Fall can be the most exciting time of the year with the change in the weather* and the holidays approaching, but mostly because of the vast selection of new music bestowed upon listeners with an appetite for something more than the hits of summer past. Following are some new albums by tried-and-true artists and some by artists who may even be new to you.
*Florida excluded.
Prism by Katy Perry. If you haven’t already heard her roar, Katy Perry drops her fourth studio album tomorrow. With the smashing success of “Roar,” Perry is well on her way to rewriting the historic triumph of her preceding album Teenage Dream. Perry has promised her new music is more mature than her previous work since she has let in the light post-divorce. Two promotional singles “Dark Horse” and “Walking on Air” showcase the spectrum of sounds featured on the album. A standout on the deluxe edition called “Spiritual” was co-written by Perry’s boyfriend John Mayer. Also featured are catchy car-blasters “Birthday” and “This Is How We Do” and Perry’s trademark inspirational power-ballads “Unconditionally” and “This Moment.” Prism casts a light so bright it’ll be stuck in your head through Christmas.
The 1975 by The 1975. The breakout British rock band released their debut studio album in September to positive reviews and impressive sales. After releasing a handful of EPs, the band has finally curated its best tracks onto 16-song album. Current rock with throwback influences from the ‘80s and ‘90s are perfectly meshed on such tracks as “Heart Out” and “Girls.” Though most songs on the album deal with personal subject matter, “Sex” (not as explicit as its title) is an unforgettable straightforward rock song that recounts a rocky relationship. “M.O.N.E.Y.” is the most diverse song with its influences rooted in R&B, while the bellowing chorus in “Talk!” will have you singing along by the second verse. The 1975 has something for everyone and never once bores the listener.
Avril Lavigne by Avril Lavigne. We’ve recently established that interest in Avril Lavigne’s music has waned. However, her new album is sounding fresher and more diverse with each leak. “Sippin’ on Sunshine” is a certified summer jam, while “Give You What You Like” is a hauntingly bare bones love song. Last week Lavigne released her latest single “Let Me Go,” a duet with her husband and Nickelback frontman Chad Kroeger. The song is something of a return to form for the pop punk star, though her overt angst is replaced with maturity. The album is currently available for pre-order and will be in stores on Nov. 5.
Mountains of Sorrow, Rivers of Song by Amos Lee. You may not know who Amos Lee is, or maybe you do from one of his songs popping up on Pandora. He’s a little bit folk, a little bit soul and a little bit rock. His 2011 album Mission Bell debuted atop the Billboard 200, but his latest album was no match for Miley’s Bangerz. Lee is most unlike any of the other artists on this list. His music is somber and contemplative. Mountains of Sorrow, Rivers of Song experiments with roots country with songs like “Tricksters, Hucksters, and Scamps” and “Stranger.” Lee shows off his rock side on “High Water” and his soul side on “Mountains of Sorrow.” The definite standout track out of the exceptional 15 songs is the pop ballad “Indonesia.”
From Here To Now To You by Jack Johnson. Headed to the beach on one of these sweltering “fall” days? Grab Jack Johnson’s new album, which is as surf-friendly as his previous albums, for a drive down to the coast. Johnson’s reliable brand of beach folk is back and in full force. The album is lead by “I Got You,” an acoustic love song. “Shot Reverse Shot” is sure to spread good vibes with its sped up vocals and instrumentation. Other standouts include the slowed down “Never Fade” and bittersweet “Ones and Zeros,” though “Radiate” is most likely to get your foot tapping.
Add these to your fall soundtrack:
1. “Spiritual” by Katy Perry
2. “Girls” by The 1975
3. “Let Me Go” by Avril Lavigne & Chad Kroeger
4. “Indonesia” by Amos Lee
5. “Radiate” by Jack Johnson
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