The semester is marching on, and it’s no secret that some of us are struggling to stay on our feet in the final months of it. I’m not going to pretend that I’m not one of the first people to start listening to Christmas music (regardless of whether or not I already am, which I definitely am), but the past ten months have given us such an abundance of fantastic music too, and I feel like it needs to be talked about. After all, where would we be without a good jam session every once in a while? I know you’re going to be looking for a study break sooner or later, or maybe you’re just looking for some new recommendations, so when you get the chance, give these four albums a listen if you haven’t already, and pass them on.
- Haim- Something to Tell You
After the four years that followed ‘Days Are Gone’, this album was the perfect return for this dynamic sister trio. ‘Something to Tell You’ is a bittersweet take on love and loss that will keep you singing along the entire time. The hard work that went into making this album unique is evident- no track on this album sounds like the one it follows. From the striking opening and eagerness of ‘Want You Back’ to the finality in the simplicity of ‘Walking Away’, this album is proof that girls are better together, no matter what comes and goes.
- LANY- LANY
Although they have released smaller collections in the past, LANY’s self-titled album is the first of its length from this band, and it was clearly worth the wait. Everything about this album is so completely catchy- you’ll have ‘ILYSB’ stuck in your head for days, but you won’t be mad about it. Tracks like ‘Super Far’ and ‘Dumb Stuff’ add a contrast to the bubblegum feel that the more love-struck parts of the album provide. This is an album to turn all the way up when the windows come down.
3. The xx- I See You
The xx continued to shine in a way that’s unique to them this summer with their newest album, I See You. The foot-tapping opening track, ‘Dangerous’ sets the tone high with its upbeat and bold attitude, and it only becomes more climactic with pleading tracks like ‘Test Me’ and ‘Replica’. The xx has done it again, somehow managing to both build you up and tear you down in 13 tracks.
4. DAMN. – Kendrick Lamar
This list wouldn’t be complete without Kendrick Lamar’s explosive latest release. Rated #1 of Rolling Stone’s favorite albums of 2017* and receiving one of Pitchfork’s highest contributor ratings of 9.2, DAMN. undeniably impressed and enlightened the masses. ‘DNA’ and ‘FEEL’ are two examples of Lamar’s brutal honesty that continues into the softer notes of ‘LOVE’ and the desperation in ‘FEAR’. With the story that is told through this album, Kendrick Lamar reaches an all-time high in his ability to crash through things that other artists will barely touch.