Katatonia became a soundtrack band for me back in 2016 when they released “Fall of Hearts.” As I walked to the Reservoir T station in Boston at 4:00am to catch a train to work, the soothing melancholy of songs like “Takeover” and “Serin” made me feel at peace with my journey. Fast forward four years to my quarantine in Pennsylvania, and I feel the same way about their new album “City Burials.” I love everything about this album. The lyrics are outstanding. Guitar solos on tracks like “Behind the Blood” truly rock. And yes, the beautiful melancholy is still very much a part of their sound. Just listen to the melodies in songs like “Lacquer” and “Vanishers.”

Brutus wrote their album “Nest” about people and places that they love. You can feel that energy and intensity all over this album, especially in the vocal performances by frontwoman Stefanie Mannaerts. You can tell how special this album is from the moment her vocals kick in with the drums on the opening track, “Fire.”  With anthems such as “Techno” and “War,” this is the perfect album for summer road trips or staying home.

Jason Isbell is one of the best lyricists I have come across in recent years. I wasn’t a huge fan of country or folk music until I heard “Cover Me Up” from his album “Southeastern.” My wife and I loved it so much that it became our wedding song. A quick listen to most songs on Isbell’s 2017 album “The Nashville Sound” proves his narratives are as strong as ever. Isbell is a gifted poet and storyteller. He gets to the heart of life in our modern world on songs like “Cumberland Gap,” “Anxiety,” and “Hope the High Road.”

Summer Road Trip Tracks


Unleash the Archers: “Northwest Passage” – Listen to this song at full volume when you are driving to your next epic adventure. I guarantee you will feel like an explorer discovering something wondrous. Who knew Stan Roger’s classic song, which some Canadians consider to be a second national anthem, could sound this compelling as a power metal track!

The Beatles, “Here Comes the Sun” – Let’s be honest, we could all use a little sunshine right about now.

Defeater: “I Don’t Mind” – When you think of bands who would write a ballad, Massachusetts hardcore act Defeater probably wouldn’t come to mind. Please change that this summer. I Don’t Mind is a gorgeous track, complete with a perfect stripped down acoustic guitar accompaniment, and outstanding lyrics. This is the kind of song you want to play for someone you love.