Summer album recommendations
By Paige Purifoy
At last, the long hours behind desks and looming mountains of homework are coming to an end. The school year is finally coming to a close, and with this new season beginning, new music is sure to come along with it. The warming weather and increasing UV index calls for fresh playlists and artists for listening. Many students bring back familiar albums reminiscent of summer days and some wait in anticipation for releases from their favorite artists. Whatever music you may want to listen to this fast-approaching season, here are some album recommendations you can’t go wrong with.
Photo of “Not So Promising” album cover taken from Archer Oh - Bandcamp
Archer Oh - “Not So Promising”
Nothing beats the feeling of spending a day at the lake with a cold lemonade in hand. This album created by Californian indie garage rock band Archer Oh is the perfect soundtrack for the perfect summer day. “Not So Promising” was released in December of 2016, but the sounds of these songs are anything but wintry. Lead singer Archer Medrano’s lively vocals reflect feelings like holding onto relationships and exploring grief. Despite the more serious themes of “Not So Promising,” upbeat electric guitar, bass and drums create an energetic atmosphere perfect for spending an afternoon on the water.
Photo of “Let’s Start Here” album cover taken from Wikimedia Commons
Lil Yachty - “Let’s Start Here”
Lil Yachty, a connoisseur of rock-influenced rap, blessed the world with this album in January of 2023. Despite the unsettling cover and unconventional song names—the psychedelic, thrilling and spiraling experiences in this album are perfect for a late night drive in the summer air. Let’s Start Here is a journey of experimental, groovy beats with a free energy that marvelously emulates the liberating feeling of no responsibility.
Photo of “Z” album cover taken from Pitchfork
SZA - “Z”
Music culture is no stranger to SZA. She creates flawless R&B beats that resonate with a generation of teenagers everywhere, yet still this album often gets overlooked in her repertoire. “Z,” released in April of 2014, is a lazy, relaxing chillwave record where SZA’s ethereal vocals float over each song. Songs like “Warm Winds” and “Babylon,” featuring Kendrick Lamar, welcome listeners into a state of bliss reminiscent of wonderfully uneventful days.
Photo of “Reachin’ (A New Refutation of Time and Space Songs)” album cover taken from Spotify
Digable Planets - “Reachin’ (A New Refutation of Time and Space Songs)”
These album recommendations wouldn't be complete without a Jazz-Infused Hip-hop album with reggae influences. “Reachin’ (A New Refutation of Time and Space Songs)” was the music group Digable Planets’s debut album released in February of 1993. This album explores themes of freedom, liberation and the fluidity of time and space with funky beats that are ideal for rolling the windows down and going on a drive.
Music is crucial to making an atmosphere comfortable and enjoyable. A day at the pool or cookout with friends without a speaker blasting your favorite summer melodies definitely leaves something missing. With these albums from endlessly gifted musicians, you can be sure that you’ll never be at a loss for a song to set the vibe.