Tracy Chapman, Tracy Chapman: Lately I’ve been searching the local record stores for a vinyl copy of the folk singer’s 1988 debut album. No luck on that front, but the woman’s certainly got a heavy presence on my iTunes. Many of her songs deal with poverty and inner-city life. And she delivers thoughtful lyrical content in a a voice full of both hope and despair. Of all the album’s gems, the bittersweet “Fast Car” is undoubtedly the most memorable. I’ve heard it countless times, and it never fails to simultaneously thrill me and make my heart ache in sadness.

DJ Sammy, “The Boys of Summer”: The Spanish DJ’s cover of Don Henley’s wistful ode to young summer love is stunning. I love driving by the water blaring this version of the song in all its heavily synthesized glory. (Not sure fans of the Henley version are too keen on it, but hey, us dance music fans adore it.) Even sweeter is that the Loona, the woman featured on lead vocals, is actually DJ Sammy’s wife. They’ve collaborated on plenty of tracks, including “You’re My Angel” and “Sunlight.’ All are breezy lighthearted gusts of techno that are ideal for warm nights.

The Veronicas: The Australian pop-rock duo–consisting of twin sisters Jessica and Lisa Origliasso–have made several attempts to crack the U.S. music market without much success. But they sure do make some catchy records, thanks in big part to producers like Toby Gad and Max Martin. The Veronicas deliver guitar-driven, hook-crammed, sexually suggestive songs (“In your dirty room I come to play/ ‘Cause I can’t stay away”) about boys and well, more boys. Slut-tastic bubblegum pop sung by hot twins… I’m actually suprised they aren’t more popular.