10 Must-Have Summer Albums to Spin on Vinyl

Turn up the vibes, drop the needle, and let the sunshine in.

Summer just hits different on vinyl. Whether you’re lounging with a cold drink, road-tripping with the windows down, or just soaking in the golden hour, these records bring all the feel-good, nostalgic, and sun-drenched vibes you need. Here are 10 must-have summer albums for your turntable this season:

☀️ 1. Sublime – 40oz. to Freedom

This one is the beach. A mashup of punk, reggae, and ska that’s tailor-made for sand between your toes and spontaneous dance breaks. “Santeria” and “Date Rape” may be the singalongs, but the whole album buzzes with rebellious summer energy.

🕶 2. Bryan Adams – Reckless

Yes, it’s the album that gave us Summer of ‘69—a track that somehow never gets old no matter how many backyard BBQs it soundtracks. Toss in “Run to You” and “Heaven,” and this record becomes a time capsule of endless summer nights.

🌊 3. The Beach Boys – Pet Sounds

No summer vinyl list is complete without this masterpiece. Warm harmonies, heartfelt lyrics, and California sunshine baked into every track. “Wouldn’t It Be Nice” and “God Only Knows” still give us chills.

🌼 4. De La Soul – 3 Feet High and Rising

Bright, playful, and bursting with creativity, this album flips the script on what a hip-hop record can sound like. It’s quirky, colorful, and feels like running through sprinklers on a hot day.

🍍 5. Jack Johnson – In Between Dreams

Acoustic, mellow, and effortless. This is your hammock album, your early morning coffee record, your “watch the sun go down” soundtrack. Pure relaxation on wax.

🏫 6. Alice Cooper – School’s Out

Loud, rebellious, and undeniably fun. “School’s Out” is the last-day-of-class anthem we never grow out of, and the rest of the album follows suit with theatrical, guitar-driven energy.

🌌 7. Pink Floyd – Wish You Were Here

For late summer nights, when the air is warm and the stars are out. Introspective and spacious, this one slows things down and lets you feel the season. Let it spin start to finish.

☀️8. Bob Marley & The Wailers – Legend

A flawless compilation that feels like peace in album form. Whether you’re cooking out, cruising, or chilling, these reggae classics—“Three Little Birds,” “Could You Be Loved,” “One Love”—set the perfect tone.

🍉 9. Harry Styles – Harry’s House

Modern pop with a retro-smooth twist. This album is equal parts funky and intimate—sunny synths, soft vocals, and plenty of summer groove. “As It Was” might be the anthem, but the whole thing flows like lemonade.

🌙 10. Stevie Nicks – In Your Dreams

Dreamy, romantic, and powerful. Stevie’s solo energy brings a different kind of magic to summer—one that glows a little softer and cuts a little deeper. Spin it when the sun’s low and the vibes are high.

Need a Summer Soundtrack?
Whether you're spinning records poolside, hosting friends, or just vibing solo, these albums bring something special to every kind of summer moment. Crank them up, drop the needle, and let your summer sound better.