I’ve been doing a lot of thinking about the idea of a “song of the summer.” It’s a concept that, in theory, I love. A unifying anthem that we can rally around. A common denominator between all of us as we make our way through hot days, warm nights, and far too many plans. Or if it’s not something we can all agree on, there’s at least a personal anthem you can claim for yourself.
Last year was the first year I can remember leaving and not feeling like I could identify a clear song of the summer. Both for the masses and for myself. On the larger scale, it could be a further sign of the fractured mono-culture and how we all live in our own little creative worlds apart from one another. But to not feel like I had a definitive song for myself felt even weirder. Anything I tried to pick just felt… forced.
This year, I want to try something different. I’m much more of an album listener than a singles obsessive. Once I started to think about what it would look like to have a record that defined the summer, suddenly my list grew. I love a record that you can leave on that just captures the mood and lets your ruminate in it. A song of the summer is great – a little dose of euphoria, maybe even one you repeat again and again until you hate it by the end of the season. But an album gives you a lot more leg room.
Instead of one all-up lists of 2026 summer albums, I’m going to roll them out in two phases. Songs for night and songs for day. Both of which are very distinct vibes. I’m a night owl myself and I especially love the feeling of a “late night summer record.” Those record I reach to when the house is quiet, the air is humid, and I want to feel my speakers buzzing.
We may only be halfway through summer (how did that happen?) but these are already making my late night heavy rotation and I suspect they will for the months ahead.
Check them out below and stay tuned for the day time edition in the coming weeks.
Nirosta Steel — My Skyscraper
Helado Tropical — Helado Tropical
Kelela — new avatar
Les Rallizes Dénudés — Disque 4 – ’76 Studio et Live
Help Support Another Thought and Get Cool Stuff!
I appreciate you reading Another Thought, whether this is your first post or you’re a long-time reader. Another Thought is a labor of love fueled by very long deadline nights, lots of art supplies, and espresso at ungodly hours.
If you want to support the newsletter, please consider becoming a paid subscriber at $5/mo. You’ll get exclusive newsletters, early access to upcoming physical media, and a sheet of stickers featuring drawings from the newsletter and my book mailed to you!
Get my book, 20th Century Ambient!
Through text and comics, 20th Century Ambient traces the recent history of ambient music to uncover how the genre has evolved and the role it plays in our daily lives. If you dig the combination of art and essays on Another Thought, I think you’ll love this book.
“Enriched by vivid profiles of the genre’s practitioners and capped by a list of essential tracks, it’s a quirky love letter to an enigmatic sound.” - Publishers Weekly
“Dad! Your book isn’t boring! It has pictures in it! It’s hilarious. Kids can read it too!” - my child
20th Century Ambient is out now from Bloomsbury Books.
Comments
Nothing yet. Say the first thing.
Sign in to join the conversation.