Of the few albums that I can confidently admit have changed every aspect of my thinking, Lorde's "Melodrama" is one of the winner here.

The weight of every single line in every single track is comparable to the feeling of warmth and understanding you get whenever you hug your best friend. Each listen brings forth unexplored emotions and thoughts, adding layers to your own experiences. This album was written by a 19-year-old in the midst of finding her own identity and I think that speaks volumes for many.

Finding art that truly encompasses your own moods, lifestyle and changes can feel eye-opening. The happy anthems that scream stories of pure joy among the heart-wrenching ballads of self-awareness make you feel like part of something bigger than just what is in your own mind. A year later and these stories are still highly relevant and continue to be.

I still remember where I was and what I was doing when "Melodrama" was released. I was in the car on my way to work, sitting in traffic and letting Lorde's poetry permeate my surroundings. "Green Light," the opening song of the record, filled each crevice with promise. The rest of the album progresses and provides reassurance and support. While I could easily go on about each track, I've been able to pick out certain themes that resonate with me as the album ages.

Something that has become increasingly apparent to me is that people will change their minds and you are not at fault for that. "Liability," "Writer In The Dark" and "Hard Feelings," the three big ballads of the record, exemplify this the most. It can be a rough concept to grasp as we instinctively want to blame ourselves for the actions of others. I think this realization came to me after hearing these songs live and then experiencing them firsthand. The struggle in Lorde's voice as she sang the lyrics to these songs is something that has not left my memory, and it gives them more meaning, if that was even possible.

"Melodrama" has also taught me the significance of dancing with my friends. I don't think I've ever felt as happy or as euphoric as when I'm screaming the lyrics to "Perfect Places" or "Homemade Dynamite" with the people I love. The intense bonding that happens in those moments are truly unforgettable and I'm forever grateful. This album is so meaningful to me and my friends that whenever any of us experience a big moment, whether good or bad, our immediate response is "Want to come over and listen to 'Melodrama' with me?"

And most importantly, this album has taught me to be true and unapologetic.

It's crucial to learn to be self-aware. Lines like "In my head I do everything right" point to the fact that you can't keep kidding yourself. It's okay to be "too much" because the right people will still stick with you. They will support you and reciprocate the energy that you put out there. Caring for yourself, being true to yourself and not apologizing for any of that will make all the difference.

So thank you, "Melodrama," for being the most important album in my life and the lives of many, many others. Happy one year.