Remember back in the good old days when you had to purchase an entire album/CD even if you only want to listen to one song? Oh man, what a time to be alive.
In an age of Spotify playlists, iTunes, Apple Music, etc., it really isn't necessary to buy a whole album. There are quite a few exceptions, but the following are a few of my favorites, which I believe that we as humans have been blessed with.
1. "Submarine" by Alex Turner.
This God-sent piece of art was Alex Turner's his first effort as a solo artist. Turner changed his habitual rock style and delivers five different acoustic/indie folk songs for the movie Submarine. (My favorite film!) One of the songs featured "Piledriver Waltz" was later re-recorded by Turner's band Arctic Monkeys (One of my favorite bands!), for their fourth album "Suck it and See."
Perfect is an understatement for this album. If you're into the indie scene, this is essential to add to your playlist. It gives off a "Catcher in the Rye" teen love vibe that's beautiful to play while studying, driving at night, or on the beach. (My personal favorite) I'm quite picky when it comes to my tunes and I'm not easily impressed. This is the first album I have ever listened to where I am genuinely in love with every single song, melody, lyric, etc.
2. "Songs I Wrote With Amy" by Ed Sheeran
"Songs I Wrote With Amy" is an EP that was independently released by Ed Sheeran on April 4th, 2010. Not many people know about Sheeran's work before his three hugely successful studio albums.
I personally love my little ole' Ed's previous works. The raw grittiness of his voice and his musical style is absolutely gorgeous and nostalgic. "Fire Alarms" ismy favorite on the EP, it describes the mischievous adventures of Ed and his love interest during his school days. To this day, this album still brings back a lot of beautiful memories of my high school sweetheart and I.
3. "The 1975" by The 1975.
This is the first self-titled album by The 1975. Their "melancholic" black and white visual aesthetic is juxtaposed with major keys and what the band calls "classic pop sensibilities." Whatever they're doing, it's got me hooked!
While the riff-heavy sing-alongs are irresistible, the slower and introspective tracks are delightfully nuanced, blanketing atmospheric synths over melodies that take cues from American R&B. A fascinating mixture of polished pop and intricate musicianship.
Not to mention, the lead singer Matt Healy is a total stud muffin.
I mean come on, look at him!
4. "I Like It When You Sleep, for You Are So Beautiful yet So Unaware of It" by The 1975.
Okay, I couldn't include their debut album without talking about their second one...they're both just SO good.
The 1975's sophomore album has a much more distinct and iconoclastic character than their slick debut, drawing from the effervescent polish of early '80s Hot 100 pop. The result is an anthemic as it is intimate. (Dare I say, a religious experience.)
5. "The Art of Celebration" by Rend Collective.
Unlike the previous artists, Rend Collective is a worship band! My favorite one at that.
This was the first album I listened to by the band. Their music is mostly composed of indie/folk worship. My favorite quality of this album and others by Rend Collective is that it focuses on the most important thing; glorifying Jesus. All it takes is to hear the raw and haunting vocals of Gareth Gilkeson bellowing out his love to Christ. Even if you're not religious, the band's energy is simply contagious.
What are you waiting for? Turn up those tunes!
