Mix editor gives rundown of season's hottest albums
There's always a list of songs that define the summer. Some are overplayed, and some are undiscovered, but each adds a melody and memory to the three months of sun, sand and afternoon naps. We've been asked to call Carly Rae Jepsen, maybe. And Adam Levine is still fresh out of quarters. But aside from the radio favorites, what albums defined this summer's discography? Here are a few.
"Born and Raised" by John Mayer (May 22)
We've watched John Mayer roll through genres, transforming from the sweet, unassuming new artist with melodious, heartstring-pulling hits like "Your Body is a Wonderland" and "Daughters" to the bluesy "Continuum" bad boy. But this summer, Mayer impressed fans — and gained a new following — with his folk rock/country album "Born and Raised." The album's first single, "Shadow Days" dropped in March, offering only a little taste of the artist's new sound. Fans seemed to be more focused on the woman who led to the end of Mayer's "Shadow Days" — it's totally Jennifer Aniston, you guys — and less on the overhaul of genres. The 12-track record, however, is just that. It's an overhaul. It's a completely new sound, still showcasing the songster's undeniable vocals. "Queen of California," "Speak for Me," "Something Like Olivia" and the title track stand out as favorites, with the whole listing acting as an album with just the right amount of folk and country for a summer mixtape.
"Overexposed" by Maroon 5 (June 26)
He's still at that pay phone, trying to call home. Adam Levine, the face and charisma of Maroon 5, has transformed the once alternative soul rock "Songs About Jane" band into a hit-single machine. Now they're dance pop. The bold- and bright-colored abstract "Overexposed" cover introduces an album of pop anthems that hold a touch more credibility than "Moves like Jagger" and "Misery." "Payphone" is one of those songs you belt out in the car, maybe with a couple of tears, and, really, no shame. With little to no effort, you quickly pull down the high-pitched "Where are the plans we made for two?" to a full-fledged prize rap, channeling your inner Wiz Khalifa. It's great. The rest of the tracks, including "One More Night" and "Beautiful Goodbye" do well in melding Maroon 5's proven talent and their new pop-star persona, with "Sad" serving as a personal favorite — stripped-down Levine vocals straying from the radio-fit theme.
"Uncaged" by Zac Brown Band (July 10)
His burly beard and beanie only compliment Zac Brown's country rock vocals — crisp, clear and consistent despite his Southern, gruff charm. The band's latest album, "Uncaged," follows Brown and the band's tried and true sound, but creates a complete and winning track list. Each song strings together to round out the band's character — "Jump Right In" starts the CD with a powerful punch of percussion and island beats, and "Last But Not Least" closes with a personal touch. They're known for that balance between the catchy country staples like "Chicken Fried" and slower-paced ballads like "Colder Weather." And "Uncaged" pulls the best of both together, with "The Wind" serving as the first single and songs like "Sweet Annie" and "Lance's Song" speaking to the emotional side.