Summer 2023 Playlist Picks

There are a lot of interesting and fun albums and singles releasing this summer. Additionally, I’ve found myself going back in my Apple Music archives to listen to songs and albums I knew would give me the summer, feel good vibes I was looking for.

Alone at Prom – Tory Lanez

This whole album has been at the top of my list this summer. I listened to it for the first time a month ago, even though it came out in 2022. R&B is always a go-to for me, however, this album is a bit different. You can tell there was a heavy 80s influence on these songs, it almost feels like you’re taking a step back in time. Some of my favorites of this album are “Lady of Namek”, “Last Kiss of Nebulon”, “Ballad of a Badman”, and “Lavender Sunflower”. If you’ve heard his song “The Color Violet” on TikTok and enjoyed it, you will have a great time listening to this album.

Portals – Melanie Martinez

I’ve been obsessed with Melanie Martinez ever since my friend introduced me to her song “Dollhouse” in middle school. I’ve been watching and listening to every move she makes in the industry and every single time I’m amazed by what she comes out with. Her writing process is so interesting to me, and I was especially intrigued in this album since she had taken a long break; her last album being in 2021. Portals is inventive, interesting, and weird. I absolutely love it. “Void”, “Tunnel Vision”, “Battle of the Larynx”, and “Evil” are some of my favorites. Her lyricism shines through on every single one of these songs. You can’t go wrong picking a song from this album to listen to for summer.

Buzzkill Baby – Mckenna Grace

I’ve seen Mckenna Grace act in a few TV shows over the past few years, and when I found out that she had music I was shocked. Her song “Ugly Crier” is also another favorite of mine, but for the summer season “Buzzkill Baby” takes the cake. It’s rock mixed with pop and overall is just a fun song to scream with your friends—or by yourself.

Poison – NEZZA

I first found NEZZA through watching YouTube. She is close friends with youtubers Kian Lawley and JC Caylen. In a video of theirs, she mentioned she did music and I instantly went to Apple Music to find her stuff and listen. She is a bilingual artist and her tone and lyricism can be found in songs like “Corazon Frio”, a personal favorite of mine that I featured in my last summer playlist picks article. “Poison” is her newest single and is the definition of a summer hit. It’s sassy, fun, and just something you want to dance to.

Lie – Nessa Barrett

This song is an extremely raw look into what it feels like to lose someone in a relationship. If you’re on your sad girl summer vibes, this one needs to be added to your playlist. Nessa has amazed me with her music. I think she is one of few influencers who take music seriously and use it as an outlet for raw emotions that everyone experiences at some point or another. Her album “Young Forever” is a masterpiece and I can’t wait for her next EP coming out next week, “Hell is a Teenage Girl”.

Summer Too Hot (Sped Up) – Chris Brown

Okay, by this point you should know that I am infatuated with (almost) everything he puts on. His album “Heartbreak on a Full Moon” is one of my favorites of all time. The range he shows not only is his voice, but his discography is insane. This song is one of those feel good, at the pool and in the sun songs. It’s a great vibe for the summertime, and if you like it then it’s definitely worth checking out his other albums.

10:35 – Tate McRae & Tiesto

My friend Rachel introduced me to this song and I don’t know how I hadn’t found it earlier. This has been our anthem since we heard it and it is so addicting to listen to. Tate McRae is one of the best upcoming artists right now. She has so many great songs, one of which I featured in my last summer playlist article. Her lyricism is great, but this song is more about the beat and experience you have while listening to it. Highly recommend that if you are Tate fan or even a Tiesto fan, that you give this one a listen.