For the first time in months, the sun has finally appeared in the sky. Birds are chirping, flowers are blooming and the temperature is an unheard of 70 degrees Fahrenheit. To celebrate this glorious occasion, two Life writers will share some albums we hope can lift your summer high even higher!
Ayyan’s Picks:
“Toxicity” — System of a Down
“Toxicity” is 44 straight minutes of alternative metal (minus the closing track which is an Armenian church hymn), and every single second is amazing. This album will make you want to complete a 5K run in 20 minutes due to its sheer, manic energy, and another in 20 minutes because of the adrenaline you got listening to “Bounce.”
The chaotic, rough edges present hide how brilliantly produced and written every song is. I love that although each song can be described as a metal song, they don’t all blend into a metal morass of riotous music. They all have distinct features that set them apart.
Don’t get me wrong though, the music is certainly riotous. From the drums that pound you into submission, or the crunchy guitars that go into overdrive at any given moment, Serj Tankian’s charged lyrics about mass incarceration, drug abuse and the environment will get you into-head banging territory if you haven’t already.
Wet Leg self-titled
This album is just filled with tongue-in-cheek energy. From lyrics like “I went to school, and I got the big D” in “Chaise Longue” to when singer Rhian Teasdale screams into her mic for a good 10 seconds, this album is characterized by this frantic energy from across the whole board.
Get ready to listen to some scratchy, overdriven guitars in ‘“Angelica” and booming drums in “Wet Dream.” The album does take room to breathe with songs like the penultimate song “Supermarket,” which slows right down and the chorus chants of “We’ve got too high, high, high, high, high” is downright hypnotic.
“Alright, Still” — Lily Allen
This is a pop reggae masterpiece. It’s the perfect soundtrack for a day out with friends. It starts off on its best foot with “Smile,” a pop reggae bop with a scintillating groove and beat, with lyrics about getting revenge on an ex sung like Allen’s talking about getting ice cream with friends.
To its other best foot in “Alfie,” its main lyrical subject being “Game of Thrones” star Alfie Allen and how much of a shut-in he is, the positively bright beat and the cheery, high-pitched singing of Allen masks this lyrical content in a happy veneer.
Allen’s storytelling in this album is of a high standard as well. From the club chronicles like “Friday Night” to the relationship troubles in “Littlest Things,” Allen’s upstanding lyrics are what brings me back to this album. Don’t even get me started on “LDN,” the standout from this album. That trumpet riff reels you in and the earworm in every line keeps you hooked.
Elijah’s Picks:
“Illinois” — Sufjan Stevens
Sufjan Stevens’ 2005 chamber pop opus embodies the spirit of summer with its maximalist glory. Every variety of woodwinds, strings and horns come down from the heavens in fluid arrangements, spreading vibrancy with their embellishment. It goes perfectly with the already grandiose vocal choir, the perfect addition to Stevens’ soft singing.
As dramatic as the album sounds, the ambitious songwriting plays an equal role in capturing summer’s energy. The series of vignettes about locations peppered throughout the state carry a special weight, giving a sense of movement and appreciation for the places that define you.
Impressively, Stevens balances out the celebratory anthems with calmer sentimental moments and plenty of instrumental interludes, perfect for those quiet nights spent with friends and relaxing days enjoyed inside.
Whether it’s the joyous road trip experience of “Chicago,” or the revelatory jam “The Man of Metropolis Steals Our Hearts,” there’s always something to sing along to. Best of all is “The Predatory Wasp of the Palisades Is Out to Get Us!” the joyous chamber folk retelling of his memories shared at a Methodist summer camp with his best friend.
“Bryter Layter” — Nick Drake
English folk artist Nick Drake may be most recognized for the slow-burning strings on his first album, “Five Leaves Left,” or melancholy acoustics on his final release, “Pink Moon,” that have anything but summer appeal.
But sometimes overlooked is his sophomore endeavor, “Bryter Layter,” imbued with jazz-inspired orchestral arrangements and swift song structures. Drake’s soothing vocals, often somber on other releases, come off as lively when delivered over twinkling pianos and lush horns.
While there’s still a fair share of realistic reflection in the lyrics, it’s matched by moments of Drake’s idealization. Each song is constructed with a sense of lightness that makes it perfect
outside listening as the sun shines down on your surroundings. “At the Chime of a City Clock,” and “Northern Sky,” are particularly optimistic moments, perfect for a quick walk through the city or woods.
“The New Abnormal” — The Strokes
On “The New Abnormal,” The Strokes go all out with their unique indie rock energy. The band extends beyond their customary addictive guitar riffs and drum rhythms, making full use of frontman Julian Casablancas’ autotuned vocals and dazzling synths for a fun summer listen.
Though the band is far removed from their early 20s — the lens their older work is written from — they channel that naivety in their songwriting and sound, everything approached with a sense of lighthearted innocence. The upbeat nature of “The Adults Are Talking,” and “Brooklyn Bridge to Chorus,” are especially refreshing and suitable for the upcoming season.
“GUTS (spilled)” — Olivia Rodrigo
Olivia Rodrigo has had her fair share of pop rock anthems and ballads this decade, the best of which appears on “GUTS (spilled),” the deluxe release of her recent album. It’s full of angsty tunes, fitting for college students dealing with too much stress or grappling with frustrating relationships while off from school.
Even though Rodrigo channels plenty of cynicism, the record can work as cathartic release or comforting relatability, depending on what you’re looking for. Amidst the whirlpool of teenage apprehension is “so american,” Rodrigo’s exhilarating account of a relationship finally going right.