From mega pop stars to underground darlings, countless albums were released over the summer. While nobody can listen to every single one, you have to start somewhere.
These five albums were some of the highlights that summer break had to offer. If you want to catch up on new music while getting back into the rhythm of the semester, these albums are a great starting point. So, put on some headphones or turn up your speakers and check out the albums listed below.
"you seem pretty sad for a girl so in love"
Olivia Rodrigo’s third album tells the story of the rise and the fall of a relationship, starting with songs that express her romantic feelings to tracks that mourn a lost love. The album features influence from Olivia Rodrigo's musical inspirations such as The Cure's new wave sound and Fiona Apple's songwriting.
Rodrigo's song writing skills continue to grow and mature with each new album she releases. Most of the songs featured on the album have her usual synth-pop sound such as the lead single “drop dead." However, she still embraced pop rock on songs such as “the cure” with its acoustic guitar riff and “my way” with its distorted guitar and drums. The album also includes her first feature, Robert Smith, legendary frontman of The Cure, who sings alongside her on “what’s wrong with me."
"Music, Fashion, Film"
Coming off the massive success of "Brat," pop icon Charli xcx pivoted from upbeat dance-pop tunes to explore a more introspective sound as she deconstructs her relationship with her fame and art. "Music, Fashion, Film" is a new step for Charli xcx in her career, and she executes it wonderfully with a new style of production that highlights her reflective songwriting.
Charli xcx's lyricism is demonstrated on “Camera” as she uses it as a lens to see into her fame, and the positive feelings but also backlash that comes with her stardom. She uses a blissful beat to express how being in the spotlight makes her feel, even if she worries about the public’s perception of her actions. On “I’m Afraid” Charli focuses on her fear of ruining her relationship with her husband. The song’s anguished vocals are combined with a haunting instrumental that mix to create a feeling of anxiety surrounding her marriage.
"Oh yeah?"
Coming off a four-year hiatus, Steve Lacy released his third album to critical and commercial success. Lacy explores themes of love and relationships across the ten tracks on the album. From Lacy's vulgar and honest lyrics to his mellow, almost psychedelic production, this album will stick with you for a while.
The title track “Oh yeah?” blew up in popularity from it's feature in “Spider-Man: Brand New Day’s” credit scene. Lacy teams up with SZA on “is it cool?’ as they sing about the perils of a toxic relationship. “Nice shoes / in your world” is a nine-minute ballad split into two parts, with a beat that creates a cozy vibe with mesmerizing drums and synths.
"Your Day Will Come"
Shane Lavers' musical project Chanel Beads released their second album "Your Day Will Come," carrying the same name as their debut although this time with a darker tone. The album is a blend of experimental, post rock, shoegaze, dream pop and even more genres.
The opener “Drums Only” sets the stage for the album's dreamy production and sound since, as the title suggests, it features no lyrics just drums, synths, and bass. Chanel Beads battles grief and coping with substance abuse on the song “The Coward Forgets His Nightmare.” The album concludes on a more hopeful tone with the track “Boss” and the instrumental “Beaten With Sticks," as Lavers tells us to wipe our tears because the sun is on its way.
"Reality Awaits"
This is the first Strokes LP in six years and while it might not stand as tall as some of their classic albums, "Reality Awaits" holds its own in their discography. Julian Casablancas experiments heavily with autotune across the album, which creates an entirely unique sound, different from the band’s other works.
Casablancas' use of autotune pops on “Going Shopping” and alongside a catchy guitar solo and a jangle pop instrumental the song is an ear worm. “Dine N’ Dash” is a standout in the album that feels reminiscent to previous works, with its lack of autotune and use of lasting synths.