacito" is that rare Spanish-language song to top the U.S. pop charts. YouTube hide caption

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NPR Music's Songs Of The Summer 2017

We still don't know what the song of this summer might be, but we've picked out a few new songs to soundtrack road trips, cookouts and sultry nights.

NPR Music's Songs Of The Summer 2017

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