6 albums for your summer soundtrack, from Brat to Dua Lipa’s Radical Optimism

Dua Lipa has once again proved she is the princess of dance-pop. When one of her songs starts playing, it’s impossible not to move with the beat. In a time when most artists aim to produce songs with the potential to go viral on social media, Radical Optimism is a breath of fresh air, filled with catchy beats alongside fresh production and fun lyrics.

Dua Lipa harnesses her ability to curate the perfect dance beat with songs like “Houdini” but also dabbles in different musical directions with “End of an Era” (which makes for a perfect summer tune) and “These Walls”, a more subdued break-up song. Her projects have always been strong, but Radical Optimism introduces us to a newer, more mature Dua Lipa that we can’t wait to explore.

Although Carpenter’s recent hit “Espresso” turned her into a household name, her fifth studio album Emails I Can’t Send is particularly popular among fans. The album opens with the emotional title track but almost immediately jumps into a more upbeat spirit with tracks like “Vicious” and “Read Your Mind.”

Emails I Can’t Send encapsulates Carpenter’s bubbly, bold, artistic persona while humanising her with songs like “Because I Liked a Boy”, where she expresses how furious she was about being misperceived in the media. Tracks like “Skinny Dipping” make you want to soak in the magic of summer, while songs like “Feather” will bring you to your feet to dance with your friends while watching the sunset. This album has something for everyone, making it perfect for a good summer listen.

5 ultimate beach reads that are sure to keep you glued to their pages this summer

As one of pop music’s top artists, Charli XCX has continued to impress fans and critics alike with her new album Brat, released in June. The tracks convey her mixed emotions about life, from boasting to vulnerability, ideal for various summer moods. The dynamic beats from “Club Classics”, “Talk Talk” and “Rewind” are perfect for dancing on the beach.

However, if you are having a calm day and looking for introspective songs to relax, then “I Might Say Something Stupid”, “So I” and “I Think About it All the Time” may be good choices. Brat is exactly what you need to dive deep into your emotions, leaving you unlikely to think “Girl, So Confusing”.

Although Eternal Sunshine may not have been Ariana Grande’s most popular album, the 31-year-old artist has showcased a new maturity in her music. With an extraordinary palette of vocals in “We Can’t Be Friends” and “The Boy is Mine”, the album has the perfect mix of catchy and melancholic tunes, making it great for a long evening drive. The choruses of “Supernatural” and “True Story” elegantly capture Grande’s effortless high notes, which are great for soothing your ears on a tough day.

Meanwhile, the minimal and soft pace in “I Wish I Hated You” and “Imperfect For You” is perfect for deep contemplation and self-reflection on a Sunday afternoon. The variety of musical perspectives showcased in her tracks is worth looking into, as you can find something different in all of them.

Billie Eilish is a genre-defying megastar who is no stranger to good music, and Hit Me Hard and Soft is nothing short of hauntingly beautiful. This ten-song album is perfect for whatever emotion you’re feeling: bops like “Lunch”, “Chihiro” and “Birds of a Feather’’ are perfect for enjoying a fun time outdoors with friends, laughing and dancing your days away.

Meanwhile, “The Diner” and “L’Amour de Ma Vie” are very fitting if you’re taking the summer to become your unapologetic alter-ego, and the dramatics of “Blue” and “Bittersuite” will make you feel like you’re in a film – great for those looking for a day to themselves. No matter how you listen, Billie’s enchanting vocals and her brother Finneas’s stellar production quality will definitely hit you hard and soft.

An artist now honoured with opening for Olivia Rodrigo on the European leg of the 2024 “Guts: World Tour”, Remi Wolf has an eclectic “glitter-pop” sound. Her debut EP, We Love Dogs!, cemented her up-and-coming popularity. With the unique beats of songs like “Photo ID” and “Disco Man”, you can easily envision a relaxing beach day with a cold drink.

Tracks like “Monte Carlo” and “Hello Hello Hello” will mentally transport you to a luxurious European resort. Her style is so versatile that you can’t describe it with words; you just have to listen and immerse yourself in the summery vibes. Her album is even more fitting if you have pets at home!