Summer is as much about the feeling of summer as the season itself; in like manner, summer music is as much about the sound as it is the season of release. Many summer albums are not released in summer, while classic summer tracks can drop at any time of year. This playlist collects tracks released in all four seasons, united by their summer vibe.
This year has been characterized by war and unrest, anxiety and uncertainty. We long for summer and its music more than ever, if only as a respite, a means of replenishing our strength. We hope that these songs lift your spirits and give you hope!
Our cover art comes from the single release of Sieren’s “Waves,” included in our list below!
Dalton Alexander ~ Last Night of Summer (oscarson)
While it may seem unusual to begin a summer playlist with a track titled “Last Night of Summer,” Dalton Alexander’s piece captures the wistfulness of summer: early evenings under the stars, the chirping of crickets and cicadas, and the sense that everything is ephemeral. Listen at the start of the season, and one may find one’s self appreciating summer all the more.
Sophie Hutchings ~ A Sense of Place (Mercury KX)
Sophie Hutchings’ life and music is inextricably tied to the sea. The expressive video exudes a love for oceans and waves, sand and shores, while the music touches upon the gentle beginning of the season, when everything lovely is beckoning. Ironically, Hutchings’ new album is released in the heart of winter in her native Australia, highlighting the longing for what is to come.
Dmitry Evgrafov ~ Upi (Open Pathways)
Another track from an as-yet unreleased album, “Upi” find Dmitry Evgrafov transformed. This is a new sound for the artist: classic trip-hop in the Tricky mode. Languid, slightly distorted strings in the back of the mix rise like burgeoning waves; light clicks are reminiscent of water on pebbles.
Shelf Nunny ~ I Think I’m Finally Happy (Sun Glitters Remix) (Self-Released)
We love the thought that Shelf Nunny may finally be happy, although happiness has been knocking on the artist’s door for years. In this track, he finally opens the door, only to find the aptly-named Sun Glitters! This gorgeous reimagining of an already-evocative track is the icing on the cake.
Elskavon ~ Panoramas (Western Vinyl)
The bright and ebullient title track of Elskavon’s new album has the rare honor of timing; the album was released on the very first day of summer. Those who enjoy seasonal music have been marking their calendars, waiting for the solstice to arrive and the album to drop! “Panoramas” captures the joy of open windows, open roads and open beaches, an entire season beckoning.
Bella Wakame ~ Shades of Nambei (Umor Rex)
The lead single from Bella Wakame’s self-titled album was inspired by Spirit Fest’s Nambei, but somehow manages to evoke 80s new wave, 90s trance and the X-Files theme as well. This punchy piece is tailor-made for club floors, uniting fans of many genres in a retro-futuristic dance party.
Sieren ~ Waves (Friends of Friends Music)
From the moment we heard it, “Waves” was destined for our summer playlist. The cover art of both single and album are perfectly designed to evoke the season: bright skies, freshly-hewn decks, friendly surf. The whole album sings of summer, and we can imagine it being played on the beach next to beach balls, sand castles and fully-stocked coolers.
Nicolas Bougaïeff ~ Summer Beach Bar Where Jodie Foster Goes in the Movie Contact (Mute)
An earlier frontrunner for The Best Track Title of Summer 2025, this mallet-led piece grooves from beginning to end, producing excitement for the full drop of the Sunday Summer EP on July 9. We’ve never thought of Contact as a beach movie, but maybe it’s time to watch it again!
4EVA ~ s2WINGSs2 (Pink Oyster)
Multiple sub-genres are represented on Yetsuby’s 4EVA, but the opening track is the one that sounds the most like summer. This brief piece is like a day that goes too fast, an eye-blink of ebullience, the sun descending too soon, leaving behind a residue of gratitude.
Ale Hop & Tita Makorta ~ Bonne année (Nyege Nyege Tapes)
Can we forget for a moment that bonne année means happy new year? When we featured this piece in our Winter Music Preview, we called it “a party in a box, winter’s happiest track.” Much time has passed since then ~ the track was released in November, the album in January ~ but “Bonne année” sounds just right for a summer vacation, from Peru to the Congo and everywhere in-betweeen.
Richard Allen
a closer listen 