Current Obsessions, Vol. 13: Songs of the Summer

I find myself thinking the same thing every year: that this year is the best year ever for music. This year is no exception, with fabulous albums by big hitters like Madonna, BTS, Evanescence, and Robyn. I cannot get enough of the albums by The Hardkiss and Adam Lambert. And then there is Dagny’s earwormy dance album; Jessie Ware, Sault, and The Black Keys; and the slew of singles that portend great albums to come.

What a year. Maybe the best ever. (wink)

Here are my latest obsessions.

Albums

The Womack Sisters The Womack Sisters This modern-day soul album had to be great, as the sisters are the granddaughters of the iconic Sam Cooke and the nieces of soul legend Bobby Womack. The Womacks’ smooth, tight harmonies are magic.

Here’s a taste: Spotify, Apple Music

Jalen Ngonda Doctrine of Love The second album by the Daptone Records labelmate of the Womack Sisters likewise elegantly traverses the soul sounds from the 60s and 70s.

Here’s a taste: Spotify, Apple Music

Xandria Eclipse I’ve been reconnecting with symphonic metal, and this album is an excellent modern example of the genre. Cinematic in scope, BIG DARK guitar riffs, occasional touches of Celtic folk, operatic female vocals. Bliss.

Here’s a taste: Spotify, Apple Music

Singles

Sam Smith feat. The TwoCity Chorus O Mother Whew! Sam is dealing with mom issues in a brilliant hand-clapping, foot-stomping, yet soul-searching gospel anthem. Are you not intrigued?

Here’s a taste: Spotify, Apple Music

Katy B x Jax Jones Last Day of Summer A perfect summer sing-along song by a voice I adore.

Here’s a taste: Spotify, Apple Music

Jones Temperature A perfect summer sing-along song by a voice I adore.

Here’s a taste: Spotify, Apple Music

Soren Torpegaard Lund Welcome to My Party Beautiful song. Gorgeous voice. A worthy follow-up to his seventh-place finish at this year’s Eurovision Song Contest.

Here’s a taste: Spotify, Apple Music

Freemasons Mesmerized The guys who brought you monster dance bangers in the 2000s (True Love Survivor, Rain Down Love, Love on My Mind) bring you a monster dance banger for 2026.

Here’s a taste: Spotify, Apple Music