If you’re like most people, music will help create the most defining moments of your summer. Sure, not since high school have you been able to spend these months sleeping in, surfing, stumbling down the beach or daytime drinking, but let the music you listen to this summer give you that same sense of invincibility and elation. Here are 20 albums to put you in the summer mood. Listen to them loud, and always with the windows down.


20. Maroon 5, Overexposed
If there’s one thing Maroon 5 is capable of, it’s writing a summer-ready pop hook. The band’s latest isn’t released until June 26, but lead singer—and The Voice judge—Adam Levine has called it the band’s “most diverse and poppiest album yet.” Listen to: “Payphone,” “One More Night”

19. The Wanted, The Wanted
Not everyone can stomach boy-band output, but for those who can and happen to love it, the British-Irish group’s album has seen international success with a solid dance-pop sound. Listen to: “Glad You Came,” “Chasing the Sun”

18. Ladyhawke, Anxiety
New Zealand lesbian “Pip” Brown’s latest release has seen critical acclaim as a throwback to female rockers of the past. The songs are catchy, the melodies soar and the guitars are crunchy. Listen to: “Black White & Blue,” “Blue Eyes”

17. Aerosmith, Music From Another Dimension
Yes, you read that correctly—they’re back. This Aug. 20 release marks the band’s 15th studio album, the first since 2001 featuring all original material. Here’s a band with some of the best summer rock songs of all time—only time will tell if they’ve still got it. Listen to: “Legendary Child”

16. Best Coast, The Only Place
What genre of music says ‘summer’ more than lo-fi surf pop? L.A. duo Best Coast is back with more catchy California pop tracks reminiscent of The Breeders and Rilo Kiley. Listen to: “Why I Cry,” “Last Year”

15. Neon Trees, Picture Show
You’ve no doubt heard Utah’s favorite dance-punk band on the radio, last year with the single “Animal” and recently—from this new album—with ”Everybody Talks.” My guess is they’ll be around for a bit, as writing a hook seems to come naturally to them. Listen to: “Everybody Talks,” “Moving in the Dark”


14. Marina and the Diamonds, Electra Heart
Opening track “Bubblegum Bitch” sets the tone for this über-catchy collection of syrupy-sweet confections. Marina’s style is very tongue-in-cheek—er, let’s hope it is. A must-listen for pop enthusiasts.
Listen to: “Primadonna,” “Homewrecker”

13. Azealia Banks, 1991
This four-song EP is one of the most-hyped releases of the last few years, and its contents range from dirty-mouthed pop (“212”) to rougher rhyme-spitting (“1991”). Let’s hope Banks doesn’t get a big head from all the attention. Listen to: “212,” “Liquorice”

12. Madonna, MDNA
There’s no getting around this one. You’re practically guaranteed to hear Madge’s latest blasting from speakers near you—particularly if you frequent the gay clubs—for better or worse. Listen to: “Gang Bang,” “I’m Addicted”

11. fun., Some Nights
Extravagant pop tracks and vocals that recall the genius of Freddie Mercury himself. Single “We Are Young” has been all over the radio lately, and while you’re most likely sick of it by now, give the record’s other tracks a chance. Listen to: “Some Nights,” “One Foot”


10. Nicki Minaj, Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded
It may have undersold upon release, but this album has some rap and pop gems inside. Sure, she occasionally comes across as an indecisive, schizophrenic child, but don’t we all at times? Listen to: “Starships,” “Beez in the Trap”

9. The Hives, Lex Hives
Everyone’s summer could use some guitar-shredding garage rock, and few bands do it better—or more consistently—than The Hives. If you’re holding out for a ballad—or a song longer than three minutes—look elsewhere. Listen to: “Go Right Ahead,” “I Want More”

8. Fiona Apple, The Idler Wheel...
Why is the release of a Fiona Apple album always akin to pulling teeth? Thankfully, the perpetually moody singer-songwriter never fails to prove she’s still got it, even when her album titles are downright obnoxious. Listen to: “Every Single Night,” “Valentine”

7. Garbage, Not Your Kind of People
It’s hard for a band to reunite after being away for years and return to radio with something stellar. While Garbage doesn’t achieve perfection here, when the band is on its game, the ball lands out of the park. Listen to: “Battle In Me,” “Blood for Poppies”

6. Rufus Wainwright, Out of the Game
Rufus Rufus Rufus! He’s back with one of the most critically acclaimed albums of his career, with Mark Ronson as producer and the world-famous Dap-Kings providing vocal and instrumental support. Listen to: “Rashida,” “Montauk”


5. Rihanna, Talk That Talk
Released all the way back in November, Rihanna’s sixth studio album is so damn good that you’re sure to hear tracks from it even through this summer. Adeptly mixing pop, hip hop and house music, Rihanna has officially cemented her pop diva status. Listen to: “Where Have You Been,” “Cockiness (Love It)”

4. Gossip, A Joyful Noise
While not as energetic as some might have liked, Gossip’s latest doesn’t stray far from their last release—and that’s a good thing. Still, it’s a shame that out lesbian Beth Ditto seems to be holding back. Listen to: “Get A Job,” “Move in the Right Direction”

3. Kylie Minogue,  “Timebomb”
OK, OK. This isn’t an album, but if anyone can rally the gay troops for an entire summer with merely a single, it’s Kylie. The song is pure pop magic, as is the new music video, but you probably already know that by now. Now let’s pray for Kylie’s quick return to the States.

2. Adam Lambert, Trespassing
An album like Trespassing showcases the difference between an American Idol contestant and a true talent who is sure to accomplish big things. Adam has already become the first out musician to have an album hit number one. This album couldn’t be a stronger sophomore effort. Listen to: “Cuckoo,” “Never Close Our Eyes”


1. Scissor Sisters, Magic Hour
A Scissor Sisters record is the summer album of any year in which it’s released. No other band is so seamlessly able to convey a good time quite like these guys (and girl). The influences on the new album range from disco to hip hop and house music, and the band excels at them all. Listen to: “Keep Your Shoes,” “Let’s Have A Kiki”

Let’s not forget these stellar albums, which make for perfect summer listening in any year.

2Pac, All Eyez On Me
Al Green, Greatest Hits
Amy Winehouse, Back to Black
Blondie, Parallel Lines
The Clash, London Calling
Cyndi Lauper, She’s So Unusual
Daft Punk, Human After All
David Bowie, Let’s Dance
Def Leppard, Hysteria
Donna Summer, Bad Girls
ELO, Out of the Blue
Erasure, The Innocents
Eurythmics, Touch
Fleetwood Mac, Rumours
Franz Ferdinand, Franz Ferdinand
George Michael, Faith
The Go-Go’s, Beauty and the Beat
Grace Jones, Island Life
Heart, Little Queen
Hole, Celebrity Skin
Journey, Greatest Hits 1
The Killers, Hot Fuss
KISS, Double Platinum
Lauryn Hill, The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill
Led Zeppelin, Led Zeppelin II
Marilyn Manson, Mechanical Animals
Michael Jackson, Off the Wall
Missy Elliott, Miss E ... So Addictive
Mötley Crüe, Dr. Feelgood
The Police, Synchonicity
Queen, A Night at the Opera
Ramones, Rocket to Russia
Rolling Stones, Sticky Fingers
The Ronettes, Presenting the Fabulous Ronettes
Ryan Adams, Demolition
Salt ‘n’ Pepa, Very Necessary
Shakira, Dónde Están Los Ladrones?
The Smiths, The Queen is Dead
T. Rex, Electric Warrior
Tom Petty, Damn the Torpedoes
Van Halen, Van Halen