Songs of the Summer
Growing up, and even now, the summer has always been a magical time of year for me. There is an absolute magic to this time of year.
The weather, the beaches — people’s attitudes seem to change. Smiling more. Summer sunsets. It all creates the summer environment.
The game changer for me is creating my playlist that makes it an even more unforgettable, magical experience.
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Here’s what I’m vibing on right now.
Ella Langley “Choosin’ Texas”
Not because I’m following trends, or because I’m a crazed country music fan, this record blows me away. This raw authenticity just kills me, and it’s co-written by one of my favorite artists and songwriters, Miranda Lambert!
Steve Lacy “the feeling”
This kid is a genius. Dropping “the feeling” right at the start of June 2026 as a premier single for his third studio album, Oh Yeah?, is exactly how you seize the summer. He handles the writing, performance, and production with a raw, DIY indie-R&B sensibility that sounds completely new and original. It is an atmospheric, slow-burn masterpiece, proving once again that you simply cannot manufacture a genuine vibe.
Morgan Wallen “7 Summers”
Again, this guy just kills me. Can’t get enough of hearing him (especially when he does duets with Ella!). The track is absolute precision when it comes to summer nostalgia. Easy tempo… and the longing in the lyrics create perfect martini music or great for just driving along the beach. Once again, it’s real, lived-in experience, which is why it commands the airwaves when the heat turns up.
Olivia Rodrigo ft. Robert Smith “what’s wrong with me”
Brilliant cross-pollination. By pulling the dark, alternative architecture of The Cure straight into a modern pop record, Olivia gives the youth a brand-new sonic vocabulary. It reminds me entirely of the risks we used to take bringing subcultures into the mainstream pop landscape.
Frank Sinatra “Summer Wind”
What would the summer be without the Chairman of the Board? Give me a friggin’ break! Unbelievable orchestrations, Frank’s vocal brings in the summer like nobody else has or ever will… classic. Forever!!
Don Henley “The Boys of Summer”
One of my favorite records of all time. One of my favorite singers and favorite groups ever, singers / songwriters, The Eagles. One of a kind, can never be duplicated. Creates the summer atmosphere and an unforgettable emotion for the listener.
Beyonce “Crazy in Love”
Not a summer song by any means, but it’s like starting up a race car to kick you into gear and make you have the best, exciting, craziest summer ever. Unmatched vocal energy, blockbuster anthem, and the beginning of a Beyonce / Jay-Z love affair.
Jennifer Lopez “If You Had My Love”
This was the first single that I released with Jennifer Lopez at Sony, co-written and produced by Rodney Jerkins and Cory Rooney, two of my favorite all-time writer/producers. It set the tone and platform for her entire recording career. And now, it’s the greatest sample in a Drake song.
Sade “No Ordinary Love”
Personally I can’t live without Sade. It could be throughout the day, or listening to it at night with a cocktail, or anytime at all. Sade is on my Top 3 all favorite music to listen to ever. And for me, putting it on the speaker, sitting outside, looking at the trees, or looking at the water, is always a summer homerun.
Drake “Teenage Fever”
This guy just knocked it out of the park. And for me, it’s a brilliant full-circle home run. And when the groove slows down, he uses the vocal sample of J Lo’s “If You Had My Love” which we recorded back in 1999 as Jennifer’s global launchpad at Sony. Put the window down, feel the summer vibe — completely critical for your summer playlist.
Gloria Estefan “Conga”
At some point during the day or during the night I have to bring the Miami vibe back into my soundtrack and back into my life. I was raised between New York City and Miami Beach, and of course, Gloria Estefan and family are part of my extended family. Hearing this record brings all my connective tissue together. And for me, it’s always a happy sound. It brings me a lot of personal pleasure and joy.
