As summer temperatures skyrocketed, the music industry gave us plenty of reasons to stay inside and turn up the volume. While we can’t name them all, here’s our list of some of the best albums of the summer.

Beyoncé [4]

Beyoncé took a chance with her newest musical venture, “4,” an album that plays like a fearless challenge to dethrone the Queen B. However, Beyoncé emerges the victor of the clash, opting to follow her own muse instead of the dance stupor of modern radio. Thus, “4” becomes one of the clearest portraits of Beyoncé as she asserts her independence, adoration of many genres and unrivaled talent.

Washed Out [Within and Without]

Many people flocked like seagulls to the beach this summer and were in dire need of the perfect soundtrack. Washed Out filled that space with the chill atmosphere and languid synths of their first full-length album, “Within and YDG’N.”