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Head(phone)s Up

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Bettina Weiss Student Contributor, Connecticut College
This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Conn Coll chapter and does not reflect the views of Her Campus.

Album Alert!  What to download & anticipate this fall…

Gavin DeGraw Sweeter, Released September 20, 2011

Demi Lovato Unbroken, Released September 20, 2011

Three years since his last album, Gavin DeGraw’s new album Sweeter is somewhat like going home again. The messages DeGraw chooses to convey, although not earth-shattering or controversial, are familiar and welcoming because of the distinctiveness of his voice. Whether you recognize it from the beginning of One Tree Hill or the months in the summer of 2008 when Chariot was played after every other song on the radio, his voice can be picked out of the bustle of a crowded train station.

The album’s namesake “Sweeter” can take on the same role that “Chariot” did in the- a great paced sing-along. “Not Over You”  falls into that category as well. Many of the songs on the album are similarly paced. As in the past, DeGraw holds much strength in his slow and soulful songs too. He showcases this talent with “You Know Where I’m At” and “Spell It Out”. 

DeGraw is recovering from an attack in August in New York City from which he suffered a broken nose, a concussion, and other injuries. We hope he’s making a speedy recovery and his fans are comfortably at home again with this album. 

If you’re looking for another radio hit from a Disney auto-tune artist, Demi Lovato’s new CD is out. With tracks featuring Missy Elliot, Timbaland, Dev, Iyaz, and Jason Derulo, Lovato appeals to the top 20 audiences thoroughly. 

In an ABC News interview Lovato told of her struggles with an eating disorder. She sought treatment after an incident involving one of her backup dancers. This album reflects some of her personal struggles in songs like “Lightweight” and radio hit “Skyscraper”. 

Newly released! Blink 182’s album Neighborhoods will be officially released on September 27. This is the band’s newest full album since 2001. Their greatest hits album was released in 2005 after they disbanded, but it looks like they’re going to need to revise their list of chart topping songs after Neighborhoods hits the neighborhood. Blink fanatics have been awaiting new material and got a taste of it on the band’s tour this summer. Hopefully the hiatus did these punk stars some good and the result of time off will be time well spent. 

Wilco has been around since 1994, and they’ve got experience on their side. Known for refusing to make themselves commercially workable, Wilco has had to trudge through adversity from record labels and cope with the departure of several members. Despite the struggles, the band has seen its name at the top five spot on U.S. album charts for their 6th album Sky Blue Sky in 2007. The Whole Love, set to be released on September 27, is the band’s eighth album and if nothing else, will be a treat to Rock fans who are ready for some unadulterated music.

Coming soon:

September 27 

Blink 182 Neighborhoods

Wilco The Whole Love

October 4

Mary J. Blige My Life II…The Journey Continues

New Found Glory Radio Surgery

October 24 

Kelly Clarkson Stronger

Coldplay Mylo Xyloto

Drake Take Care

November 1

Florence and the Machines Ceremonials

I am a junior and a Campus Correspondent for Connecticut College! I am majoring in American Studies and a PICA scholar. I was a High School Ambassador for HerCampus in 2010-2011 and a contibuting writer 2011-2012. I love writing, editing, and social media. This fall, I am a Student Coordinator for the Women's Center, a photographer for College Relations, and am also a member of SafetyNet. When I'm not writing, I love being outside and enjoy many many different types of music. I also enjoy shopping at the Container Store, sharpie markers, thunderstorms, onesies, Gilmore Girls, The Newsroom, New Girl, 60 Minutes, and The West Wing.