From sweet pop to warm techno, we have an earworm for all.
There’s a million summer anthems and the count keeps getting higher. Our office has compiled the newest albums we most enjoy listening to when we’re sweaty, sticky, and blissful. Throw on your shades, grab your bike and basket, and pick one of these albums to accompany you, wherever and however you may be spending your summer.
BEST ALBUM FOR LAKESIDE PROSECCO
LYRA PRAMUK – FOUNTAIN
One of our favourite artists from the CTM Music Festival (revisit our highlights) was Berlin-based Lyra Pramuk. Since that performance at Berghain in the cold of February, she has released a full length album just in time for hot and wet days spent lounging lakeside. It is haunting, it is beautiful, it is danceable, and the single Tendril has been stuck in our heads since the very first listen. She explores, layers, and processes her voice into different sounds, rhythms, melodies. The voice box is her only instrument. Incredible. – JS
BEST ALBUM FOR AN APOCALYPTIC APERTIF
VARIOUS ARTISTS – THE SUN IS SETTING ON THE WORLD
When the apocalypse is fully realised, this will be the album we reach for: to laugh while crying, and dance while dying. The album is comprised of Greek recordings from the 1930s-50s. This is a collaboration of songs filled with sorrow, poverty, loss and the general end of the planet. But, these are not so doom-riddled. There is still romance to the setting sun, especially when it means respite approaches. – JS
BEST ALBUM FOR HEDONISTIC NIGHTS THAT MORPH INTO MORNINGS
JESSIE WARE – WHAT’S YOUR PLEASURE?
This album captures Wares soothing honey-soaked vocals with a backdrop of melting disco beats. Her music is for the dancefloor and definitely gives us fond memories of a time not so long ago, when our weekend walls were sweaty crowd-filled clubs, and new friends were made in the summer heat of discotheques. Featuring credits from Simian Mobile Disco’s James Ford, Metronomy’s Joe Mount, and producer/songwriter Kindness, the stand-out songs are the fun-tinged title track and the infectious Oh La La. Hedonistic, disco-tinged, and seductive, we’ve found our pleasure this summer. – SK
BEST ALBUM FOR COOL DOWN OR COME DOWN
ALVA NOTO – XERROX, VOL. 4
While most of German musician Carsten Nicolai’s albums are penned as minimalist techno, this album is expansive, warm, and romantic. Sensual sci-fi. It is ideal for cozying up with your exhaustion in bed after a long day of outdoor overexertion. I’ve taken a number of summer naps with this album accompanying me. With each listen, it embraces me sweeter than the last. – JS
BEST ALBUM FOR NIGHTTIME SPEEDING ON THE AUTOBAHN
CHRISTINE AND THE QUEENS – LA VITA NUOVA
The Frenchie Christine, or simply Chris, came up this year with a new and powerful album “La Vita Nuova” or “The New Life”. This release also comes with a critically acclaimed short film. Between Italian, French and English, between man and woman, Chris likes to play with blurred lines. “I Disappear In Your Arms” is written in two different languages and is our favourite track. – NS
BEST ALBUM FOR LETHARGIC SUMMERTIME SADNESS
JESSIE REYEZ – BEFORE LOVE CAME TO KILL US
Jessie Reyez’s new album is the sound of your next existential bike ride through the city, when no face mask is necessary, your make up is melting, your back is sweating, and your annoyed by every car, man, and coworker. Expect soothing R&B sounds that get you through a hot summer working day. – AKL
BONUS: BEST SUMMER ALBUM THROWBACK, 1965
BRIGITTE BARDOT – BUBBLE GUM
This one should come as no summer shock. Those who know her love her, and have listened to this essential album at least a hundred times. It is a classic, and a must-listen-to for this summer and the next one and the one after that. It’s sweet and sexy, and makes you wanna dance around in pastels before lighting up that special cigarette in bed. – AKL
Images Courtesy of Discogs and the Artists
