Essential albums for the summer months
“Exodus” by Bob Marley
“Exodus” is a reggae album with hints of electric guitar that accelerate the listening experience. It’s a classic album released in 1977 with some of Marley’s greatest hits. The first song of the album, “Natural Mystic,” feels like summer with the iconic bassline and Marley’s vocals. “Exodus,” an almost eight-minute song, is an obvious standout song due to the different instrumentals including keyboards, guitars, percussion, drums and a horn section. Other well-known and recommended songs with that summer feel are “Jamming,” “Waiting In Vain” and “One Love/People Get Ready.” The album has an overall unifying, beachy feel to it.
Sublime’s Self Titled
In my opinion, this is a no skip album that I recommend others to replay throughout the summer and purchase on vinyl. Sublime is a Southern California band that blends ska, reggae, rock and other genres to make the listeners feel the summer vibe of beach culture. “Sublime,” released in 1996, includes 17 different songs. Their most iconic songs are “Santeria,” “What I Got” and “Wrong Way.” “Doin’ Time” is widely considered a summer song because it’s built on the reggae beat that describes the sunny feeling of summer time. Songs that standout to me on this album are “Garden Grove,” “Pawn Shop” and “Under My Voodoo” because of the electrifying guitar and the memorable bassline. Sublime is currently releasing new music and touring under the past lead singer’s son, Jakob Nowell. If you’re wanting to listen to more of Sublime during the summer, I highly recommend their “40z. To Freedom” album that features songs like “Badfish.”
“Can’t Buy A Thrill” by Steely Dan
Yacht rock is a genre that is prominent throughout the summer and Steely Dan dominates the Yacht Rock universe. “Can’t Buy A Thrill” contains Steely Dan’s most iconic song, “Reelin’ In The Years.” The song is a summer classic, especially for many recent graduates. The 1972 album contains a vast variety of instruments that set Steely Dan apart from most bands. They utilize instruments like a horn, piano, percussion, sitar, fugelhorn, bass and more. Donald Fagen has unique vocals and a stand out range. The album starts off with “Do It Again,” an almost six minute song with a sitar solo. “Dirty Work” is another popular song on this album that stands out due to its catchy and relatable lyrics about the complexities of love and relationships. “Midnite Cruiser” is a catchy song that references Steely Dan’s appreciation of jazz influences with their blend of rock. “Fire In The Hole” is one of my favorite songs on this album because of how the piano and keys play a significant and interesting role throughout the song. “Only A Fool Would Say That” is probably one of the most summery songs on this album because of its light and relaxed guitar rhythm.
“American Pie” by Don McLean
An album and song that makes every Fourth of July is “American Pie.” “American Pie” is the iconic eight minute song that describes “the day that music died.” This reference is when a plane crash killed rock and roll stars Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens and J.P. “The Big Bopper” Richardson in Iowa. Throughout the album, McLean sings relaxing songs about summer days in “Vincent.” This is more of a melancholy album with the acoustic guitar complimenting McLean’s vocals in his songs. Even though this is shorter with ten songs, totalling out to 36 minutes in length, this is still a renowned summer album that was made in the 70s.
“Voulez-Vous” by ABBA
When many Gen Z people think of ABBA, they’re thinking of the first “Mamma Mia” movie. “Voluez-Vous” is an upbeat album that will cure anyone’s summertime sadness. It features songs like “Gimme! Gimme! Gimme! (A Man After Midnight),” “Chiquitita,” “Angel Eyes” and “Voulez-Vous.” The 1979 album has high energy disco vibes that feels like dancefloor music made for the night life with songs like “Summer Night City.” The lyrics throughout the album focus on a European summer romance surrounding the party culture.
“Citrona” by Flipturn
“Citrona” is an indie rock album with unique vocals and fast-paced beats. This album highlights the feeling of nostalgia through the sound of the synths and the fun melodies. The album feels coastal and youthful describing care-free summer days. “August” is the band’s most well-known song overall and rightfully so. “August” is a song with sad lyrics, but an upbeat and fluttering tempo. The song describes a young summer love. Even though this album is only 24 minutes long with seven songs, I think this is a no skip album. The album cover itself is memorable with a painted picture of a roadside. Other songs I highly recommend are “Churches,” “Six Below” and “Nickel.” Once you listen to this album, you’ll want to keep discovering more songs from this band.
“Californication” by The Red Hot Chili Peppers
“Californiacation” is another must-have for vinyl collectors to have. One of their most popular albums is full of weird and upbeat songs. The Red Hot Chili Peppers are known for each one of their band members and the qualities they bring to each song. The album starts off with “Around the World,” known for Flea’s basslines and John Frusciante’s neverending guitar. The 1999 album contains some of the band’s most-streamed songs, including “Scar Tissue,” “Californiacation” and “Otherside.” Each song has its own unique tempo and lyrics to set each one apart. The beat of the songs varies when playing the album start to finish. The album ends with a chill song called “Road Trippin,” which is a necessary listen for every road trip. The funk-rock album contains a summer feel with Frusciante’s glowing guitar sound and lyrics that capture the feel of California. This album is perfect for days on the beach and long drives.
