Anyone who is familiar with my musical taste knows that I am always craving new music. Oftentimes, when I find a song or album that I like I’ll listen to it non-stop until I get absolutely sick of it. Then, I stop listening to it, forget about it and put it in rotation on my phone for me to rediscover some time in the near future. Because I like getting new music recommendations, I also like to give them. Here are 5 albums that I recommend.
1. "Joanne" by lady Gaga
While it may still be new, I’ve been listening to this album non-stop and don’t intend on putting it down any time soon. Lady Gaga made headlines with the release of “Perfect Illusion,” the first single from her latest album "Joanne". It was the first piece of original music we’ve heard from her since her "Artpop" era. I’ll admit, when I first encountered “Perfect Illusion” I was relatively disappointed; expecting a return to a sound similar to her debut album "The Fame". However, after listening to the entirety of "Joanne" and its bonus tracks, I highly recommend the album to anyone looking for a collection of music that is truly honest and emotional. “Come to Mama” and “Joanne” are my favorite tracks on the album, however I recommend listening to all of them simply because Gaga is able to create such an encapsulating hold on listeners for the entire album that it’s hard to press pause.
2. "Classics" by She & Him
If you’re looking for a more relaxed album, I recommend giving "Classics" by She & Him a listen. "Classics," recorded by actress and singer Zooey Deschanel and M. Ward under the title of She & Him, is a perfect study album. I can’t tell you how many papers I’ve written paper after paper with this album in the background. Consisting of classic songs like “Stars Fell on Alabama” and “Unchained Melody”, "Classics" makes you feel like you’re in your local coffee house during an open mic night. The atmosphere of the entire album is comforting thanks to the Ward’s acoustic production and Deschanel's soothing vocals.
3. "Pure Heroine" by Lorde
When this album was released, Lorde was only 16 years old. Every time I listen to "Pure Heroine" I’m incredibly impressed with Lorde’s songwriting skills. Her masterful use of literary devices and imagery puts her on the same level of some of the best writers in the industry. Not only that, but her writing takes on topics ranging from the negative aspects of being part of a clique (“The Love Club”) to society and the media’s obsession with violence (“Glory and Gore”). My favorite song on the album, “Ribs,” details both the excitement and anxiety of growing up.
4. "Pop Psychology" by Neon Trees
If you’re looking for an indie pop album to dance it out to, then "Pop Psychology" is the album for you. Released by Neon Trees, "Pop Psychology" combined the catchiness of pop music, whilst critiquing pop culture itself. Carried by lead vocals by Tyler Glenn, the album combines perfectly melded guitar riffs and synthesizers. The ballad of the album, “Voices in the Halls,” is a haunting ode to a dead romance. The rest of the album addresses postmodern topics like sending a text after a one-night stand (“Text Me in the Morning”) and the plights of a 21st century relationship (“Love in the 21st Century”).
5. "1000 Forms of Fear" by Sia
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Sia’s comeback album, "1000 Forms of Fear," is by far my favorite album by her. Detailing her battle with addiction and depression, the album contains a mix of both up-tempo songs and emotional ballads. While singles like “Chandelier” and “Elastic Heart” are enjoyable and catchy, the deep cuts of the album are the true stars of "1000 Forms of Fear". The second-to-last track on the album, “Cellophane,” is my personal favorite, as it details Sia’s rescue from self-destruction. Other standout tracks include “Straight for the Knife,” “Dressed in Black” and “Burn the Pages.”
These are only a few of my favorite albums. I plan to do a number of these articles because I have so much music I’d like to share. If you have any recommendations, feel free to note them in the comments below.
