Gallery • 17 Photos

Angelina Liu, Executive Editor-in-Chief

Melodic synths, catchy bass and tasteful imagery highlight The Weeknd’s Dawn FM album, released at the beginning of this year. The conceptual work depicts an aged Abel Tesefaye on the cover and features narrations from Jim Carrey and guest vocals by Tyler, the Creator and Lil Wayne. The album is a follow up of Tesefaye’s fourth studio album, After Hours and tells the story of his journey through purgatory. Tracks such as “Gasoline”, “Less than Zero”, and “Out of Time” propel the listener back to the 80’s, where synth and dance pop permeate. Each song smoothly transitions into the other, creating a unique listening experience. Overall, the album provokes nostalgia whilst addressing social topics relevant to society today.

Srihari Yechangunja, Executive Design/Interactive Editor

Music albums in India are unique because, for the most part, they are the soundtracks to movies. For this reason, genres and situations vary from song to song, so it wouldn’t be unusual to find a rock anthem in the same album as a breezy and melodic song. In the case of Ponniyin Selvan: I, a Tamil historical fiction drama, music composer A.R. Rahman was presented with the additional challenge of incorporating the musicalities and instruments of the 10th century Chola empire in India. The album excels despite the challenge, presenting six songs that, while they vary in genre, still somehow feel like they each belong in that era. The album opens with “Ponni Nadhi”, a folksy song sung by Rahman himself that plays as the hero journeys through the green lands of South India. “Ratchasa Maamaney” and “Sol” are light tracks with fun vocal performances by main singers Shreya Ghoshal and Rakshita Suresh, while “Alaikadal” is a refreshing and soothing song that perfectly encapsulates the main character’s boat ride in the early hours of the morning. In all, this album is unlike any other in many aspects, and Rahman has proven once again why he was the first Indian to win an Oscar for Best Original Song and Best Original Score.

Manasa Mohan, Executive Editorial Page Editor

Harry Styles’ Harry’s House released May 20 and is a pleasing continuation of his second album Fine Line but with more intimate and serious lyrics. Starting out with a bang, with catchy melodies and an upbeat rhythm for the first two songs of the album, Styles slows it down with nonchalant and easy-going “Grapejuice.” Styles reverts back to the pop style for the explosive lead single of the album “As it Was.” But the next three songs “Daylight,” “Little Freak” and “Matilda” show Styles’ versatility and ability to pull off all genres. Styles firmly places his foot in the pop-rock genre while also exploring funk and indie-pop. After six years as a member of the popular boy-band One Direction, Styles has worked to create a career of his own. Harry’s House just goes to prove his success.  

Shrayes Gunna, Student Life Editor

After a six-year hiatus from releasing full-length projects, Beyoncé’s Renaissance decorated the summer of 2022 with fast-paced explosive dance and club music. All 16 tracks served decadently produced instrumentals and afrobeats, propelled by liberating and joyous lyricism. On tracks like “Pure/Honey” and “Church Girl,” Beyoncé reaffirms her position as a titan in the R&B and pop genres by bouncing between melodies and flows with ease. Beyoncé wrote in an Instagram caption that Renaissance is meant to be a safe space, which is precisely the case. She’s not afraid to let loose, feel herself and experiment. On a record in which Beyoncé resonates with her roots, she has effortlessly championed a break from the soul-sucking ballads and technical lyricism that defined music in the pandemic. Bowing out of the industry’s new trajectory, she made a vibrant return to music that is at its core, fun. 

Saniya Koppikar, Entertainment Editor

Carly Rae Jepsen’s The Loneliest Time released Oct. 21 in a charming resurgence of Jepsen’s quintessential pop sound heard in her breakout songs “Call Me Maybe” and “I Really Like You.” With breathy vocals and bright enthusiasm, Jepsen crafts an image of love and introspection during her own “loneliest times” of the pandemic’s lockdown, experimenting with lyrics more mature and sounds more versatile than used in her previous works. Tracks “Talking to Yourself” and “The Loneliest Time (feat. Rufus Wainwright)” boast infectious synth-pop melodies reminiscent of a discotheque, while “Go Find Yourself or Whatever” is a country-style ballad with a simple guitar strum. The Loneliest Time finds a triumphant joy in longing, and the album is a revival in more ways than one: Jepsen proves she’s more than a single viral hook from TikTok (I’m coming back for you, baby!) or a decade-old one hit wonder. 

Nandini Paidesetty, Visual Media Editor

Kendrick Lamar is best known for his socially conscious songwriting and use of dense lyrics to represent Black voices in the United States. Lamar’s most recent album Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers, released May 13, represents his journey through therapy. His lyrics hit the hearts of many people, as they contain personal themes including generational trauma, infidelity and childhood. For example, the track “United in Grief” is about how he struggles to find peace regardless of the huge success. The track “We Cry Together” is about the fighting through the ups and downs of a relationship and normalizing having arguments. A common theme between most songs is struggle, which is why this album is known as an “imperfect path to healing”. “Auntie Diaries” supports the LGBT community and shows the need to love and accept the trans community. This whole album has a wide range: songs that have beat drops, which let you have fun while listening, to mellow songs with deep meaning that are best enjoyed while solitary. Overall, the meaning in every song hits the hearts of millions. This album will forever hold a special place in my heart.

Maya Palavali, Staff Cartoonist

Mikaela Straus, better known by her stage name King Princess, has been a pioneer for the LGBT community’s acceptance to the music industry. After years of no songs, King Princess dropped her greatest album yet: Hold On Baby. Her songs range from sentimental to peppy, strums of a sweet guitar to the loud beats of drums. The part of the album that ties all of the songs together is the hope of a better future. The album tells us to hold our loved ones close and tell them you love them. It teaches us it is okay to be upset and make silly mistakes. I had the honor of going to the Hold On Baby live concert on [date]. Seeing King Princess in person, singing her songs straight from my heart, touched me in a way I had never felt before. King Princess was the first artist I found who created LGBT related songs. I found myself over the years while listening to her greatest hits. I always hoped for more from her, and now I have what I wished for. 

Josh Campbell, Page Design Editor

Canadian power pop band Alvvays returned from a five–year hiatus with a perfect blend of indie rock paired with lulling pop vocals on Blue Rev. Hazy chords and a spaced out atmosphere create a blissful 39 minutes of music I find myself getting lost in. Beginning the album with a kick, “Pharmacist” opens the album with a blaring guitar solo mixed to perfection against vocalist Molly Rankin. Personally, the standout on the album is “After The Earthquake,” picking up the tempo when Rankin really lets her vocal prowess shine alongside a dynamic beat and more resounding guitar work. This perfect recipe continues throughout the album: “Belinda Says” brings powerful chorus work while “Pomeranian Spinster” draws in punk influences with clever lyricism and punchy drums. Alvvays manages to once again create an album to sink into, falling deep into droned out instrumentation and profound layers crafted into one of the best modern power pop albums. 

Torie Peck, Copy Editor

A poet at heart, Zach Bryan released his first studio album, American Heartbreak, in May with a track list of 24 songs, including a poem. While this is a substantially sized album, it is indicative of Bryan’s work ethic and creative drive:  Bryan has released a total of 50 songs this year, and  he has a live album and single on the way. With this being Bryan’s first studio album, I was a little worried it would take away from his raw and honest style, but the production only intensified Bryan’s character and lyricism. Bryan kept to his roots as he sang his familiar slow and sad melodies, such as in “Billy Stay”, “She’s Alright” and “Darling”, while also incorporating a new style of fast-paced, upbeat songs such as “Whiskey Fever”, “Younger Years” and “Ninth Cloud”. An addition to Bryan’s style is shown through “If She Wants a Cowboy”, which mocks Nashville through the sly incorporation of auto tune, quips and lyricism. One of my favorite parts of this album is the poetic lyrics. Bryan can put a metaphoric spin on something as simple as an overpriced Verizon bill (“Cold Damn Vampires”) or an unhealthy relationship (“‘68 Fastback”), thus creating a unique story and relatable hit.

Nyah Rama, Staff Writer

Lizzo’s newest album Special came out July 15, and is packed with hit after hit. Her album should beat out every other album that came out this year (I’m looking at you, Midnights) because it’s so empowering. What makes it even more… special, is that the songs aren’t over-recognized or overplayed on the radio. I love an underrated artist. Lizzo made sure every single song had meaning behind it. “If You Love Me” is about acceptance, “Naked” is about body positivity, and the list can go on and on. Lizzo makes music to change and inspire, and that’s exactly what she’s doing with this newest album.

Sahith Mocharla, Staff Writer

Mothers are simultaneously your best and worst enemy; they’re the ones who tuck you in at night when you’ve broken your arm, yet also the ones who make you do the dishes at home. The frustrating relationship is underscored in Metro Boomin’s Heroes and Villains. Following the death of his mother in a tragic murder-suicide, Metro Boomin released an album which comments and recalls his triumphs as well as the pitfalls which befell him along the way. Beginning with gospel-like lyrics from John Legend and transitioning to the pompous preaching by Homelander from The Boys, the album’s first song “On Time” is a reflection of life: the time to seize is now, and life is filled with those who are heroes and those who are villains. The album has an outstanding production value – to be expected given Metro’s background in the field – a standout set of features, making it one of the most diverse and cohesive albums to release this year. With songs set against slow melodies and triumphant trumpets, Heroes and Villains enables everyone to listen to an album and feel their emotions as hard drill deliveries contrast with melodic masterpieces.

Sameeha Syed, Staff Photographer

Steve Lacy’s second album “Gemini Rights” was released on July 15, and became an instant hit. The album reached the top ten of the Billboard 200 chart and was nominated for Best Progressive R&B Album at the 65th Annual Grammy Awards. Through the album, Lacy takes the audience on a journey through the feelings of anger, regret, sadness and ultimately acceptance that he experienced after a breakup. Each song is unique in meaning and listening experience, and I truly believe that everyone can find a song they appreciate on this album.Aside from top hits “Bad Habit” and “Static”, Lacy has many more excellent songs on this album. “Sunshine feat. Fousheé”  and “Mercury” are two of the most incredible songs I have ever listened to, and I would recommend them to everyone. Lacy’s accomplishments have disproved the notion that musical success is limited to those who live a certain lifestyle or have access to expensive materials. Steve Lacy is actively paving the way for creatives around the world. 

Sahasra Chakilam, Staff Photographer

Taylor Swift’s recent album, Midnights, released Oct. 21, has been a raging success. It accumulated 184.6 million streams and gained recognition as the fastest and best-selling album of 2022. The style of the album is unique and presents a different sound from her previous albums; it truly embodies midnights. Throughout the 13  tracks, she maintains an electrifying and personal feel, revealing the complexities of her public persona, yet making it all stay true to the name. The album provides you with the energetic “Lavender Haze” and “Bejeweled”, slow yet strong “Midnight Rain” and “Snow On The Beach” featuring Lana Del Rey, and expressive,“Anti-Hero” and “Mastermind”. It is cohesive and makes the overall listening experience delightful.

Meghan Chiang, Staff Designer

After being put in the spotlight when her 2021 breakout song “Let You Break My Heart Again” went viral on TikTok, Laufey’s fans have been sitting on the edge of their seats waiting for the release of her first album, Everything I Know About Love. As soon as the album played, I was immediately immersed in a fairytale world filled with love and sadness. The mix of soft jazz and classical music took over my every thought. Throughout the album, Laufey describes her personal experiences with love, life, and hopeless romanticism. The album starts off with “Fragile”, painting a picture of how she grew up “surrounded by glass” and the time her “glass box” was shattered by a boy. The strings slowly crescendo throughout the song as if they were traveling forward towards something. Personally, the standout of the album is “Valentine”, another one of her Tik Tok-viral songs. “Valentine” showcases Laufey’s enticing voice as she starts the song in a lower register. This song exhibits the feelings and worries that often accompany being in love for the first time. Overall, the album was thoughtfully made and Laufey’s incredible vocals shone throughout. The instrumentals fit the album wonderfully and added to the listening experience. 

Douglas Zambrano, Staff Designer

Singer and songwriter Meghan Trainor came out with a new album, Takin’ it Back, on Oct. 21. This album meets the primary expectation when it comes to Meghan Trainor: fun catchy melodies. Some examples of this on Takin’ it Back are “Made You Look” and “Mama Wanna Mambo” as well as the more serious and sad songs like “Superwoman” and “Don’t I Make It Look Easy”. Overall this album is great, but as to why I consider it one of the best albums of the year? It has to do with how it possibly saved its creator’s career. Trainor took over the world in 2014 with her first single with over ten million copies sold “All About That Bass”, but after that her career went downhill. She had a few hits like “Me Too” and “Lips Are Moving”, but nothing as popular as her first single. It seemed like she was never going to come close to her former glory; however, in recent years her 2014 song “Title” became massively popular on TikTok, and inspired her to make Tik Toks just having fun. Showing this side of her life led her to have a massive following of 15 million, and she took advantage of that to promote her new album.

Avani Munji, Staff Designer

Vietnamese-American singer-songwriter Keshi put out his debut album, GABRIEL, on March 25. It has a much darker sound than his previous EPs, which were stripped down and dreamy, and it is unlike anything Keshi has put out before. While his signature falsetto romantic ballads still shine through in songs such as “ANGEL” and “UNDERSTAND”, the sound of “GET IT” is moody and dark, and its lyrics match its completely different vibe, with an attention-grabbing, braggy feel. Along with the incredible sound production on the album, the lyrics stand out— he tells you stories about his newfound confidence (“GET IT”), his homesickness (“WESTSIDE”) and his constant seesaw between feeling superior and inferior (“LIMBO”). This deeply personal storytelling brings so much more of Keshi to the album, giving listeners a deep look into the artist himself. The lyrics, sound production and vocals all contribute to making each song on the tracklist feel very distinct from each other; however, they paint a cohesive picture together as an album, which makes listening a completely immersive experience. GABRIEL is an absolutely gorgeous debut album, and I can’t wait to see where Keshi goes next with his music.

Follow Saniya (@Saniya Koppikar) and @CHSCampusNews on Twitter.