The end of year brings a lot with it: stressful finals, endless dream Christmas lists, the excitement of reading 10 new books over break for fun (yes, I read for fun), the first installment in the new "Star Wars" movies and finally, great music. The Grammys will be here before we know it, Feb. 16, and although we've had great jams all year, artists drop albums just in time to be contenders for top awards like Record of the Year, won by Sam Smith last year for "Stay With Me." Here's a quick rundown of some of the latest releases and ones to look forward to before the ball drops and rings in the new year.
One Direction released their fifth studio album, and first without lead singer Zayn Malik on Nov. 13, and I just have to say it: it's awesome. I'm 20 years old, and I fully admit still loving this British boy band. I'm sorry, I just can't help it. "Made In The A.M." is filled with all the classics: straight jams, piano ballads, kind-of-sounds-like-they're-just-talking-with-random-saxophone-solos, and everything in between.
My favorites:
"Love You Goodbye"
I can just see this being performed in a huge arena *that guitar riff!!* but they're taking a hiatus from tours...single tear.
"I Want to Write You a Song"
This slow acoustic number with perfect harmonies, sans Zayn, gives me life.
"Perfect"
I can just imagine myself causing trouble in hotel rooms and having secret, little rendezvouses that Harry so beautifully sings about.
Ugh. Why is Justin Bieber making us love him again? After really cleaning up his act, apologizing to the world for being a punk, and being in too many Calvin Klein ads to count, Mr. Bieber dropped "Purpose" on Nov. 13. The boy has really matured and that shows in this album, with songs like "Life Is Worth Living" containing lyrics like, "What I'd give for my reflection/Is a different perception/From what the world may see/They try to crucify me/I ain't perfect, won't deny/My reputation's on the line/So I'm working on a better me." It's a great piano ballad, but don't fret, he comes through with the jams. "Sorry," anyone? On repeat.
My favorites:
"Love Yourself"
Whoever Bieber is talking about, he certainly roasts them, but with catchy lyrics and a bass line we can't stop bopping our heads to.
"The Feeling feat. Hasley"
I have a lot of feelings about "The Feeling," and they're all positive feelings.
"Company"
This is your new favorite pregame jam with your girls. Guaranteed.
My favorites:
"When We Were Young"
Adele's a lyrical genius and this song makes me think I just ran into an ex whom I dated for 10 years. I didn't. Grab a bottle of wine and prepare for your new go-to crying song.
"Remedy"
A nice change from heartbreak songs, Adele is the "remedy" to her lover's too-deep past scars.
"Sweetest Devotion"
Distinctly different, this song features a fuller band including a prominent guitar part and lyrics that are just the sweetest, which I believe are dedicated to her 3-year-old son, Angelo James: "I wasn't ready then; I'm ready now/I'm heading straight for you/You will only be eternally/The one that I belong to/The sweetest devotion."
Notable Singles:
"All My Friends" - Snakehips ft. Tinashe & Chance The Rapper
"Here" - Alessia Cara
"Mess Around" and "Trouble" - Cage The Elephant
(Their third album, "Tell Me I'm Pretty," comes out Dec. 18, and was produced by Black Keys' Dan Auerbach.)
Keep Calm and Listen On!
