September and October are packed with some major album releases, from indie pop to alternative rock. With artists like Fountains DC, Beabadoobee, Dominic Fike, and yes Mac Miller all bringing new music into this fall, there’s something for everyone to enjoy this season. Here are some of my top picks.
September 18th- The most major release day
Lizzy McAlpine: Angel
Lizzy McAlpine’s 4th studio album is a highly anticipated release. She has described the album as a very personal 14 track album. The first song on the album, “The Light in the Painting” has already been released and definitely sets the stage for an intimate album.
Beabadoobee: Pylon
Pylon is shaping up to be heavily influenced by ’90s alternative rock. Also a 14 track album with 3 songs out already, Pylon appears to stand out from her previous work. The guest list is stacked with artists Hayley Williams, Chino Moreno of Deftones, Brendan Yates of Turnstile, Evan Stephens Hall of Pinegrove, and Matty Healy and George Daniel. This album is definitely going to find its way onto my monthly playlist rotation.
Carly Rae Jepsen: Day and Night
Finally my concept album dreams have been answered. Day and Night will be a 24 track double album. 12 “Day” songs and 12 “Night” songs. The Day half leans toward psychedelic pop, while Night is more dance pop. Carly has described the album as existing in a dreamy space where day and night blur together. This could very well be one of the biggest pop releases of fall. I can’t wait to sit down with this album.
After: Fell Asleep in the Sun
This 13 track album with one single, “Take Me to Sunrise” out now gives off a dreamy atmospheric feeling. Given After’s musical history, I predict the album will follow the same vibe and it’s early work.
Slow Pulp: Melodie
I have been eagerly awaiting this album. Three songs off the album, “Better Man”, “Not for Nothing”, and “Spill” introduce an alt-rock sound with room for quiet moments. I can see this album being the backbone to my fall playlist.
October 2nd
Mac Miller: The Divine Feminine (10th Anniversary Edition)
As much as I wish I could be expecting a new album from Mac Miller, this is not a new album, but is a significant release. This edition of The Divine Feminine will include 3 unreleased songs, including one now titled “Butterflies” featuring Thundercat on Bass. I may be buying a Vinyl of this edition to add to my collection.
October 9th- Another huge day
Troye Sivan: She’s the Best
This 13 track album begins with the song “She’s the Best” which is out now. I would be lying if I said this song hasn’t been on repeat for me even in my more recent music slump. This sounds like a continuation of Troye’s smooth layered alt-pop. I will be listening to this album first on October 9th.
Dominic Fike: How To Quit Smoking
How To Quit Smoking, is Domonic Fike’s 6th album providing some length at 15 tracks, compared to some of his more recent albums. Track one, “Wallflower” is out now and is comparable to the vibe of his most recent album Rocket.
Remi Wolf: Mud
This album is calling for more emotion than Remi Wolf has ever presented musically. In a Pitchfork interview she described the album’s emotional starting point as feeling like she was “covered in shit,” while finishing it feeling clean and clear. “Twiggy” is out and is about being involved with people who lack both physical and emotional availability. “Bottle” is also out now about addressing the frustrating feeling of knowing you need to change but repeatedly ending up in the same place. This will be a funky album both musically and emotionally.
Greta Van Fleet: Palace For People
If you’re looking for something completely different from the music releases I’ve discussed so far this is the one for you. Expect the band’s big 70s-rock-inspired sound, comparable to Led Zeppelin.
Sheryl Crow: Pick You Up
Also different from the albums I’ve discussed, This is leaning in a more country-rock direction. It’s a surprisingly short 7-track album, with “Freedom Bus” featuring Jesse Welles. This will surely add some variety to my somewhat genre consistent options thus far.
October 16th
Fontaines D.C.: Dopamine Chamber
If you’re looking for something a little darker this fall, check out Fontaines D.C. The Irish band is seemingly headed into electronic territory rather than simply making another post-punk album. “Marianne” is the second track on the album out now with a definite euphoric feel. I am excited to wind down with this album this fall.
With so many albums arriving within just a few weeks, this fall is going to be a great one for music lovers. There’s no shortage of new music to add to your rotation. From September’s packed release day to the wave of albums arriving throughout October, there’s plenty to look forward to. So grab your headphones, make a new playlist and get ready to find your favorite album of the season.