Your Big Gay Summer Music Preview 2014: La Roux, Robyn, Lana Del Rey and More

Nothing quite complements that worked-out beach bod like some sizzling summer tunes. This season, Mariah, Lana and La Roux are all returning with new music to provide you the perfect soundtrack while you’re making all your summer dreams come true. I’ve rounded up a few notable summer 2014 releases below that will be just the tunes to blast at your Rehomo beach blanket Bingo parties.

Hed Kandi, 15 Years The Signature Collection, May 26th

For all you dancefloor divas out there, U.K. dance record label Hed Kandi is releasing a compilation mix of its fiercest candied grooves and disco ditties from the past 15 years. Kaskade, Moby, and deadmau5 are just a few of the dance moguls who are ready to get your groove thing shakin’ all summer long. It’s the perfect album for lazy summer days and luscious summer nights.

Robyn and Royskopp, Monument, May 26th

If the throbbing lead single “Do It Again” is any indication, this five track E.P from hit dance makers Robyn and Royskopp will keep your disco balls spinning all summer. The EDM dream team is also hitting the U.S. for several dates on their “Do It Again” tour. They won’t be stopping in Philly, but if you are really hankering for a Robyn fix, check out their show at New York’s Pier 97 on August 20th.

Mariah Carey, Me. I Am Mariah … The Elusive Chanteuse, May 27th

After numerous single releases and countless delays, Mariah is finally ready to unleash her terribly named new set upon us. Expect more of those up-in-the-club diva jams and window-shattering power ballads that we have come to know and love from our elusive butterfly queen. Special guests Mary J. Blige, Nas and Miguel will also be lending a hand on Mimi’s fourteenth studio effort. That’s right. Mariah and Mary J. on one track. Wha?!

Cher Lloyd, Sorry I’m Late, May 27th

Pint-sized overseas diva Cher Lloyd is back with a funkier sound on her second studio set. Album cuts “I Wish,” “Sirens” and “Dirty Love” bring forth the tiny chanteuses’s strong vocals on top of sexy R&B-laced beats. Hard to believe a voice that big comes out of someone so small.

Lana Del Ray, Ultraviolence, June 16th

The undisputed queen of summertime sadness is back to break more gay hearts with her followup to Born To Die. Expect album tracks “Sad Girl,” “Pretty When You Cry,” and “Fucked My Way to the Top” to be pouring out the misery all Speedo season long. Perhaps a sick summertime remix can’t be too far behind?

Jennifer Lopez, A.K.A., June 17th

Anticipation has been somewhat lackluster for J.Lo’s latest attempt at musical relevance thanks to misfire singles “Girls” and “I Luh Ya Papi.” However, Ms. Lopez has made better choices as of late, teaming up with Max Martin for lead single “First Love,” and hooking up with white-hot Iggy Azalea for a track on the new record. We also can’t forget that it was 15 years ago this month that Jennifer’s debut single, “If You Had My Love” took over summer airwaves everywhere and catapulted her into the divasphere. Take a walk down the memory runway with the still-smokin’-hot video.

La Roux, Trouble In Paradise, July 8th

After a five-year hiatus, the duo that had all our asses shaking to “Bulletproof” are finally back with new music. Lead single “Let Me Down Gently” is a synth-y, sweeping number that is the perfect jam for when that summer fling just doesn’t work out. Expect more big hooks and electro bounce from this fabulous twosome.

Sia, 1000 Forms Of Fear, July 8th

Singer-songwriter of the moment Sia Furler is back to tug at your heartstrings with her sixth studio set. Expect more classic Sia vocals and sassy diva stylings on tracks, “Straight For The Knife,” “Free The Animal” and “Hostage.” Also, if you haven’t seen the video for lead single “Chandelier,” you are simply missing out on four minutes of sheer brilliance.

Ariana Grande, Untitled, Late-summer

Ms. Grande has already snatched the wig off the competition as her smash single “Problem” has clearly claimed the title of song of the summer. On top of that, Ariana revealed last week that she recorded am EDM-flavored track with “Clarity” hitmaker DJ Zedd that she hopes will be released as the second single. If anyone can deliver a “Clarity” for the summer of ’14, it’s certainly Ms. Grande.

Madonna, Untitled, Late-summer?

This one might be a bit of a stretch for a summertime release, but there has been plenty of buzz building around Madge’s 13th studio effort these past few months. It has been revealed that Avicii, Natalie Kills, and “Wrecking Ball” scribe Maureen Anne McDonald have all been in the studio with the Material Girl. A bouncing Madonna single in time for summer? As long as it’s better than “Give Me All Your Luvin” Ugh.