6. “Oh yeah?” by Steve Lacy
Though Steve Lacy’s album was released July 17, it was the July 31 release of “Spider-Man: Brand New Day” that brought it to the forefront of the media with the title track featuring in the movie’s closing credits. The record itself is sonically blissful, though a bit lacking in its lyricism. But where the lyrics fall short, production more than makes up for it. With addictive yet calming melodies, the album effortlessly blends lo-fi beats with catchy pop hooks to produce a captivating sound.
5. “Petal” by Ariana Grande
Two years after “eternal sunshine,” this album’s drop on July 31 found Ariana Grande in a more familiar, post-Wicked era. Grande abandons the glossy shine of her career’s recent years in favor of something calmer and more present. Each of her typical emotional beats are represented—with some confidence and some cheeky wit—along with something relatively new. There is a bit more unfiltered bitterness, particularly in the title track, which discusses dealing with harsh public scrutiny.
4. “CONFESSIONS II” by Madonna
On July 3, the Queen of Pop returned. 21 years after the release of “Confessions on a Dance Floor,” Madonna’s newest record is everything she has always stood for. Between numerous collaborations, including a Sabrina Carpenter feature on “Bring your Love,” and lyrics focused on unity, Madonna invites the listener back outside to the party. She proves her point on the spiritual magic of dance and music, then spends the back half of the album exploring the trials and tribulations of love and family. As the record mellows out and ends, Madonna finds a way to continue pushing herself with experimental sounds even after over 40 years.
3. “Music, Fashion, Film” by Charli xcx
Pop icon Charli xcx left her “BRAT” era behind on July 24 with the release of her newest album. This record finds Charli xcx breaking away from the partygirl personality and towards a more lyrical exploration of fame, artistry, and the transience of life. Her striking transparency carries over from “BRAT” as she continues to reveal insecurities and blunt societal critiques, and it is through these critiques and homages that Charli xcx captures the nuanced life of an artist.
2. “you seem pretty sad for a girl so in love” by Olivia Rodrigo
Released on June 12, the pop star’s third studio album finds her with higher standards and even stronger vocal performances. Her search for love continues on the lead single “drop dead,” but songs like “cigarette smoke” demonstrate the singer’s growing maturity when it comes to love. One of the record’s most touching moments comes from the track “what’s wrong with me,” when Rodrigo is joined by The Cure’s Robert Smith for a poignant duet.
1. “Lost Weekend” by Phoebe Bridgers
Phoebe Bridgers brought the summer to a melancholic end with the release of her third studio album on August 14. From the bittersweet nostalgia of its lead single “Lost Boys” to the disassociative grief of “The Outside,” Bridgers uses experimental sound design to layer heartache and hope. Her collaboration with Jack Antonoff, Christian Lee Hutson, Maya Hawke, Cameron Winter and more bring further life to the record, though Bridgers’ intimate storytelling remains its biggest strength.