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Last week I wrote about albums that helped shaped me when I was younger, but the less talked about topic is the albums that are important to me right now.
SWMRS – Drive North (2016)
Not only this album but this band has such an old school rock and roll vibe while still being new and unique. The lead singer and guitarist, Cole, reminds me of Kurt Cobain sometimes by the way he dresses or sings in a certain song. However, don’t be fooled, his voice is completely his own. His brother, Max who plays guitar, seems almost the opposite. His voice is unique as well, he serenades us in songs like “lose it” and “turn up” The bassist, Seb, and drummer, Joey, are just as awesome, (if not more – they’re my favorite). There isn’t a time I listen to their songs and I don’t bop my head, sing along and want to dance. I haven’t experienced this band live yet sadly, but I’m sure when I do they will be ten times better live. Their energy is already clear through my headphones. I also can’t think of any other band that has covered Boys Don’t Cry by The Cure so amazingly.
Favorite songs: “Miss Yer Kiss”, “Figuring It Out”, “Ruining My Pretending”, “Silver Bullet”, okay so maybe all of them are my favorite.
Simple Plan – Taking One For The Team (2016)
I’ve talked about this band and this album before, it may seem repetitive, but this album is as significant for me as the rest of Simple Plan’s albums. The last time they released an album I was 14 years old. I’m sure I can speak for everyone when I say I’m not the same person I was when I was 14, so this album reminded me of why I fell in love with them. After 5 years since the last studio album, the five members of Simple Plan still know how to perfectly describe why I shouldn’t let anyone tell me what to do, and their love songs will always be epic.
Favorite songs: “I Refuse”, “I Don’t Wanna Be Sad”, “Everything Sucks”, “P.S. I Hate You”
Twenty One Pilots – Blurryface (2015)
The only artist I don’t mind listening to on B96 while at work is Twenty One Pilots. I’ll admit at first I was like TOP? More annoying songs on B96 that will get overplayed but I don’t think I can ever overplay their songs. I fell in love with this album as quickly as I fell in love with lead singer Tyler Joseph and drummer Josh Dun. I love the truthfulness in not only the lyrics but Tyler’s voice. I also like that each song is its own. I found myself wondering if I was still listening to TOP because even Tyler’s voice can sound different, but maybe that’s the awesomeness of them. They have the ability to have a different sound while still remaining TOP. For example songs like, “Tear In My Heart” or “Car Radio”. I’m very disappointed in myself that I’ve missed the opportunity to see them live twice already.
Favorite songs: “Fairly Local, “Tear In My Heart”, “Message Man”
This video inspired me and my 10 year old sister to create an elaborate handshake of our own.
Cage The Elephant – Melophobia (2013)
I’m a fan of anything Cage The Elephant does. Despite its name, “Melophobia” which means fear of music, they definitely weren’t afraid to try new things. It still sounded like the Cage The Elephant I discovered in 2008 on Q101 Radio but with a more danceable feel to the music. the lyrics, as they usually are in songs, are deeper than they may sound. In my opinion this is their most powerful album yet.
Favorite songs: “Telescope”, “Take It Or Leave It”, “Cigarette Daydreams”
Chance the Rapper – Coloring Book (2016)
I was excited for weeks when Chance announced this album, I screamed and took a picture every time I saw a billboard with the cover on it or a poster at the bus stop. I wasn’t disappointed the night the album was released, I was however surprised, it definitely has a gospel feel to it. I didn’t know I’d fall in love with these songs and connect with them so much because it had this gospel element, but somehow it still sounded like Chance, and he had something to say. Although Acid Rap will forever be my go to summer album, Coloring Book is much more powerful and you can hear a sense of maturity in Chance’s lyrics.
Favorite songs: “No Problem” “Blessings”, “Juke Jam”, “All Night”