There are many bands in the music world that have found enough success to release a well-known single.
Of course, many artists have more than one successful single, but this is becoming more and more of a rarity.
The trouble with this, however, is that you might love an artist’s entire album, but never know because it isn’t as popular. For this reason, I’ve compiled a list of popular artists whose albums, I believe, are just as valuable – sometimes more so – than their singles.
Artist: The Neighbourhood.
Single: "Sweater Weather."
Album: I Love You.
Sweater Weather resonated with me from the first day I heard it. I love The Neighborood’s darker vibe and the way these emotions come out in each of the songs on the album. Sweater Weather is a bit lighter,, compared to their counterparts, with a faster tempo and chorus, yet all the songs come together to form a cohesive whole. The album is a matured version of the angsty music we were all guilty of loving in our early teens. As a relatively recent band, The Neighbourhood is just getting started. Songs to check out: "Let It Go," and "Female Robbery."
Artist: Fun.
Singles: "We Are Young" and "Some Nights."
Album(s): Aim and Ignite, Some Nights.
Both of Fun’s singles took off with incredible force, rapidly making them a household name. The lead singer, Nate Ruess, has an easily recognizable voice which is a key component of each song on both albums. If this is one of your favorite aspects of the singles, then I would highly encourage you to explore the rest of their discography. Both a pro and con, many of the songs are very similar; they all rely heavily on catchy beats and full sound. Because of this, they’re a must-see during concert season. Songs to check out: "Barlights," and "Out On The Town."
Artist: Kings of Leon.
Single(s): "Use Somebody" and "Sex On Fire."
Album(s): Mechanical Bull, Only By The Night.
Kings of Leon has more than two albums, however, Mechanical Bull and Only By The Night are the ones I listen to and love the most. It’s all about Caleb Followill’s voice. If the fact that you can’t understand every syllable he sings will bother you, then I can’t recommend, but I urge you to at least give the rest of these albums a listen through. I won’t pretend to be unbiased. The band formed very close to my hometown, which bring nostalgia into my KOL fandom. Beyond that, it’s the only rock style music I listen to. The albums are so incredibly thought out, from the mix of tempos to the way things transition. If there’s a road trip in your future, these albums really make the time pass faster. Songs to check out: "Supersoaker" and "Manhattan."
Artist: Young the Giant.
Single(s): "Cough Syrup" and "My Body."
Album(s): Young The Giant and Mind Over Matter.
Young The Giant offers the perfect walking to class music. Most of the songs on both albums are a complete blast to listen to. Beyond a simple sense of enjoyment, however, you have to respect all the different pieces that overlap to make one song. This is true of all the bands on this list, but it’s slightly more obvious with YTG. The music is complex, but easy to listen to, and the vocals are so full of talent. Most importantly, I believe these albums appeal to truly anyone, no matter their favorite genre. Songs to check out: "Apartment," "Anagram" and "In My Home."
