Music has always been a pivotal part of my life. It is truly fascinating how artists can somehow get into my brain, and craft songs that I relate to on such a deep level. Although some may call the following albums “basic girl music,” these pieces of media continue to hold a special place in my heart. And they are obviously very popular for a reason. Moreover, I want be defined by the things I love.
- MELODRAMA by Lorde
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I remember hearing Melodrama for the first time on the bus my freshman year of high school. I always knew about the artist, Lorde, but never really went out of my way to listen to her. Just from hearing the opening of “Green Light” alone, I knew this album would change my life. From heartache to optimism, it perfectly encapsulates the pure feeling of being a teenager. None of the 11 songs ever get old, and I have probably listened to the album all the way through at least once a week for four years straight. When listening through Melodrama I know that I will, without a doubt, dance and cry multiple times. I feel so blessed to get to experience the excellence of Lorde, and truly can’t wait for L4.
Favorite Song: “Supercut”
- Punisher by phoebe bridgers
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Sophomore year of high school is solely defined by one individual: Phoebe Bridgers. I became super obsessed with her following the release of the album, Punisher. I discovered this album after hearing the song “Kyoto” on TikTok. Although the energy of the album is devastating, I would constantly listen to it regardless of if I was in a happy mood or not. I felt very cool listening to Phoebe, since she was considered pretty “underground” at this time. This love ultimately accumulated to seeing the album performed live in concert. This was my first time going to any concert in almost 10 years, and it was truly one of the greatest shows I have ever been to. Even though I was pretty far away from the stage, I still have never felt more connected to any composition of live music. Getting to scream “I Know the End” with a crowd full of fans was definitely the peak of my life.
Favorite Song: “Graceland Too”
- harry’s house by harry styles
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Going off of sophomore year, Harry Styles blessed me with an invitation to Harry’s House. I vividly recall him announcing the album at lunch, and everyone losing their minds, myself included. Being a complete 180 of the typical “sad girl” music I was listening to at the time, Harry’s House felt like a breath of fresh air. The album felt so fresh and brought me pure happiness with every listen. In a similar fashion to Punisher, I also got to experience this masterpiece live. Seeing that British man prance around the stage made me feel like a little kid again. Being surrounded by other girls in sequins and boas, I felt so connected knowing that we all shared the same adoration for the absolute art being performed. I am still patiently waiting for Mr. Styles to release another album so I can feel that amount of joy again.
Favorite Song: “Keep Driving”
- Immunity by clairo
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Immunity was the album that symbolizes my drives around my small suburban town. It was one of the only albums I would listen to in my car, since I had to listen to chill music so I could pay attention to the road. This album feels like the personification of a cool, gentle breeze on a warm sunny day. That probably sounds very cringe, but all of the songs make me feel like swaying and skipping. I recently listened to it while laying on the South Lawn on campus and felt like the main character in an indie film. In particular, the song “Bags” continues to be one of my favorite songs of all time. It has held a secure spot on the top songs of my Spotify wrap ever since 2021, and allows me to reflect on one of my cherished feelings– yearning.There will be no Clairo shade around here.Â
Favorite Song: “Bags”
- when the pawn… by fiona apple
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While parading through the busy halls of my high school, Fiona Apple blasted in my wired headphones as I reluctantly went to all my classes. In this era, I always tried to be very mysterious and be perceived as cool to my peers. The album, When The Pawn…, solidified this persona to the fullest. Even though I never experienced anything she discusses in the lyrics, I felt aligned with the raw emotion that she presents throughout the entire record. With a very jaded sentiment, I truly felt like no one understood Fiona Apple like me at the time. Every time I revisit this album, I instantly feel the anger that my sixteen-year-old self felt for no particular reason. Unfortunately, the Internet turned her music into just being “female rage” music when it is so much more than that. Her music epitomizes the nature of womanhood, something that I can always run back to with open arms.Â
Favorite Song: “Limp”