On Repeat: The Soundtrack of Summer, Part 1
The summer soundtrack — what’s filling the season.
Tyla — A*Pop
Pop · July 24
The South African star’s second album — the season’s glossiest, most assured pop-R&B moment.
Kelela — new avatar
Alt-R&B · July 10
Shimmering, atmospheric soul from art-R&B’s most meticulous voice. The most gallery-adjacent record on the list — made for late, low-lit evenings.
Cécile McLorin Salvant — With Every Breath I Take
Jazz ·Nonesuch · July 10
The three-time Grammy winner’s first album with the orchestra, Metropole Orkest under Jules Buckley. Cinematic, swooning vocal jazz — timeless songs reimagined on a grand scale. The season’s most elegant listen.
DJ Khaled — Aalam of God
Hip-hop · July 17
The producer’s fourteenth album- an all-star, big-tent summer release for the up-tempo end of the playlist.
LIVE THIS SUMMER
Blue Note Jazz Festival
NYC · June 1–July 1
The club’s 15th edition across Blue Note, Sony Hall & SummerStage — Brandee Younger, Brian Blade, Chief Xian aTunde Adjuah. A month of nights for slow listening.
Usher + Chris Brown — The R&B Tour
North America · from June 26
Two of R&B’s defining hitmakers on one stadium stage for a 33-date co-headlining run. Pure showmanship.
Jorja Smith + Tems
All Points East · Victoria Park, London · Aug 21
Two of British and Nigerian soul’s smokiest voices share a London festival bill — a dream pairing for a long summer evening in the park.
Album artwork © respective labels and artists.
