Summer is just around the corner and with school getting out, it’s about the time for the beach, relaxation, and no stress. For this past year I have been focusing on a lot of music reviews, and this time I will be writing about my personal essential summer albums for your listening pleasure.

“Blonde” – Frank Ocean (explicit)

Frank Ocean’s “Blonde” album is already known as a classic and is a perfect album to listen to this summer. Though it was released three years ago, it has and will stand the test of time as one of the best albums to be released in the 2010 era.

From start to finish, “Blonde” is almost a perfect album. Frank Ocean wrote, sang, and produced each song himself. It is one of the few albums that you can listen to and enjoy all the way through. My personal favorite songs on the album include “Pink + White,” “Nights,” and “Seigfried.”

“Zaba” – Glass Animals

An album ideal for those days sitting under the warm sun, “Zaba” by the indie band Glass Animals is fantastic to listen to. Released in 2014, the band blends many genres together to create their own style with a combination of slow electronic and spaced-out reverb vocals.

“Zaba” is a great album to listen to during the summer for the sole reason of the use of jungle vibes. Glass Animals and particularly this album create a mood that is elaxing and great for warm days. My favorite songs from this album are “Gooey,” “Black Mambo,” and “Pools.”

“The Search For Everything” – John Mayer

When looking for an amazing album to listen to while driving with the windows down look no further than “The Search For Everything” by singer-songwriter John Mayer.

Released in 2017, this is John Mayer’s most recent album. Building off what he had done a little in his previous albums, this entire album is laid back with beautiful blues inspired guitars and piano. With catchy songs that create a happy feeling, this album is worth adding to your summer playlist.

The entire album from start to finish is worth listening to over and over again. Stellar vocals and songwriting from Mayer combined with the beautiful melodies from his piano or guitar create ear-pleasing songs that will make almost everyone a little happier.

My personal favorites from this album are “Rosie,” “Still Feel Like Your Man,” and one of my personal favorite songs of all time, “Moving On and Getting Over.”

“Coloring Book” – Chance the Rapper (explicit)

Chance the Rapper’s “Coloring Book” album is great with two faces that have upbeat happy songs for those summer days and slow, relaxing songs for those summer nights.

With his third album, Chance has found a formula that works to make catchy upbeat happy rap music, unlike other rap music. In this album, he perfects this to create an amazing summer rap album.

“Coloring Book is not only just an incredible rap album for summer but just, in general, an amazing album. While many rappers rap about money, drugs and other things, in this album, Chance raps about loving life and being happy which puts me in a cheerful mood.

My personal favorite songs from this album include “Angels,” “Juke Jam,” and  “All We Got.”

“Apricot Princess” – Rex Orange County

Another happy sounding album perfect for those summer days and summer nights is “Apricot Princess” from up and coming alternative pop artist Rex Orange County.

Released in 2017, Rex Orange County has been experimenting in different genres and with this album settled on his own original style. With incredible storytelling and unique vocals and instrumentals, this album has it all and is an ideal selection for this summer.

This underrated album shows the true talent of Rex Orange County. The feel-good nature of this album makes it great for summer and his singing and music puts me in a true “summer” mood.

My personal favorite songs on the album are “Television /  So Far So Good,” “Untitled,” and “4 Seasons.”

As I listen to these artists this summer I will reflect on my years on staff of The Prowler with gratitude. Grateful to be able to share music and grateful for an opportunity to grow as a journalist through expressing my thoughts and feelings in print.