Summer cover

Summer

George Winston · 1991

57 min · 15 tracks · new age music

A serene blend of solo piano melodies that evoke the warmth and tranquility of summer landscapes.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Living in the Country Start here — This opening track sets the tone for the entire album with its gentle flow, encapsulating the essence of rural life and natural beauty through melodic simplicity.
  • →
    Fragrant Fields — The piece captures a lush auditory landscape filled with vibrant textures, embodying the warmth of summer through its expressive piano lines.
  • →
    Lullaby — With its soft harmonies and calming rhythms, this track showcases Winston’s ability to create a peaceful atmosphere, making it a standout representation of his tranquil style.
  • →
    Goodbye Montana, Part 1 — This track combines nostalgia with a sense of closure, using delicate melodies to evoke memories of place and time while maintaining an ethereal quality.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

Instrumental
59 /100
Treeline
Higher than 57% of albums we've rated

The album's serene piano compositions create a cohesive atmosphere, though it may not offer significant depth on repeated listens.

What we noticed

  • The album features a consistent use of solo piano throughout, with each track averaging around three to five minutes in length.
  • Several tracks employ a repetitive melodic motif that evolves gradually, creating a sense of continuity across the record.
  • The first half of the album maintains a serene and uplifting tone, while the second half introduces slightly more varied dynamics and emotional nuances.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
6/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
7/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • steady melodic exploration
  • serene afternoon relaxation
  • gentle background ambiance
  • tranquil morning reflections
  • warm nostalgic soundscapes

Maybe skip if you

  • seeking high-energy excitement
  • prefer quick, catchy tunes

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Fan Favorite — Beloved by fans for its serene melodies, though not the most accessible entry point.
Themes
rural tranquility· fragrant fields· nostalgic landscapes
Career context
Released in 1991, 'Summer' is George Winston's fourth album, following his breakthrough work 'December' (1982) which established him as a key figure in the new age music genre. At this point, Winston had solidified his signature style, characterized by reflective piano compositions inspired by nature, further expanding his audience with this thematic exploration of summer.
Stylistic neighbors
Ludovico Einaudi· Yann Tiersen· Philip Glass

Tracklist

  • 1 Living in the Country Start here 3:51
  • 2 Loreta and Desireé’s Bouquet, Part 1 4:04
  • 3 Loreta and Desireé’s Bouquet, Part 2 3:28
  • 4 Fragrant Fields 4:01
  • 5 The Garden 3:06
  • 6 Spring Creek 4:08
  • 7 Lullaby 3:25
  • 8 Black Stallion 3:49
  • 9 Hummingbird 5:07
  • 10 Early Morning Range 2:59
  • 11 Living Without You 6:01
  • 12 Goodbye Montana, Part 1 2:15
  • 13 Corrina, Corrina 4:24
  • 14 Goodbye Montana, Part 2 3:11
  • 15 Where Are You Now 3:23

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata