Yasmin Duggal / Photo: 'Born To Die' Album Artwork
30 Jun 2018
Whether you're enjoying a cold one or moaning about the heat, we've got pop's greatest records to keep you sweet this summer
Drake – Views, 2016
Lana Del Rey - Born To Die, 2012
Dreamy and fantastical this album is one of the best debut pop records of the last decade. Lana’s mystical story-teller quality and smooth 50s style conjures up images of a Cadillac speeding down an American highway down to deserted stretch of beach. Though hit singles ‘Born To Die’ and ‘Video Games’ cement this as a great summer pop album, it is tracks like ‘Off To The Races’ which really steal the show.
Fleetwood Mac – Rumours, 1977
Who doesn’t love a bit of Fleetwood Mac at a family barbecue? Whether it’s ‘Dreams’, ‘Go Your Own Way’ or ‘The Chain’, each song is as mighty as the last, and certain to prompt a folksy singalong on a warm British evening.
Frank Ocean – Blonde, 2016
Genius lyricism from start to finish makes Blonde not only Ocean’s best album, but also one of the greatest hip hop albums since the noughties. Filled with supressed beats yet heavily dramatic in its content, Frank Ocean delivers the perfect album for the low-key afters of a summer session.
Black Eyed Peas - Monkey Business, 2005
An absolute noughties classic, BEP’s fourth album is a showcase of Will.i.am.’s lyrical dynamism and the unique diversity of the band. From Fergie’s unbelievable range to Apl.de.ap and Taboo’s crazy verses, this album was fun, frantic and one for the history books.
Kendrick Lamar - To Pimp A Butterfly, 2015
King Kenny’s third album brings us a compilation of upbeat festival stompers and deep, intelligent thought-provokers. This album discusses race, freedom and identity, and Kendrick uses his narrative prowess to weave complex issues into a record fit for a summer gathering.
Bob Marley and the Wailers – Exodus, 1977
Nothing could be more appropriate for an afternoon sunbathing than some chilled reggae and the soothing tones of Mr Marley. Whether you’re ‘Jamming’ or relaxing, the peaceful characteristics of this classic album make it a must for any summer listening.
Tame Impala – Currents, 2015
Perhaps something slightly different, Currents offers synthy pop worthy of zoning out on a beach with a cocktail. Kevin Parker’s genius one-man sound undulates between a kind of 70s prog rock and modern experimental electronica, an alternative choice to your usual summer records.
SZA – Ctrl, 2017
Relatively new to the pop scene, SZA has made waves with her debut record, with ‘The Weekend’ remixed into the ultimate summer funk track by none other than Calvin Harris. ‘Love Galore’ and ‘Garden (Say It Like Dat)’ are highlights from the record, with smooth RnB playfulness making SZA one to watch for the future.
Lily Allen - Aright, Still, 2006
Lily Allen has recently divided opinions on Twitter for her left-wing support and often radical comments, but her first album 12 years ago is still undeniably a genius debut. Her quirky style and ‘f*ck you’ attitude matched what many indie bands were doing in the noughties, bringing a working-class female voice into the mainstream of pop music.