Highly Suspect - MCID
17

Catchiness: 20
Cohesiveness: 10
Collectibility: 15
Concept: 14
Content: 22
Composite score: 79

It seems as if they compiled the worst parts of alternative, rap, and rock into one album. There were a few good drugs like: “Arizona” and “Upperdrugs.” It was very hard to follow musically, the lyrics were too forced and corny. @tddybear was downright cringey with its predictable and overused lyrics. I usually love Highly Suspect’s sound so I was surprised that this ... read more

Tinashe - Songs For You
72

Catchiness: 70
Cohesiveness: 75
Collectibility: 65
Concept: 76
Content: 72
Composite score: 79

I want to like Tinashe more than I do because of her popularity and hits. I don’t know if she’s just not my type of “sound,” I was pretty disappointed with this album. I will say that “Link Up” was a banger, along with a few others.

Ariana Grande - Yours Truly
79

Catchiness: 88
Cohesiveness: 78
Collectibility: 70
Concept: 80
Content: 80
Composite score: 79

I personally love Ariana’s vocal range, but sometimes I feel like her content does not do her talent justice. This was one of those times. It had a lot of catchy classics that deserved their popularity like “Honeymoon Avenue” and “The Way” (R.I.P. Mac Miller). Also, she delivered the 50’s sock hop feel well on songs like “Tattooed Heart” and ... read more

Ariana Grande - Christmas & Chill
85

Catchiness: 92
Cohesiveness: 78
Collectibility: 75
Concept: 90
Content: 90
Composite score: 85

A simple yet catchy R&B Christmas served by Ariana Grande. I like that she cited Christmas references without trying too hard or being corny. “December” was definitely the best song that incorporated a repetitive yet sweet chorus accompanied by a catchy beat.

Anna of the North - Dream Girl
84

Catchiness: 70
Cohesiveness: 92
Collectibility: 74
Concept: 94
Content: 88
Composite score: 84

Anna of the North has an ethereal sound that reminds me of Florence Welch. She does well with illustrating the highs and lows of a relationship. There is steady progression throughout the album that makes it feel more intimate and personal. I especially like “Lonely Life” which takes an optimistic view of the breakup by reflecting on the simple joys of life.

James Blunt - Once Upon a Mind
60

I haven’t really liked James Blunt music since his “You’re Beautiful” hit. I feel like his music has gotten progressively worse since then. I keep listening in hopes that his sound will improve.

Lily Allen - No Shame
98

Catchiness: 97
Cohesiveness: 98
Collectibility: 99
Concept: 98
Content: 99
Composite score: 98

Something that I admire about Lily is how she uses her soft, bubbly voice ironically by singing about dark subjects. It grabs and keeps your attention throughout the entire album. She sings about her recent divorce, recovery from drug addiction, family problems, negative public opinion, etc. while coupling each concept with catchy rhythms. For example, on "Trigger Bang" she uses strong bass ... read more

Hozier - Hozier
97

Catchiness: 90
Cohesiveness: 98
Collectibility: 100
Concept: 100
Content: 99
Composite score: 97

Hozier's poetic folk is truly a treasure to me. He enchants everyone with his hopeless romantic and wholesome tones. I've made it a point to memorize this album shortly after hearing it because its flowing, intense melodies resonated with me. You can tell that he creates music from a loyal and romantic heart and does not care for what is "marketable." It is no wonder that he is ... read more

Bedouine - Bedouine
88

Catchiness: 96
Cohesiveness: 95
Collectibility: 75
Concept: 80
Content: 92
Composite score: 88

Bedouine presents more of a homey, yet otherworldly sound all delivered with a comforting, alto voice. I find her music to be peaceful and introspective in the best way. The type of music that you listen to alone, in a bedroom while doing a quiet activity. I love how introverted and reflective this album is. She embraces solitude and nature in "Solitary Daughter" while using a redemptive ... read more

Anderson .Paak - Malibu
90

Catchiness: 98
Cohesiveness: 80
Collectibility: 82
Concept: 93
Content: 96
Composite score: 90

Favorite lyric: "This one's for all the little dreamers // And the ones who never gave a fuck" ("The Dreamer")

First of all, this album is for dreamers. I loved how Anderson blends jazz instruments and smooth rap, it is very complimentary to his voice and style. "Heart Don't Stand a Chance" talks about renewing love and romance with someone because "the moment is ... read more

Tennis - Yours Conditionally
88

Catchiness: 90
Cohesiveness: 88
Collectibility: 90
Concept: 80
Content: 92
Composite score: 88

BeautifulIy fusing elements of soft rock and indie pop, this duo artfully created a sunshiney album. I enjoyed the singer's high-pitched and calm ballads. I remember when I first discovered this band while I was studying, it was nice to bob to. Particularly "10 Minutes 10 Years" which makes me want to get up and dance each time. I get Fleetwood Mac vibes from their sound. The singer ... read more

A$AP Ferg - Always Strive and Prosper
85

Catchiness: 92
Cohesiveness: 95
Collectibility: 80
Concept: 82
Content: 75
Composite score: 85

I knew that this album would be enjoyable, but I did not expect it to tell a story in the way that it did. It was refreshing to hear how A$AP introduces secondary characters like his "crazy-ass uncle" in "Psycho." He blends banging beats with deep concepts. While also staying true to the "flex culture" of most modern rap songs illustrated in "Back Hurt." I ... read more

Lauryn Hill - The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill
100

Catchiness: 100
Cohesiveness: 100
Collectibility: 100
Concept: 100
Content: 100
Composite score: 100

Pure honey, magic, and a testament to the empowerment of black women. Miss Lauryn mother fucking Hill fuses the essences of hip hop and soul with ease. The ever-reaching and catchy "Doo Wop (That Thing)" is like the sassy best friend that tells you like it is with simple and blunt truths. "How you gon' win when you ain't right within" touched my heart when I first started to ... read more

Michael Jackson - Off the Wall
93

Catchiness: 95
Cohesiveness: 90
Collectibility: 88
Concept: 94
Content: 98
Composite score: 93

The legendary Michael Jackson created this funk city masterpiece and brought us all to a disco night with him! "Rock With You" is still one of my favorite songs of his because it makes you sway, dance, and is just wholesome all around. The fun rhythms and funky beats make me wish I was alive during the time of its release. No one can forget the classic anthem "Don't Stop 'Til You Get ... read more

Melanie Martinez - Cry Baby
98

Catchiness: 95
Cohesiveness: 98
Collectibility: 100
Concept: 98
Content: 97
Composite score: 98

Melanie does extremely well with transitions and remaining consistent with her theme of twisted nursery rhymes. I like that she is unafraid to distort what is conventionally "cute and innocent" to illustrate how trauma affects children in the household. This is evident in "Dollhouse" which I personally identified with and helped to do those in similar situations some justice. I ... read more

The Script - Sunsets & Full Moons
73

Catchiness: 80
Cohesiveness: 65
Collectibility: 60
Concept: 75
Content: 85
Composite score: 73

This album had a few really good pop-rock anthems to take away from the album, but I found the overall concept to be superficial and predictable. The Script has been transitioning into more of a pop feel that is unsuitable for their sound as a band. I found "If You Don't Love Yourself" to be admirable and positive for those that dive into relationships without working on themselves first. ... read more

The Lumineers - III
91

Catchiness: 88
Cohesiveness: 97
Collectibility: 80
Concept: 98
Content: 90
Composite score: 91

Staying true to their folk-style, The Lumineers have created a tale of desperation, gambling, alcoholism, and heartbreak. This is immediately evident near the beginning of the four-part EP, but it becomes especially clear in "Jimmy Sparks." If you don't listen to any other part of this album, at least listen to this one. I was shocked and moved by the details, story-telling style, and ... read more

Cigarettes After Sex - Cigarettes After Sex
99

Catchiness: 100
Cohesiveness: 99
Collectibility: 100
Concept: 98
Content: 97
Composite score: 99

Dreamy, sexual pop at its very best. Cigs music is permeated with romance, the warmth of affection, and sexual freedom. One of their more popular songs on the album, "K." tells the uncommon tale of a casual hookup turned into a love story. Each song exudes an intimate rhythm and recounts his sexual experiences. Their music is so vulnerable and versatile for every chill setting. I listen ... read more

Jon Bellion - The Human Condition
93

Catchiness: 84
Cohesiveness: 87
Collectibility: 100
Concept: 95
Content: 98
Composite score: 93

Jon's synth and 80's theme adds to the fallibility of humans and how we can find beauty in that imperfection. Jon emphasizes the superficiality of fame in "Fashion." He then expresses his acceptance that he will never know EVERYTHING in "Maybe IDK." This was incredible to see live because you could see how much Jon invests in his music and expresses that joy and inspiration ... read more

Alessia Cara - Growing Pains
87

Catchiness: 82
Cohesiveness: 85
Collectibility: 70
Concept: 99
Content: 97
Composite score: 87

Just as the title suggests, Alessia addresses common fears of growing up whether that is in dealing with insecurity, in a relationship, life transitions, etc. She jam packs this album with messages like "feel better," "you are enough," and other redemptive anthems for your hardest days. Specifically, "Not Today" which reiterates that people cannot feel the best every ... read more

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