With COVID-19, you could say that March was a bleak month. However, I still managed to find some serotonin, mostly because various artists were dropping albums. One could even say that there was at least one album that dropped every week. These are my personal favorites.
- “After Hours” by The Weeknd
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“After Hours” is definitely my favorite album on this list. XO has been waiting patiently for the past four years for Abel Tesfaye to release a full-length album. After listening to it, I can safely say that it was worth the wait. Tesfaye ventures back into his feels era and explores heartbreak and healing in “After Hours.” It has a slight infusion of his “Trilogy” and “Beauty Behind The Madness” eras. However, it does still stand out as a masterpiece that cannot be compared to his other albums.
My Top Picks: “Alone Again,” “After Hours,” “Until I Bleed Out”
- “Eternal Atake” by Lil Uzi Vert
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Lil Uzi Vert is one of my favorite artists of all time. With “Sanguine Paradise” being my top Spotify song for 2019, I was excited to see if any songs on the album had the potential to be my top song for 2020. It is safe to say that I was not let down. I never skipped a single song while listening to it for the very first time. The album starts off strong with “Baby Pluto” and ends with “That Way,” which samples the iconic Backstreet Boys. Lil Uzi Vert also decided to include “LUV vs. The World 2” on the deluxe version of “Eternal Atake,” which means that he released a total of 32 songs in March. With that many songs out, you’re bound to find a favorite!
My Top Picks: “Baby Pluto,” “Celebration Station,” “P2”
- “Future Nostalgia” by Dua Lipa
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Dua Lipa has done it again. Her sophomore album, titled “Future Nostalgia,” redefines the definition of pop music. Initially scheduled to release on April 3 2020, it was released on March 27, 2020 as it had been leaked. However, this did not hinder her album’s performance when it came to the charts. The multitude of upbeat pop tracks can be soothing to listen to, especially during a time like this.
My Top Picks: “Physical,” “Love Again,” “Break My Heart”
- “YHLQMDLG” by Bad Bunny
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Now, despite the album releasing on February 29, it took me a full week after the release to listen to this album. “YHLQMDLG” (Yo hago lo que me da la gana), which is Spanish for “I Do What I Want,” is Bad Bunny’s second full studio album. His album title is fitting, as he has always done whatever he wants to do. He has continuously made political statements (which other Latin artists tend to shy away from) and defies gender stereotypes, whether that’s by wearing acrylic nails or dressing in drag for the “Yo Perreo Sola” music video. Like Dua Lipa, he made a stellar sophomore album that is worth checking out, no matter what your music taste might be.
My Top Picks: “La Santa,” “Yo Perreo Sola,” “Vete”
- “CALM” by 5SOS
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Now, before you scoff at the fact I included 5SOS on this list, I highly recommend you give this album a listen. I first heard it when I was in the car with my friend and had no idea that she was playing the album until she told me. This album is definitely different from the music they usually make, but I’m not complaining. 5SOS is definitely shielding away from a teenage angst era and is slowly venturing into a more young adult, feel-good vibe.
My Top Picks: “Red Desert,” “Teeth,” “Lover of Mine”
I hope at least one of these albums has piqued your interest. They might all be of different genres, but definitely are similar as they all show the immense talent the artists have.