The sun was ruthless, but the music was light. On the way home from work, I stepped into my neighborhood corner store, grabbed a bag of chips and something cold to drink. As I sipped a Cherry Coke ICEE, "Diet Pepsi" hummed in my headphones.
Until that moment, Addison Rae's appeal eluded me: another TikTokker with a record deal. Suddenly, the syrupy sweet slushee clinked proverbial glasses with the pop song's uncomplicated-yet-satisfying elixir — and something clicked. Oh, this is what roséwave was built upon: simple pleasures in the summer.
Roséwave, for those not privy to its basic charms, is a series we started in 2017 that celebrates a summer-y, feel-good lifestyle. There is truly a roséwave playlist for any occasion: swiping on the apps, catching the poolboy's eye, the summer getaway, poolside vibes, crying. It's always been meant as a hit-play-and-chill escape — even if just momentary — with a little something for everyone.
After taking a break, we're back! Largely because our diehard fans got in our inbox and DMs to politely and respectfully ask for its return. (Hey, it's been a tough year... maybe we could all use something frivolous.)
Marissa Lorusso, my roséwave co-creator, joins me on this episode to guide host Robin Hilton through a genre-, era- and country-spanning set of songs that get you in your summer feels. And don't worry, I made y'all a six-hour playlist of roséwave jams, too.
On this episode, we also revisit our No. 1 songs from 2022 for the All Songs Considered 25th anniversary segment, and set sail on the high sees for our weekly reset.
Thanks to Isabella Gomez Sarmiento, Alanté Serene, Sheldon Pearce, Stephen Thompson, Nikki Birch, Meghin Moore and Marissa Lorusso for their playlist contributions.
Roséwave playlists
Unedited version
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