Unfortunately I don't love this work as a whole. It's definitely gonna be a cherry-pick album for me. This album had the opposite issue of Lawrence's new release in that the singles did most of the work I found. It's wild how this album has a couple songs that really, really hit and others that I straight up don't like. The sonic influences are kind of all over the place, and I'm not sure they're cohesive.

Favorite songs: Good Together, Help is On the Way, ... read more

I swear I came into this album skeptical because I had only felt so-so about most of the singles. But oh man as the album kept going, I kept adding songs to my "Liked Songs" playlist. This is just as good, if not better, than Hotel TV. And that's saying something because I wore Hotel TV /out/. I need a little more time with Family Business to have a better idea of where it ranks in Lawrence's discography, but after initial listen it's already pretty damn high.

There ... read more

I was adamant about catching this record on release because I had spent the last couple years missing out on Noah Kahan and Chappell Roan and I didn't want to get caught sleeping again. However...I'm not sure this one was worth getting all that hype about. What I will say is that the standout songs are /really/ strong. But the ones that don't are just forgettable. And maybe it's the old woman in me but there were too many tunes that imo sounded like they were crafted to be ... read more

GAH I love this album. This feels like a return to form for Ben. I'm definitely biased because I'm someone who did not care a lick for Reverie but ADORED Sing to Me Instead. It's arrived just in time for summer so that I can blast it with the windows down and sing loudly about queer love.

Favorite songs: Andrew, Shoe to Drop, Need You Like This

This is the year of women taking over y'allternative and I'm so glad Sierra Ferrell is one of those leading the charge. With such a clearly Appalachian sound, she writes deep and moving songs wrapped in what seems like simple and straight forward presentations. She has one of those voices and presences that you just know can't be replicated but that we desperately need more of.

Favorite songs: American Dreaming, Dollar Bill Bar, Lighthouse

I first heard "Sinner" on local radio and immediately knew I had to look into this group. Their expansive sound only draws me in to how large it is. The harmonies and arrangements work together to create something that feels lifted out of time. I live for ~drama~ on albums, and this one certainly delivers that.

Favorite songs: Prelude to Ecstasy, Sinner, Nothing Matters

I did not expect to enjoy this album as much as I did. Bleachers' sound is not usually my favorite, but something about this album just hit for me. Absolutely love it as a dancing-in-the-car-in-the-middle-of-the-night-on-a-roadtrip album.

Favorite songs: Modern Girl, Woke Up Today, Call Me After Midnight

EVERYTHING about this album was a surprise. What a delight to truly never know what was coming next, even from measure to measure. Raw and experimental but still cohesive and clear, WILLOW creates a true ~experience~ with this album. I spend arguably not enough time trying to convince every music fan I know to give this album a listen. Truly deserving of a Grammy, imo.

Favorite songs: run!, between i and she, b i g f e e l i n g s

While this album doesn't overall hit for me, I really like the songs that I'm a fan of. It's not my favorite sound of Ari's, but it is a sound that I think suits her well. Contemplative and vulnerable songs do make for some of my favorites in Ariana's discography, and this album has no shortage of those.

Favorite songs: supernatural, i wish i hated you, imperfect for you

This album marked my return to Hurray for the Riff Raff since Look Out Mama. And I couldn't have picked a better one to come back to. This album really hit me emotionally much more than I expected. It served as the perfect soundtrack for contemplative walks throughout the spring.

Favorite songs: Buffalo, Snake Plant (The Past is Still Alive), Hourglass

This was my first Waxahatchee new release, and I couldn't be prouder of this hometown artist! Easy for me to say, but there's just something about this album that feels like home. Like I could be taking a walk around the neighborhood and hear her playing these songs on her front porch. The y'allternative is strong with this one.

Favorite songs: Right Back to It, Burns Out at Midnight, Crimes of the Heart, 365

This album didn't quite live up to my own hype built be my absolute devotion to Surrender and my sheer love for the title track released as the lead single. However, I have found myself really enjoying this album. Perfect windows-down-driving-around-town music. It's timeless, it's well-written and it feels confident. Maggie seems to have really hit her stride with this one. She is no longer searching for her sound; she's found it.

Favorite songs: So Sick of Dreaming, Never Going Home, Don't ... read more

This album was not what I expected, and if I'm honest it's not one that I can revisit as much as I'd like. It's just. so. sad. But man, is it beautiful. One of my favorite things about Lizzy is how unafraid she is to lay it all bare, and she does so in the most beautifully poetic ways. The sound of the album was certainly a surprise to be sure, but a welcome one. The live instrumentations really hit and come together to create such an organic presence. I also could just listen to Lizzy's voice ... read more

I got exposed to this album and artist because I heard "God Person" on the radio. It immediately struck me as something special. What I found was a tender, exposed and poignant album. Listening to Madi feels a lot like when I listened to Lizzy McAlpine for the first time in 2020, which is one of the highest compliments I can give to a singer/songwriter. That Kacey feature is also a 10/10.

Favorite songs: God Person, Don't Do Me Good, Weird Faith, Obsessive Thoughts

I was so looking forward to this album and I was so glad it didn't disappoint. It feels like the spiritual successor to Golden Hour, my previous favorite outing from Kacey. It was released while I was down at the beach and was the perfect soundtrack for lying out in the sun, which honestly is one of my preferred ways to listen to an album. This is an album about healing and finding peace in the chaos that comes with that process. Maybe it's the incense-smelling vinyl sleeve that this record ... read more

This album is as big and broad as the planet Jacob traversed to make it. A culmination of its three predecessors, this finale was an emotionally satisfying listening experience. It got me to both cry and dance, which is my surefire combo of whether I enjoy an album or not. My enjoyment is also aided by the fact that he collaborated with Lawrence and Lizzy McAlpine, two of my favorite artists. Not to mention bringing in GOATS like Brandi Carlile and having Chris Thile back for more.

Favorite ... read more