I figured I've written about so much serious stuff lately, I've earned the right to write something a bit more fun instead. While mostly a fun topic to discuss, music has been a constant, unshakable part of my life for as long as I can remember.
Music, in tandem with my parents, shaped my idea of romance and love.
Music is the first ingredient of my stress relief practices.
Music singlehandedly proved most effective in curbing my anger issues as an adolescent.
Music allows me to focus on writing, driving, homework, you name it.
Music is the first form of connection I attempt to make with new acquaintances.
So here you go, the 10 albums that have nurtured my spark for life, kept me sane, inspired me and lent a shoulder when nothing and no one else ever could:
1. The Hollow - Memphis May Fire
Hands down the best album I’ve ever heard, regardless of genre. It’s like the "Modern Warfare 2" of contemporary metal (for reference, I spent over 1500 hours on that game.) No album will ever come close to the emotion, aggression, passion or romanticism of abandonment that The Hollow provides. This album came out in 2011, around eighth or ninth grade. For most teenagers, it was an awkward and especially burdensome time, and I was no exception. It goes much deeper than simple angst, but that’s a story for another day. When I was angry, furious at the world, this album screamed and seethed for me, so I could let go. If I needed to escape (anything at all), this is the album I had on repeat, at full volume.
My top three: The Victim, The Sinner, The Deceived.
2. Blue Neighbourhood - Troye Sivan
WOW — the only way I can describe "Blue Neighbourhood." Troye somehow managed to become the voice of this generation with an album that reflects the puzzling inconsistencies of youth. With the smoothest voice I’ve ever heard, this album infallibly neutralizes my energy every time. Nothing could ever calm me down as quickly as this album has, repeatedly. It’s been amazing to study and write to, because it’s easy to bring to the forefront of my attention — or tune out altogether — without hassle. Every single song is unique, catchy and meaningful in its own way. Exploring the male psyche with honesty is something Troye and I have in common (or at least I’d like to think so), and this album comes second only to "The Hollow." Did I mention the production on this album is nothing short of perfect?
My top three: SUBURBIA, THE QUIET, EASE.
3. Dissonants - Hands Like Houses
“When the world is spinning and I am standing still, you flicker.” There is no way on earth I would do justice trying to describe the emotions this album raises for me. I spent spring break camping in the mountains, and learned that I had missed out on an entirely different side of my life. It completely shattered my world. And where I once had comfort, plans and direction, I started questioning what I really wanted from life, my priorities and where in the world I fit in. It’s almost as if Hands Like Houses made this album just for me. "Dissonants" is very much a journey of “I know who I am, but where do I fit in now?” It's a masterpiece that leaves me distraught in the best ways every time I listen to it. Read the lyrics if you listen to any of the songs.
My top three: Motion Sickness, Division Symbols, Momentary.
4. Badlands - Halsey
Around October of last year, it was starting to weigh on me that I was almost done with college and had no clue of where to go next or what to do, I only really knew who I was and what I wanted to become. Unsure of the self, while at the same time so concretely aware of the person she is, Halsey’s debut album was relatable from the start. It just felt so right, the way her thoughts echoed mine. Around this time of year, the metal genre usually has nothing substantial to offer and it turns into a waiting game for next year’s Q1 releases. "Badlands" came out of nowhere and had still has me hooked with all its questioning, unbecoming, and failure to find direction in something other than the person you are. I also wrote my best piece of writing while listening to "Badlands."
My top three: Drive, Gasoline, Hurricane.
5. White Noise - PVRIS
When everyone’s asleep and I’m working, writing or just thinking, this is the album I’m playing. It isn’t metal or electronic or pop or alternative. It’s somehow a mix of all four, combining soothing, soaring vocals with dark synths. This album has seen workouts, stimulated multiple pieces of writing, all-nighters for essays and projects, been jammed to in a convertible mustang with my other half, and lulled me to sleep. Brooding, full of depth, calming, and inspiring, "White Noise" has kept me company whenever my energy is neutral or low and I want it to stay that way. I personally believe it plays best when it’s dark outside, cold, raining or snowing. Timeless, in my books.
My top three: Smoke, Holy, Mirrors.
6. Know Hope - The Color Morale
"No direction, and a steady pace." What "The Hollow" did for me in 2011, "Know Hope" did in 2013. Sophomore year of college was a terrible time for me, in a lot of ways. 'Know Hope,' a play on the words ‘no hope,’ is a challenge to the self to get up and keep moving no matter what. It’s one of the angriest, most strong-willed and passionate albums I’ve ever listened to, and it gave me the kick in the backside I needed to make positive changes in my life. Defiance, retaliation, strength, challenge, frustration, it’s all here. As with Dissonants, Know Hope was perfectly timed with its lyrical content and message.
My top three: Strange Comfort, Living Breathing Something, Burn Victims.
7. Collapse - Dangerkids
When it gets dark and the world comes to a close, imagine walking down the street, observing it all, as if you existed in a separate world. This is the soundtrack to that experience. I personally describe the sound that Dangerkids offer as “what Linkin Park could’ve been if they hadn’t become trash.” I relate to this album in multiple ways, the strongest of which is just needing a lot of space at times. The lyrical content has a lot to do with independence and staying true to who you are/what you believe, and both of those happen to be sentiments I strive to represent. This album is just a good fit for my personality.
My top three: Cut Me Out, Hostage, Destroy Yourself.
8. A Spark To Believe - Miss Fortune
This one is special to me because it always reminds me of my best friend. More specifically, I introduced him to this band right when we started getting really close. It’s been over three years since its release, and we still rock out to this album. Every time I play this album, I’m reminded of college, the fun times I had and how liberating it is to ride in a convertible sports car. Musically, this album is exceedingly unique in the alternative metal/rock genre, with unforgettable guitar work and fantastic vocals.
My top three: I’ve Got A Five Point Plan, My Apologies, The Double Threat Of Danger – Acoustic.
9. RISER - Dierks Bentley
This is the album that actually got me into country. Well "country" is a broad term, because it’s just more Dierks Bentley… When other albums get stale for a while, or there’s nothing new to listen to, this is the album I turn to. It’s got heartbreak, love, flippancy, yearning, fun and regret all rolled into one extremely enjoyable album. It’s proved great for shuttle rides, idle musing, homework and eating alone. It also reminds me of my dad and his love of country music, so I suppose that's a bonus too. Love & miss you, dad.
My top three: Riser, Say You Do, Damn These Dreams.
10. Mansion - NF
Pain, anger and frustration. That’s all I can tell you about this album, and you really have to experience it for yourself. The emotion is just so raw, and the production quality is top notch. The congruity of both elements is phenomenal, and even though I wasn’t ‘going through anything’ when I first heard this album, the lyrical content, honesty and outpour of emotion stuck with me to create an unforgettable experience. If I need a quick energy boost, all it takes is a couple of songs off this album to get me going.
My top three: Mansion, Wake Up, Face It.
