This year has been one of the densest in terms of music, probably since 2013 in my opinion. There have been numerous notable releases by artists such as Sufjan Stevens, Adele, Rae Sremmurd, and others. The following list contains just a handful of albums which I highly recommend due to how thought provoking, different, and enjoyable they are. Underneath each album cover will be a personal description and the occasions I find myself listening to each one of them.
Sufjan Stevens - Carrie & Lowell
Sufjan Stevens is a Detroit born artist whose roots lie in the Indie Folk and Baroque Pop genres of music. In his latest album, "Carrie & Lowell," Sufjan finds himself contemplating his status in regards to his relationship with his family. This album was inspired by the recent death of his mother, Carrie. The whole album has a very soft and melancholy tone to it and is not for the weak of heart. I found myself listening to this album when being under the weather or feeling alone. A nice setting to listen to this album is during a late night car ride. Nothing but darkness surrounding the car, all but the front headlights unveiling a constant pair of yellow markings on the road in front, really put me in the optimal mood and setting to enjoy this beautiful and reflective album.
Hop Along - Painted Shut
Hop Along is a Philadelphia native Indie Rock and Folk band. Painted Shut is the third album released under their name. This album contains some rock and pop influences, but sticks to a Midwest emo niche in terms of genre. The lead singer, Frances Quinlan, has a huge presence in each song. She manages to create astounding vocal landscapes which range from "smooth as butter" to very agitated and unfixed. This creates an extremely enjoyable experience throughout the album due to the vast dynamics her voice can reach, always keeping the listener on the edge. I found myself listening to Hop Along's album while on a walk, studying, or just laying down during the day. The songs on this album allow the listener to not have to get too invested in the material in order to really enjoy it, which is awesome for someone who would like to listen to music when relaxing.
FKA twigs - M3LL155X
FKA twigs, an upcoming British music star, is making a scene in the pop music genre. Her EP titled M3LL155X, which released in August, is a mix between Art Pop, Glitch Pop, and R&B all intertwined within five songs. From beginning to end she sets out to put the listener in a trance, using soft synths, pounding bass lines, and singing that flows like water along the instrumentals. The EP is short and sweet, but lasts long after it is over, leaving its mark in your mind, as if the music attached a ball and chain to your brain. FKA twigs sets out to make an album that is abrasive and "out there" while sticking to conventional pop layouts, and it sounds superb. I listen to this album when I am in the mood to relax or question who I am and why I think the way I do, whatever that means.
