College is a period of self-discovery and soaking up the feelings of youth. Music can intensify moments that are horrible and beautiful alike. While I cannot say that there is one artist or record that can define this time period, there are certainly ones that can make it better. As I approach graduation, I am reflecting on the records that I find myself returning to over the years. Here are some of my personal favorite records that I discovered in college.Â
- Visions of a life, Wolf Alice
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Visions of a Life, the second record from the London-based alternative group Wolf Alice, boldly confronts grief, loneliness, and nostalgia. Released in September 2017 through Dirty Hit and produced by Justin Meldal-Johnsen, this noisy record peaked near the top of the UK Official Independent Albums Chart in October 2017. This record is angry, vulnerable, and confessional. The opening track (“Heavenward”) and eight-minute closing track (“Visions of a Life”) both tackle a heavy subject: death. Still, the final lyrics of the record remain hopeful, with a reminder that even half of a heart is better than one that does not beat.Â
- Heaven Knows, PinkPantheressÂ
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Beyond the Ice Spice featured viral track “Boy’s a Liar, Pt. 2,” Heaven Knows stands out in PinkPantheress’ discography, serving as the English singer-songwriter’s debut studio album. Released in November 2023 through Warner UK, the record features collaborations from Kelela, Rema, and Central Cee. Whether it’s a failed attempt at giving out romantic signals (“Blue”) or a stan culture confessional (“True Romance,” PinkPantheress is a voice for anyone in Gen Z who grew up on the internet.Â
- RENAISSANCE, BeyoncĂ©Â
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RENAISSANCE is the first in BeyoncĂ©’s three-act project, a set of records recorded throughout the pandemic in a three-year span, according to a statement made on her official website. After initially planning to release Cowboy Carter first, BeyoncĂ© eventually let RENAISSANCE come out before, citing the heaviness of the pandemic and a need for dance music. RENAISSANCE features seamless transitions (“PURE/HONEY” to “SUMMER RENAISSANCE”) from song to song, and inspiration hailed from queer ballroom culture. Act I is just another reminder that BeyoncĂ© has nothing to prove and that she has earned her place at the top of pop music.Â
Photo by Cliff Lipson / CBS - Solar Power, LordeÂ
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Solar Power has divided Lorde fans since its release in August 2021. Hot take: I think that this is her best record. From the moment I first heard the satire of “Mood Ring,” I was hooked. “Big Star” is a tear-jerker, with Lorde giving a shoutout to her late dog, Pearl. Of course, one cannot write about Solar Power without mentioning the coming-of-age spoken outro feature from Robyn in “Secrets of a Girl (Who’s Seen It All).” “Welcome to sadness. The temperature is unbearable until you face it,” the Swedish singer says as she accompanies Lorde in a tale of growing up and dealing with problems head-on.Â
- Once Twice Melody, Beach HouseÂ
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This is the eighth studio album by Beach House, released by the Baltimore duo in 2022 through Sub Pop. Once Twice Melody is accompanied by visuals for each song, all of which were released throughout four months in four different chapters. The record explores topics such as dating in the digital age (“New Romance”) and connections that open up a new outlook on life (“Through Me.”) The title track is sure to lure listeners into a field of flowers.Â
