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Artist: Tiempo Libre

Album: Bach in Havana

Label: Sony Masterworks

Bach in Havana is the very definition of rhythm and class. Tiempo Libre demonstrates that Johann Sebastian Bach was meant to have a Latin flavor, as the songs are classically captivating while still radiating the charm and wit of Cuban Timba music. Songs like “Air on a G String (Bolero)” and “Clave in C Minor (Guaguanco)” are smooth combinations of jazz and salsa, adding a sensual and romantic element to the Baroque period. — Vivianna Sapien

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Artist: Phoenix

Album: Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix

Label: V2 Records/Loyauté

Despite the gap between respective time eras, French rock band Phoenix shares an important characteristic with the namesake of their album Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix — a profound understanding of musical style. Wolfgang, Phoenix’s fourth full-length album, is dominated by ridiculously catchy beats and buzzing synths that contrast beautifully with lead singer Thomas Mars’ vibrant voice. The record begins with its strongest tracks, namely the highly dynamic “1901,” cuts into the emotionally complicated, mostly instrumental interlude “Love Like a Sunset” and ends with a continuation of head-bopping tracks. Although the album’s melodies may come off as repetitive, Wolfgang demonstrates a noticeable growth from their first work, United, inviting all kinds of sentiments to shake loose on the dance floor. — Eli Chen

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Artist: Discovery

Album: LP

Label: XL Recordings

Before I checked to see who comprised [Discovery], I knew that it was a conglomeration of sorts between Vampire Weekend and Ra Ra Riot, with Rostam Batmanglij, genius of Vampire Weekend, constructing the DJ-set beats and bass, and Wes Miles, frontman of Ra Ra Riot, mainly on vocals. The two have been working on the Discovery side project for four years, and it’s definitely been worth the wait. The deep electro-bass combined with high-floating, yet catchy melodies provides for an incredibly danceable summer album. Check out the long-awaited LP when it drops on July 7. — Catherine Keane

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