Let's dance

Songs from today’s most exciting French artists 

Two music icons perform a delightful ode to warm, starry nights. 

A French-language take on 1998’s iconic “Music Sounds Better With You”. 

This perfect summer song is also the soundtrack of director Claire Denis’ masterpiece Beau Travail. 

Another ecstatic hit from the music producer. 

A great slice of electro pop from the duo’s debut album, Summercamp. 

A buzzy, infectious song from one of France’s biggest music exports. 

French chanson meets electro in this intimate, original track. 

The former member of Videoclub impresses with powerful synths. 

A gentle, elegant tune. 

Introspective pop from one of France’s best current talents.  

Maritime beats

Gentle, breezy songs to listen to before a dip in the ocean 

The Dutch singer goes full bossa nova in this smooth track. 

This Belgian-Brazilian duo, based in Kigali, draw on their many geographical influences. 

Electronica with sleek harmonies. 

A sunny piece from the Aussie surf-psych rockers. 

You can’t go wrong with 1990s reggae.

Some of the best zouk synth from Martinique.

Whimsical song about being stranded on a desert island.

Brilliant Brazilian jazz complete with warm vocals and a nod to r&b. 

The summer belongs to this Nigerian superstar.

Magical Xhosa electro-soul.

Magical sunset

Perfect tunes for warm summer evenings

Fruity disco from the Swedish singer.

Mediterranean beats from Rome.

Japanese city-pop with a Lat-Am influence.

A blissful, euphoric celebration of existence.

Cool vocals for a celebratory track.

Laid-back, sensual reggae beats.

A fun song inspired by the Spanish singer’s trip to Florida.

A wonderful track by the Malian singer.

Everyone’s going to be talking about the Barbie film this summer – and listening to its excellent soundtrack too.

The late Brazilian Queen of Rock always charms.

Evening seduction

Music to savour with a drink in hand

Ware’s disco, which is full of wild joy, is always worth falling for.

A sensual, stunning tune from the Italian icon.

Electro-pop earworm from the Netherlands.

A tongue-in-cheek, sexy song about the joys of logging off.

An atmospheric dance track that’s a throwback to the 1990s.

Pay tribute to the music legend with this daring funk piece.

Uplifting summery tune with vocals by a Brazilian diva.

Retro-sounding, synth-heavy hip-hop piece.

Best enjoyed at a beach club, late at night.

A soulful track from an artist on the up.

Discoteca paradiso

For a hot night on the tiles

Dalida is always welcome at Monocle’s discotheque.

Perfect Swedish pop.

A lesson in how to produce the perfect Italo disco.

Dreamy, cosmic disco.

We love Goldgrapp as a band but Alison’s solo track is also a delight.

A gift to the dance floor, straight from Trieste.

The Italian duo is back.

A bit cheesy but what’s not to love about Poland’s Eurovision 2023 entry?

Trance from the 1990s is back – and we don’t mind.

Songs to listen to with the car windows down

One of Lithuania’s most exciting artists delights with a 1980s-inspired tune.

A classic perfect for a singalong.

Another chilled track from the Canadian DJ.

South African synth-disco at its best.

Great contemporary Japanese city-pop.

Any decent road trip needs a few surefire hits.

Groovy Spanish pop by this actress-cum-singer.

Icelandic folk by this trio of sisters (and former Eurovision contestants). 

This mega hit from the Thai dream-pop group is one for the romantics.

The British band is back with one of its best singles in some time.

Monocle Radio 

To listen to the playlist, find Monocle Radio on Spotify – or tune in live to Monocle Radio for many more songs besides.