This was a pivotal summer for many artists who are trying to prove themselves. Olivia Rodrigo, Ariana Grande, Future, and Gracie Abrams have solidified themselves as industry powerhouses, Steve Lacy has returned after a four-year hiatus, and Charli xcx has attempted to reclaim her throne following 2024’s BRAT. From pop hits to genre-blending tunes, this summer has been filled with ambitious music.

Here’s a look at some of the summer’s most anticipated albums.

Oh Yeah? by Steve Lacy

9/10

Since the release of 2022’s Gemini Rights, Steve Lacy has evolved considerably as an artist. He has developed emotionally, refined his lyricism, and expanded his vocal range. Oh Yeah? showcases newfound depth, featuring a consistent laid-back, nostalgic soundscape. 

Lacy manages to reinvent popular themes like personal growth and relationships, mixing humor and vulnerability into his unique journey with love. “The heart takes what it wants / I’m not scared to bleed, you know our history,” Lacy sings on the record’s lead single, “the feeling,” delivering soulful vocals over a guitar-heavy instrumental. Similarly, Lacy’s raw and heartfelt singing is evident on the album’s opening, “oh yeah?” Featuring a bittersweet soft synth, Lacy captures this emotion in his performance, highlighting his beautifully soothing voice. 

The album’s sixth track, “doom,” is another standout, as Lacy reflects on how his past mistakes have come back to haunt him. “Sh*t’s piled up and now it’s doomsday,” he sings. The catchy song’s playful tone provides a break from the album’s more introspective moments.  The record is perfect for those late-night summer drives. Throughout the project’s 40 minute runtime, Lacy proves that he has nearly perfected his distinct style. 

you seem pretty sad for a girl so in love by Olivia Rodrigo

8/10

Olivia Rodrigo’s you seem pretty sad for a girl in love is the most popular album on this list, and for good reason. Characterized by themes of heartbreak, relationships, and young love, the album excels at everything you’d expect from Rodrigo: catchy choruses, memorable lines, and relatable experiences. The majority of the album consists of energetic, upbeat tracks, making room for the more heart-wrenching, emotional moments to shine.

“stupid song” is a clear highlight, executing a cinematic build-up while showcasing Rodrigo’s impressive vocal range. “I feel right, I feel wrong, I feel totally insane / And I want you more than any stupid song could ever say,” she sings. It feels raw, it feels genuine. It’s as if she’s personally venting to the listener. “expectations” flips the script, bringing infectious energy and a carefree attitude. Rodrigo doesn’t take herself too seriously, making for a fun, danceable track. Whether you’re screaming lyrics in the car or alone with your thoughts, you seem pretty sad for a girl in love suits your every need.

petal by Ariana Grande

7/10

Ariana Grande’s petal shows you how far pure talent can take you. Covering themes of stardom, toxic relationships, and finding love, the album’s highlight is Grande’s spectacular singing. On the very first track, “kiss me,” her silky, delicate voice carries you in. “petal” is another striking performance, showcasing her effortless vocal ability as she nails high notes over a dynamic, minimalist beat reminiscent of her hit song “7 rings.” “Just as long as she keeps getting it right / Heartbreak won’t bite here in paradise,” Grande sings about unrealistic expectations sprouting from her stardom. 

However, sometimes her writing can feel suffocating, as if she’s suppressing her voice. It’s not that Grande’s lyrically bad, but she rarely develops the track past generic lines, even when talking about her personal struggles. While Grande’s personality and character could’ve been integrated deeper into the work, her feathery vocals and addictive melodies make for a captivating listen.

Music, Fashion, Film by Charli xcx

5/10

In 2024, Charli xcx dropped BRAT—a summer-defining album that dominated everyone’s For You Page for months. Two years later, Charli xcx has managed to lose the charm that made BRAT so memorable with her newest release, Music, Fashion, Film. Stepping back from her party girl persona, Charli xcx takes a more vulnerable approach, exploring her struggles with fame, identity, and relationships. While her openness is respectable, aside from a few standout tracks like “Camera” and “No One Lasts Forever,” it often comes off as plain and shallow. “I’ll buy some jewelry, a personality / A whole backstory, card declined,” she sings, attempting to set up a witty punchline. How creative. At other moments, the soundscape feels passive and boring. The production is sub-par, and in songs such as “Yeah,” she overuses a low, unbothered tone, which only accentuates the boredom. While the record has its highlights, like the chilling “No One Lasts Forever,” it’s not enough to save such a forgettable listen.

Daughter From Hell by Gracie Abrams

4/10

Start off slowly with either a piano or a guitar. Sing about either love, heartbreak, or self-development, pulling bland, generic lyrics straight from Pinterest. Build up the song by adding an extra element to the instrumental and layering more vocals. Lastly, gradually fade out of the track, retaining the same slow pace as at the beginning so that it seamlessly blends into the next song. This is the exact formula for every song off of Gracie Abrams’ Daughter From Hell. Every. Single. Song. Nothing stands out—the entire record feels like one strenuous 56-minute track. The worst part is—it actually doesn’t sound bad. While formulaic, the tracks feel warm and replayable, like something you’d listen to at a cozy, crackling campfire. As repetitive as the Daughter From Hell gets, it’s easy to understand why it’s so popular.

The Real Me by Future

3/10

Future has lost his spark, and it’s evident on The Real Me. While Future is known for revolutionizing the Atlanta trap sound, this album is his most generic yet. The 22-song soundtrack blends together, and in the rare moments they don’t, you’ll wish they did. At points, The Real Me sounds like it was written by a Future imitator. “F*kk A Interview,” the opening track, features an extraordinarily boring trap beat. Future’s vocal performance is decent, but it’s just as dull a flow as the instrumental. The track is inoffensive and will probably go triple-platinum in a Nike store somewhere. But when compared with Future’s vast discography, it’s hard to call it anything more than “just another Future song.” In “2018,” Future veers off from his normal sound, taking vocal inspiration from his 2018 Grammy-winning feature on “King’s Dead.” The simplistic instrumental puts the spotlight on his comically high-pitched voice—but Future completely falls flat. “Posted in the trap with a rusted .380,” Future squeaks awkwardly in the opening line. It’s almost impossible not to laugh out loud.