In this era it’s hard to choose between album releases. 2023 doesn’t seem to be an album year, like 2022 was or moreoever the past decade. Too many releases, too many hours spent listening, but harder to stick to the music. Also, looking at the album charts you’ll probably rewind some greatest hits on the top 10 or if you’re checking the Billboard 200, you’d be more likely to listen to Taylor Swift (too boring!!!!).

But, the good news is that there are many new artists experimenting with sounds and combining it all together. And also adding to this experimentation there are some legends rearranging their sound, giving it a more futuristic appeal with many references to the past. That is the interesting part about music.

I’ve chosen 4 albums that are reaaaally good to spent your summer listening to. For all kinds of music whether you’re an RnB fan or Hip-Hop or Trance or House.

Chicane “Nevertheless”

It is more than exciting that Chicane decided to release an album just in time for summer. The man who has released some of the biggest summer anthems (like Saltwater, Offshore) brings a new experience that sounds so good! Chicane said: “It’s been a very exciting build up to the album’s full release, which to me is when it all properly comes to life. I hope people press play, listen to the whole thing from start to finish as it was intended to be heard, and really go on the journey that I went on.”

Kaytranada & Aminé “Kaytraminé“

Kaytranada is probably the greatest producer of this era, combining deep beats from the world of house and hip-hop and everything in between. Here on this album, he collaborates with Amine, bringing a new vibe to this whole experience. Featuring some big names like Snoop Dogg, Pharrell, Big Sean among others, the beats are heavy, the lyrics are great and this is definitely on repeat for me, throughout summer and beyond. I’m already vibing!

Folamour “Manifesto”

About a month ago I watched and listened to Folamour perform his DJ set on ADD festival in Athens. Boom!!! I love his sound, the way he can combine percussions with horns and an exotic feel to his art. It’s the French era of music that we love. Apart from the singles, “Manifesto” is an album to listen from start to finish with no pause. As Folamour says in his own words: “This is a manifesto of my love for a free humanity, of my affection for these sparks that are born from our frictions. When we are open to the other, we can highlight friendship and sharing, which only forges us even more. Exempt of expectations and constraints, we unveil ourselves in a new light. It warms up the hearts and minds of those for whom freedom it’s still a mirage in an infinitely lonely desert, where there is only room for deception. Thus, we believe in ourselves. But in the others too. We don’t accept any compromise. We yearn for the peace that we deserve, and we shall fight for these knocked-down walls. For the rare oasis of love, where we feel free and safe. We will be who we choose to be, where we shall be loved.”

Janelle Monáe “The Age Of Pleasure”

“Float” is a song that got stuck in my head from day 1! Janelle Monae releases her fourth album. OK, have to admit it, she is not Prince or somewhere close to, but every time she delivers a new album it sounds fresh and always has a good feeling in it. She frees the nipple and gives a different vibe on this one. In her own words “If the songs can’t work at the party, they’re not going on the album”. And yes this is a party, mostly into RnB album, that gets you going as you listen to it more and more.