Despite the radio only playing the same 10 songs (everyone, including Neil Young, knows the words to “Fancy”), this summer was a revival of alternative rock.

The ever-strange and ever-talented Jack White returned with his second solo album, Lazaretto. One of the true rock stars still out there, White’s album showcases his masterful guitar talent as well as characteristic edgy voice. Critics raved, fans clamored, and truth is, White’s still got it.

Jack White’s opening act, newcomer Benjamin Booker, made waves when he toured with the rock star and released his debut self-titled album, Benjamin Booker. His unique, New Orleans-native raw blues sound proved to be an instant success. Booker sounds like a rougher Gary Clark, Jr. with less emphasis on guitar. His album felt like a breath of fresh air for those tired of the Mumford and Sons knock-offs that have crammed the airways.

Swedish folk darlings First Aid Kit delivered their third album Stay Gold over the summer. The album, produced by Conor Oberst, is filled with gorgeous harmonies and catchy indie hits. Though the album flows perfectly between tracks, “My Silver Lining,” “The Bell” and “A Long Time Ago” are songs not to be missed.

Fans of old style country legends like Johnny Cash and Waylon Jennings should check out Sturgill Simpson’s new release, Metamodern Sounds in Country Music. This revival of a former time in music is an exciting album for country lovers who tire of the current monotonous popular style. Though the entire album is a beautiful showcase of “metamodern” country, “The Promise” is an absolutely perfect song.

Icon in the making Lana Del Rey debuted her third album this summer, Ultraviolence. Del Rey is known for her sultry voice and self-made character, and this album helps make up for her disappointing second disc, Born to Die. Del Rey’s Ultraviolence oozes cool and self-confidence, making listeners fall for her easy, sexy sound. The album debuted at number one and singles like “West Coast” and “Brooklyn Baby” are pure indie pop gold.

Jenny Lewis, a former member of indie pop group Rilo Kiley, further cemented her place in indie pop with her third solo album, The Voyager. Looking for easy, happy listening? This is the place. Lewis’ voice is melodic and sweet, reminiscent of both Zooey Deschanel of She and Him and newcomers HAIM. Lewis’ time with Rilo Kiley, and her partnership with boyfriend Johnathan Rice in band Jenny & Johnny, has given her a great understanding of how to make the listener smile.

Experimental idol Beck carried out what might be his most unique idea to date, Song Reader. In 2012, Beck challenged fans to recreate his own music. He released the sheet music to 20 different songs, calling it Song Reader and hoped that other musicians would produce their own versions of the music. This album is a compilation of his favorites. Sure, it’s also filled with music by other famous musicians like Jack White, Jeff Tweedy and Norah Jones, but that doesn’t make it any less awesome.

For more great summer music, The Badger Herald has also reviewed FKA Twigs and Spoon’s new albums.