Anna Graceman Shares Her "Songs for Summer Nights" Playlist

Songwriter, producer, and musician Anna Graceman shines bright like a diamond.

Although she is based in Nashville, her powerful voice has taken her all over the United States, having performed on America’s Got Talent, held two Las Vegas residencies, and shared the stage with heavy hitting acts The Lumineers, Kacy Musgraves, Beck, and many more.

In May Graceman released her latest album The Way the Night Behaves, a collection which, thanks to its poetic melodies and poignant, vulnerable lyrics, stands out as a must-listen for anyone feeling the need to be heard during these unrest-filled times.

Today Anna shares a compelling playlist of songs to accompany us during the last few nights of the summer. Listen below!

1. “Video Games”-Lana Del Rey
I remember when I watched the “Video Games” video for the first time. Lana knows how to pull you in with her effortless vocal. To me, both the song and the video feel easy and carefree. Makes you wanna roll down the windows and drive.

2. “Jungle”-Tash Sultana
This song moves like the ocean and makes you wanna sway. It takes you to a different place. Tash is a true artist. I think both the vocal production and instrumentation are a complete masterpiece.

3. “Counting Stars”-One Republic
The energy behind “Counting Stars” feels like summer to me. It speaks truth and feels young. When that chorus hits all in with full production, you wanna dance.

4. “River Lea”-Adele
This is one of my favorite tunes by Adele. It’s gritty and holds your attention. I can’t help but sing these lyrics out every time I hear this song. It’s full of heart and feels personal.

5. “In Your Atmosphere”-John Mayer
I listen to this song all the time. John Mayer sure knows how to make a guitar sing. Not to mention his actual voice! It’s honestly like a duet between his vocals and the guitar and it’s beautiful.

6. “Vincent”-Don McLean
This song really paints a picture. Every line is poetry. The melody is sweet and sad. It makes me wanna lay in the middle of the field, staring up at the sky.

7. “Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds” - From “Across The Universe”
We all know The Beatles sing this tune originally. Their version is classic and timeless but I’ve loved discovering other renditions. Bono performs this version from the “Across The Universe” movie soundtrack. The production still leans into a psychedelic feel and carries you into another world.

8. “Slip Away”-Perfume Genius
This song has feelings. I first discovered it in a movie where everyone was swimming
and celebrating the last night before high school graduation. Because of that movie, I can’t help
but associate it with an image of being free and having fun.

9. “Moon River”-Frank Ocean
Most people are familiar with Audrey Hepburn’s original version of “Moon River” from the
movie “Breakfast At Tiffany’s”. It’s iconic! When I heard Frank Ocean’s modern take on this
classic tune, I found myself listening to it on repeat. He makes it his own. It’s soulful.

10. “He Don’t Love Me”-Winona Oak
I’ve played this tune many, many times since discovering it. Even though the lyrics reflect the emotions of a longing heart, the production feels carefree. Her voice is smooth and the song is extremely catchy.

11. “Night Follows”-Anna Graceman
This song tells a personal story. “Night Follows” is a metaphor for the anxiety, fear, past experiences, etc. that follow us around. I wanted the video to reflect this metaphor as well. There are shots representing a time when things are bright and positive, visuals telling of those moments in the darkness and and a shot where I’ve overcome the darkness, shining through like the stars.

Listen to The Way the Night Behaves on Spotify.