A global Song of the Summer doesn’t need to be fluff — go ask Beyonce or Lil Nas X. But it almost always is. The thing is, New England artists don’t make the best fluff (irony!). So let’s give a few locals love for defying the formula and making summertime songs with some pain, power, nuance, and genius.

“Eat My Cake,” Naomi Westwater

Naomi Westwater’s new album, “Cycle and Change,” is a concept record that begins in spring and ends in winter. A stop along the way brings the listener to summer and “Eat My Cake.” And because poppy or cheap doesn’t work so well right now, Westwater delivers a tender and defiant folk ballad. It ain’t all sunshine and rainbows, but that doesn’t mean you can’t eat your cake in bed. Just listen.

“Where Does All The $ Come From?,” Ali McGuirk

McGuirk doesn’t answer the question. Instead she asks it over and over again in a vamp at the intersection of “What’s Going On” and “Maggot Brain.” As much as her lyrics, McGuirk’s voice — that smoky, rough, and intense voice — digs into the soul, making us question everything we’re complicit in. That voice sits atop dreamy keys and knotty electric guitar. It’s a protest song and a freaky, trippy, deep groove.

“Game Over,” Battlemode

“Game Over” is Game Boy pop (or Game Boy electronica? Or Nintendo house?). All your favorite 8-bit blips and beeps get smashed into a glorious kiss-off jam. And it couldn’t come at a better time. Last month, Battlemode hit the Boston Calling stage. This month, the group aims to level up with the building momentum of this two-minute track that reminds an ex, “Don’t call me, don’t text me/Just let me be, I’m done/But it sucks you think that you won.”

“Laurel,” the Far Out

The Lake Street Dive vibes are heavy on this one. That’s meant as high praise. A brand new single from a brand new act — the Far Out’s debut album arrives in July — “Laurel” has some ace Song of the Summer characteristics. It’s bright, buoyant pop with a flash of a dark side. It’s got some yacht rock chord changes, powerhouse vocals, and soul horns. It’s sweet but substantial.

“Jackals,” Flying Vipers

Singer Kellee Webb teams with Flying Vipers for a dreamy cocktail of dub reggae and Nigerian-inspired funk. It’s perfect for the beach — provided you’re at the beach at sunrise after a thunderstorm. It’s perfect for the club — provided it’s 1977 and that club is in London, Lagos, or Kingston. It’s a perfect distraction from whatever Morgan Wallen song is at the top of the charts right now.