So, I was listening to a couple favorite albums of mine recently that have been on the shelf for a while now. Seeing as to how they are just as glorious as they ever were, I jot them down. For a couple weeks now I started adding to the list, completely randomly. This list is very short (by my standards at least) but these are just some that I REALLY want people to have the privilege of hearing. Music has been my largest passion since I started playing piano when I was 3 years old, so consider my credibility when deciding to give these a listen or not. I've been sharing my music with friends for as long as I can remember, having them listen either willingly or not.
That feeling you get when you discover something great and you just want to share it with the entire universe in hopes that it will benefit others as it has yourself? That's one of these things...
None of these are brand new. Some are new-ish. Some I've been listening to for years. No specific genre or era. Annnnnd go:
1) Band of Horses- Acoustic at The Ryman
My super ultra mega awesome big brother just sent this album to me a couple months ago. I've been listening to them for years, but didn't know this even existed. I listed it first because it's the one I didn't even have to think about. They are very unique in their sound. I'd say it's pretty folky. But PHENOMENAL harmonies, song-writing, and the recording at the Ryman is just out of this world. This is the first album I've turned on to fall asleep to since I was in middle school. Truly wonderful.
2) OneRepublic- Native
They've came a long way since their first hit, 'Apologize', came out in 2005. This specific album is just so feel-good and uplifting. I am lucky enough to have found it when I was needing to pick myself up again after some hard things in life, and wow. Make sure you get the version of this album that has "Love Runs Out" on it, because that's the most exciting song on there, and it just completes the whole experience. The music will draw you in just as easily as the album cover. :)
3) Beck- Morning Phase
Obvious choice here. It just won a Grammy for Album of the Year. About 6 months ago, I heard 'Morning' on one of my Spotify playlists and fell in love instantly. However, I didn't hear the whole album until about a month ago. The thing about Beck is, he can record literally ANY kind of music, any kind of song, ANY KIND OF RECORD that he wants to. He is so insanely versatile. One of the most talented musicians I've ever known about. This isn't his only album that is fantastic. He really isn't a loser, baby.
4) Lorde- Pure Heroine
Surprised? Me too. Most of you know that I'm really not into Top 40 stuff and haven't been for a long time. This album right here though? It's wonderful. It gets my blood pumping like no other. From beginning to end. It is a great time. I listen to this while I'm working out and I am usually imagining myself kicking some serious booty. Amazing beats, unique lyrics, and mind you... she was only 16 when she recorded this. This truly impresses. You'll be pleasantly surprised if you're into it.
5) Kings of Leon- Come Around Sundown
Ahhh. What a relief this album is. And although I wanted to list 'Only By The Night' right along with it, I feel like this one needs to be shared more, as there's been a lot less hype about it. It's a little different than that first hit album of theirs, but it's just as good. Their sound is so much their own, I don't even know how to describe it. But a GREAT album to listen to on the road. Truly, so enjoyable.
6) Coldplay- Rush of Blood to the Head
Okay, here comes some honesty. If I had to, HAD TO, pick one album... like really, seriously? It'd be this one. This or it'd be tied with Dark Side of The Moon. This album right here, folks? It is an absolute masterpiece. You might think to yourself, "oh yeah, Coldplay, ugh meh lame..." but no. If you only know their more recent works, you don't even know. This record is epic. It's beautiful. Every single song. And they all fit together so well. It's a work of art that I have been going back to for over a decade now. If you listen to one album on this list, MAKE IT THIS ONE.
7) The 1975- The 1975
Just discovered this band a couple of months ago. They're essentially rock, but have some killer beats and instrumentation in their music that caught my ear instantly. There are a couple/few songs that aren't AS good as others, but still a great listen for ya.
8) City and Colour- The Hurry and The Harm
Are you a fan? If not, you should be. The majority of their songs on all their albums are really good. This is their latest record and it kills, as usual. Dallas has a voice that no one else can touch. Their song-writing is so intense and mixed with his gorgeous range, it's just moving. Awesome band.
9) Kodaline- In a Perfect World
Another group I haven't known for long. I'd say this album is all about love. It's kind of got that indie/folk vibe, but it's not like all the others around these days. The lyrics are my favorite with this one. Just lovely.
10) Lord Huron- Strange Trails (Deluxe Edition)
11) Old Crow Medicine Show- Tennessee Pusher
A good ole faithful right here, eh? This one's been around for awhile, but I wanted to remind everyone about it. Darius Rucker didn't ruin this band's brand, I hope. This is true country, in my opinion. Not that flashy, country pop junk on the radio nowadays. So if legit country is what you're looking for, here you have it.
12) M83- Hurry Up, We're Dreaming
Uuugghhh.... M83. This record is just one that I want to just throw my head back and say, "oh ma gosh I looooooooooooove it." They're really electric and have a lot more instruments and digital things happening in their music, but it's glorious. If this list was in order, it'd be a lot closer to the top. This album is one of a kind. Check it out. You'll likely find yourself taken back by how much you like this. You probably didn't even know this kind of music would strike you.
13) Matthew Mayfield- A Banquet For Ghosts
I almost took this off of the list just because it is so deep and so emotional. I discovered Matthew Mayfield in 2012 when he opened up for a Needtobreathe concert I went to for my birthday. I remember becoming paralyzed with tears listening to him perform with nothing other than his guitar. He writes all of his own music, has a very low, very distinct voice. Very raspy and rough, yet gentle and perfect with his lyrics. He's very acoustic, singer-songwriter ish, but I've never heard another artist like him. Some covers of more popular songs that he's put together are amazing as well! This specific album deals with lost love without a doubt, but it's darkly blissful.
14) The Steeldrivers- Wreckless
ANYTHING CHRIS STAPLETON TOUCHES TURNS TO GOLD. I doubt many of you even know the name. He's the lead singer of The Steeldrivers and that's not even his biggest gig. He's written award-winning country songs and has now, finally, set out on his own solo career. He probably has my favorite voice of all time. If you watch him on YouTube, make sure it's the out of the studio stuff. Something record labels do to country songs these days is just sickening. He's incredible. A truly gifted writer and musician. As far as an actual record, this is probably my favorite of theirs. It's got some serious grit to it!
15) Florence + The Machine- Ceremonials
Is she an angel with that voice? Okay, maybe not, but whoa. Where did she even come from? If I could produce any kind of music myself, it'd probably be very similar to hers. She incorporates giant gospel choirs and huge symphonies just to accompany her and somehow has still made a huge name for herself in the age of cheapened, auto-tuned music that has no real substance. THIS album is a reflection of just that. It impresses me more every time I listen to it. I love the artist she has formed herself to be. Just amazing.
So yeah, that was a little longer than I anticipated. But even if you didn't read the description of each, I hope you at least took note of these records and will take the time to listen to them. TRUST ME, YOU WILL BE SO HAPPY YOU DID. I hope you're touched in some way by one or some or all of these!
Thanks for reading! Love you all.
-Whitney
.jpg)
