August 7, 2026:

“Summertime, and the livin’ is easy,” right? 

That’s how the song goes, but in journalism, we hum a different tune.  

Even during the “quieter” summer months, there’s a lot to cover—from the latest on the Supreme Court’s most recent term to tracking abortion as an issue in the 2026 midterm elections, on top of organizing fun live events for our community. 

When I need a mental break, I turn to my ever-growing music collection on vinyl. I studied jazz piano and music composition in college, and I’ve been buying records for as long as I can remember. My dad is one of the biggest vinyl collectors I know; his collection easily numbers in the hundreds. From an early age, he taught me to appreciate every hiss, crackle, and pop from a well-loved record, and I came to love the beauty of music played in this incredible format. 

When I moved into my first apartment 15 years ago, I bought a turntable to build out a collection of my very own. This summer, my dad graciously gifted me a few gems to add to it. 

Like the rest of the team here at Rewire News Group, I also have a trusty toolkit of comfort TV binges and spicy summer reads, but music is, and always will be, my happy place. Here’s what has been playing on rotation for what I’m calling my “Summer of Soul.”

Albums 

Janelle Monáe, The Age of Pleasure (2023)

I wish I could queue up a new Janelle Monáe release right now, but this 2023 album still does it for me. On The Age of Pleasure, they put aside the futuristic soul/pop of their previous albums for the lush and sultry sounds of soul, reggae, and tropicália. This is one of my favorite records to put on in the summertime, because not only does each track blend seamlessly into the next for continuous play from start to finish (minus flipping sides), but it’s the perfect soundtrack for BBQs, beach days, or starting a spicy summer night. 

Spotify / Apple Music / Buy Vinyl

Kaytranada, 99.9% (2016)

Kaytranda’s latest album—last year’s Ain’t No Damn Way!—is on my vinyl wishlist, but this summer I’ve been spinning his 2016 debut nonstop. The passage of time is so baffling. Somehow, 99.9% is now a decade old! For the uninitiated, Kaytranada is a Haitian Canadian electronic music producer and DJ who became known for his soul-filled (and dance-inducing) remixes of classic artists’ work, from Janet Jackson to other ‘90s greats. He’s now one of the most in-demand music producers and prolific remixers, and is currently on a world tour. I saw him perform in New York City last fall; his live show is otherworldly. 

Spotify / Apple Music / Buy Vinyl

Sade, Diamond Life (1984)

No collection of soul vinyl would be complete without the smooth tones and vibes of Sade. “Smooth Operator” is a smooth jazz masterpiece, and there’s nothing quite like listening to it and the rest of this debut album on vinyl. 10/10, no notes. 

Spotify / Apple Music / Buy Vinyl

Stevie Wonder, Songs in the Key of Life (1976)

While he’s not officially known as the King of Soul—that title goes to the legendary Sam Cooke—to me, Stevie Wonder is definitely deserving of the title. I grew up listening to classics like “Superstitution,” “Isn’t She Lovely,” and “Sir Duke,” so I was thrilled when this record was included in the gift pile from my dad. This double-LP won Album of the Year at the 1977 Grammys, and it’s worth hearing it blasted from your turntable speakers.  

Spotify / Apple Music / Buy Vinyl

Stevie Wonder, Innervisions (1973)

Out of all the records released during Stevie Wonder’s “classic years,” Innervisions remains my favorite. From “Don’t You Worry ‘Bout a Thing” and “Higher Ground,” to “Golden Lady,” each track off this album is a sonic wonderland—lyrics sung with raw emotion, stunning motifs played on Wonder’s many synthesizers, and soul filled to the brim. I kept this one on my turntable for weeks, playing it over and over again, and then one more time. 

Spotify / Apple Music / Buy Vinyl

Bob Marley, Natty Dread (1974)

As a proud first-generation Jamaican American, reggae means more to me than simply music to play at the beach or a party. Reggae is a powerful genre, inspired by R&B, soul, and blues, and it’s the anthem of peaceful resistance. To me, Bob Marley’s music sounds like the sun. Yes, songs like “One Love” and “Jamming” off other albums have become caricatures, used in ads for Jamaican tourism, but some of Marley’s deepest cuts can be found on this record. “No Woman, No Cry,” “Lively Up Yourself,” and “Natty Dread”—my personal favorite—are worthy of deep exploration.

Spotify / Apple Music / Buy Vinyl 

Listen to Mallory Johns’ playlist now.

Singles (vinyl and digital)

I may be an audio snob, but not so much so that I don’t enjoy putting in my AirPods or turning on my Sonos speaker to listen to the latest bops! Here are a few of my favorite singles of the summer.

• “Gila,” Beach House: Dreamy California pop.
• “So Easy (To Fall in Love),” Olivia Dean: Her voice is like silk. I’m obsessed!
• “Under Control,” The Internet: Smooth, jazzy, R&B—I had to own on vinyl.
• “Doing It Too,” Rochelle Jordan: Classic ‘90s soul/house for the 2020s.
• “Lover Girl,” Laufey: Bossa nova at its finest.
• “Girl Like Me,” PinkPantheress (Kaytranada Remix): A great starting point. 
• “Black Licorice,” The Vampire Lestat soundtrack: Classic rock with a spicy twist. 
• “Miserable Girl,” Soulwax (Nite Versions): Loud, abrasive, you’ve been warned!
• “Pop,” Harry Styles: Truly a delight.
• “Do I Do,” Stevie Wonder: Fun fact—Ja Rule samples this song on “Livin’ it up.”

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