In the age of playlists and digital music, the practice of listening to an album from beginning to end has become a dying custom. I am a firm believer that in order to fully understand an artist’s intentions and vision, you have to listen to an album in full. The tracklist order is an absolutely crucial part of the storytelling. You can better connect patterns in songs throughout albums, which in turn can give your favorite songs a deeper and more complete meaning. You must open yourself up to the lore of an album because only then will the songs impact you in all their capacity. With that being said, music is a tool I use to track time, special moments, and feelings. Here are the 10 albums that served as the soundtrack for my first year of college in no particular order.
1. folklore — Taylor Swift
My favorite songs on this album are “seven” and “peace.”
All 63 minutes of folklore perfectly encapsulate nostalgia. The speaker in many of these songs shares their wistful thinking, anticipation, and gratefulness for their hardships. Heartbreak and whim are intertwined perfectly. For me, it always provided the odd comfort of melancholy. I honestly listened to this album in every situation imaginable, and I would highly recommend it to anyone going through their first year of college, a time that can be very transformative as well as lonely.
2. Punisher — Phoebe Bridgers
My favorite songs are “Chinese Satellite” and “ICU.”
Phoebe Bridgers created something so heart-wrenchingly raw and authentic with this album. Her songs are comprised of so many personal anecdotes, and yet they are still so relatable. This album, to me, feels like growing pains. It is angry at times, always poetic, and would serve as a release. Punisher captures the weariness that you may feel when adjusting to a new life. I actually saw Phoebe perform this album live in October during my first year, and so I always associate this album with my trip to Berkeley and the excitedness I felt while traveling independently.
3. Loose — Nelly Furtado
My favorite songs are “Say It Right” and “Te Busque.”
This album is sexy, empowering, and always uplifting. It’s also jam-packed with hype songs, perfect for dorm dance parties and working out. I would go on jogs to this album; it’s flirty, fun, and has the best rhythms.
4. Blind — The Sundays
My favorite songs are “What Do You Think?” And “I Feel.”
The best way I can describe this album is that it feels like a bowl of warm soup — it’s warm, gentle, and just makes you feel good. I used to love going on morning walks or bike rides while listening to Blind because it is so relaxing, while also sounding like a movie soundtrack.
5. Circles — Mac Miller
My favorite songs are “Woods” and “Circles.”
When I was in high school, my friends and I listened to Mac Miller frequently, especially during runs for cross country. Listening to him reminds me of the good times and great friends. What I appreciate most about this album is that it is music that sounds great, but grapples with very real feelings. I felt as if Mac’s music matured along with me. The messages are very sweet and encouraging as well, soothing — the perfect remedy for loneliness or disappointment.
6. All Things Must Pass — George Harrison
My favorite songs are “I’d Have You Anytime” and “I Live For You.”
If listened to in order, it’s an album with a lot of genre switches (rock to folk to ballad to instrumental) and yet it does not disrupt the continuity. There are some truly heartbreaking songs about love and life, growing old, feeling connected to a higher power, moving on, etc. The lyrics are achy and filled with longing, and acceptance as well, which always reminded me of all the people I love and miss back home.
7. Thank Me Later — Drake
My favorite songs on this album are “Find Your Love” and “Miss Me.”
There are some great hype songs to listen to before going out to party, but the lyrics have depth. Not to mention the incredible features. I have loved Drake forever, but I really enjoy his singing more than his rapping, which he showcases in this album. There are so many different flows that it doesn’t get too repetitive and can be listened to over and over before ever getting old.
8. Norman Fucking Rockwell — Lana Del Rey
My favorite songs on this album are “How to disappear” and “Cinnamon Girl.”
When I entered my first year of college, I was getting over a breakup from a three-year-long relationship and this album was perfect for me. It captures the feelings of sadness, healing, regaining confidence, and clarity. These subjects are definitely something that can stir up a lot of anger and volume, but Lana manages to relay the full scope of her emotion in a peaceful and timeless way. Randomly enough, I also found it to be really nice study music.
9. Laurell Hell — Mitski
My favorite songs are “I Guess” and “The Only Heartbreaker.”
Mitski created an album that allowed me to grieve and process the losses I endured, while also valuing the good and opportunity to come. This album has great lyrics and just sounds really cool. It’s perfect for commuting to class.
10. Yankee Hotel Foxtrot — Wilco
My favorite songs on this album are “Jesus, Etc.” and “War on War.”
This art rock, experimental album is perfect in my eyes. Every song is so good, and I especially loved to listen to it on weekend mornings while cleaning up and making breakfast before starting homework. It just set up a great foundation for the rest of the day.
I hope you enjoyed this trip down my musical memory lane, and in turn, I encourage you to reflect on the music you have enjoyed during certain life events. I highly recommend giving all of these albums a listen, because they truly are works of art.