Summer 2021 was filled with amazing music releases. After nearly a year in quarantine, plenty of artists had wonderful music ready to be released into the world. Here are just five albums released this summer that you should be listening to.
- When Facing things we turn away from – Luke Hemmings
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Luke Hemmings released his debut solo album, “When Facing the Things We Turn Away From,” on August 13, 2021. Hemmings is most popularly known for being in the band 5 Seconds of Summer, but he introduced his solo sound to the world with his album’s lead single “Starting Line.” This first track gave new listeners and longtime fans a taste of Hemmings’ more personalized and vulnerable songwriting style. The album showcases his incredible abilities as a vocalist, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist.
Tracks to listen to: Motion, Place in Me, Baby Blue
- lately i feel everything – willow
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WILLOW released her fourth studio album, “lately I feel EVERYTHING,” on July 16, 2021. This album debuts her newfound pop-rock-inspired sonic direction. WILLOW collaborated with pop-punk icon Travis Barker for the album’s lead single “t r a n s p a r e n t s o u l.” The album also features collaborations with Avril Lavigne, Tierra Whack, Cherry Glazerr, and Ayla Tesler-Mabe. On “lately I feel EVERYTHING,” WILLOW displays her edgy new sound and bold, unapologetic lyricism.
Tracks to listen to: don’t SAVE ME, XTRA, Lipstick
- It won’t always be like this – inhaler
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Irish rock band Inhaler debuted their first album, “It Won’t Always Be Like This,” on July 9, 2021. The album is laden with anthemic guitar riffs, infectious melodies, and optimistic, youthful lyrics. With Josh Jenkinson on lead guitar, Ryan McMahon on drums, Robert Keating on bass, and Elijah Hewson as the lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist, this immensely talented group has created a truly remarkable album.
Tracks to listen to: It Won’t Always Be Like This, Cheer Up Baby, My Honest Face
- Jubilee – Japanese breakfast
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“Jubilee,” the third album from Japanese Breakfast, was released on June 4, 2021. Michelle Zauner, the talented multi-hyphenate behind Japanese Breakfast, takes on a more optimistic direction in “Jubilee,” contrasting her previous albums. The singles “Be Sweet,” “Posing in Bondage,” and “Savage Good Boy,” allowed listeners a sneak peek of Zauner’s masterful lyricism and sonic pioneering ahead of the album’s release.
Tracks to listen to: Paprika, Kokomo, IN, Slide Tackle
- Blue weekend – wolf alice
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Wolf Alice released their third studio album, “Blue Weekend,” on June 4, 2021. Lead singer Ellie Roswell’s striking vocals and the album’s stellar soundscape make for an unforgettable listening experience. The singles “The Last Man on Earth,” “Smile,” “No Hard Feelings,” and “How Can I Make It OK?” preceded the album and showcased the band’s proficiency in creating extraordinary works of art.
Tracks to listen to: Play the Greatest Hits, Feeling Myself, Lipstick on the Glass