List

Summer Sounds 2023

By Paul Kim

From emerging artists to absolute legends, this list of music has you covered for whatever mood you're in and the many summer memories you will make.

  • Purple Rain

    2017 by Prince

    The summer of 1984, Prince ruled the airwaves. While Bruce Springsteen's "Dancing in the Dark" sat above it for several weeks at #2 on the pop charts, "When Doves Cry" was the biggest hit of that summer, followed not long after by "Let's Go Crazy." The whole album still rocks--43 minutes of mutant electro-funk-pop made by a genius. Suggested by Chris

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  • So Much (for) Stardust

    2023 by Fall Out Boy (Musical group)

    Did you know the members of the Wilmette band Fall Out Boy first met at a Borders bookstore? Although Borders is long gone (along with Fall Out Boy's rougher punk roots), this new album is a fantastic example of a band changing their sound yet still captivating new and old fans. Suggested by Elise.

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  • S.O.U.L

    2013 by Earth, Wind & Fire (Musical group)

    You can't boogie this summer without some tunes from Earth, Wind, and Fire. This album features some of the band's greatest hits alongside some fantastic summer jingles that might've been overlooked. Suggested by Amber.

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  • Un verano sin ti

    2022 by Bad Bunny

    Summer would not be complete without this Grammy award-winning album by Bad Bunny. Depending on your vibe for the summer, there is a track for every mood. Suggested by Rummanah.

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  • Raven

    2023 by Kelela

    Mingling sultry R&B with glistening midtempo electronic beats, Kelela continues to offer grown-up jams suitable for warm summer nights, shuffling feet, and a little shimmy in the hips. Put it on when the sun goes down and keep an eye on your bass bins. Suggested by Chris.

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  • Playing the Piano: Out of Noise

    2010 by Sakamoto, Ryūichi

    Take a breath, stare at the stars, and press play on this beautiful piano-centric album by Ryuichi Sakamoto. Known mainly for his work as a composer for films (The Revenant, Babel), Sakamoto is singular in his storytelling ability through music. This one is perfect for a quiet summer evening. Suggested by Paul.

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  • Getz/Gilberto

    1997 by Getz, Stan

    For a brief, shining moment in the mid-'60s, a near-perfect fusion of American jazz and Brazilian Bossa Nova collided to create this gentle masterpiece of a collaboration. It's an album I come back to again and again like a glass of water. Effortlessly cool and refreshing. Suggested by Chris.

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  • Hold the Girl

    2022 by Sawayama, Rina

    Why Rina? I caught her standout debut performance in the movie John Wick 4 and wanted to explore more from this versatile singer/actor. Hold the Girl is a tempting mash-up of a lot of different genres, and the pop sound hooked me right away. Suggested by Sharon.

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  • An Evening with Silk Sonic

    2021 by Silk Sonic (Musical group)

    This musical super duo created a debut album that's funky in the best way. Featuring the talents of Bruno Mars and Anderson Paak, this R&B funk album is perfect for barbeques and some late-night jam sessions. Suggested by Amber.

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  • This Is Why

    2023 by Paramore (Musical group)

    With its fun mix of catchy tunes and softer ballads, this introspective 2023 album captures a wide range of emotions, making it the perfect album to listen to during the summer. Suggested by Elise.

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  • This Stupid World

    2023 by Yo La Tengo (Musical group)

    It's been a while since Yo La Tengo has felt this free, kicking out the jams and heartfelt ballads effortlessly. The album's second song, "Fallout," turns the guitars up to 11 and sounds like it just might be your new summer anthem. Suggested by Chris.

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  • Linger Awhile

    2022 by Joy, Samara

    Samara Joy is definitely someone you want to add to your playlist. At the 2023 Grammys, Linger Awhile won for Best Jazz Vocal Album and she won Best New Artist. Her voice is gorgeous, and this collection of standards is perfect for a long summer’s night. Suggested by Sharon.

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