I’ve listened to a lot of albums this summer. These are the ones that I’ll keep in heavy rotation on my back to school soundtrack as I start hitting the books once again.
Anjulie – Anjulie
This Canadian native’s debut is a nice blend of pop, rock and jazz. It kind of reminds me of Corinne Bailey Rae’s album from a few years ago. If I spent a summer in France and made an album, this is how I imagine it would sound.
Ashley Tisdale – Guilty Pleasure
Guilty Pleasure is totally my Dignity of 2009. Let me explain: Back in ’07, Hilary Duff released Dignity, a kind of coming-of-age album for me. Ashley’s 2nd album has that same kind of effect on me. The subject matter on the album’s a far cry from her debut or a High School Musical soundtrack.
Brooke Hogan – The Redemption
After hearing this album multiple times, I really believe that Brooke Knows Best. The reality star turned pop star has said that her last album wasn’t that great because she wasn’t singing songs that suited her voice. She certainly learned from that mistake and is redeeming herself on this album. Some tracks are fun (Strip and Ruff Me Up) and others are serious (Dear Mom). The Redemption kind of reminds me of music I grew up on in the 90s. Don’t worry, that’s a good thing.
Cage – Depart From Me
The only reason I knew about Cage was because Shia LaBeouf wants to make a movie about him and started off the process by directing his I Never Knew You video. Cage has had a life like no other (trust me, it’ll blow 8 Mile away), and his album is like nothing else I’ve heard. It’s a nice mix of rap over rock. Definitely my pick for rap album of the year (sorry Em).
Caitlin Crosby – Flawz
If you’re looking for a girl power album this year, Flawz is definitley it. This singer-songwriter addresses flaws that we see in ourselves and society in a matter-of-fact way. Plus, she’s gone beyond the music to create a site called Love Your Flawz, where we can all learn to embrace our “amazing, unique flaws.”
Cassie Davis – Differently
Sitting on pins and needles waiting for the day Fergie decides to stop Boom Boom Pow-ing it up with the BEP boys and start work on her 2nd album? Me too. But until then, take a listen to Australian import Cassie Davis. Differently is totally the album Fergie needs to make when she goes back to her solo side project. Cassie sings, raps and rocks. This is definitely a different album than anything I’ve heard since The Dutchess ruled the pop charts.
Cobra Starship – Hot Mess
Before this album, I really wasn’t much of a Cobra Starship fan. I just liked their song from the Snakes on a Plane soundtrack. So if the band has sold out like some original Cobra fans are saying, I don’t know, but I really don’t care. Hot Mess most certainly is not a hot mess, it’s just plain hot. The lyrics rock, and I laugh everytime Gabe sings, “stumblin’ but yeah you still lookin hella fine” in the title track.
Esmée Denters – Outta Here
This album isn’t out in the States yet, but due to some overseas friends, I’ve already heard it and love it. Justin Timberlake knew what he was doing when he signed Esmée to his Interscope imprint, Tennman Records. Her songs have Justin’s fingerprints all over them, a good thing in my opinion because he knows what to do with that powerful voice of hers.
Mutemath – Armistice
Although I had heard a few Mutemath tracks here and there over the years, I really became a fan of the band last semester when I played their first two albums on repeat for weeks. This fandom will certainly continue this semester. I love their 3rd album as must as the first two. Plus, everytime I hear Spotlight, I think of Rob Pattinson’s Ed Cullen in Ray-Bans putting his arm around Kristin Stewart’s Bella Swan while saying, “Since I’m going to hell,” as the whole school looks on. Not such a bad image to distract me from my studies.
Passion Pit – Manners
If you’ve been following my blog, you’ll know that I won a Rockville, CA t-shirt because of this band, so I figured I should start listening to them. Manners is full of energy, making it the perfect album to play full blast as I start to drift asleep after reading one too many textbooks. I don’t plan on being a Sleepyhead this semester.
Patrick Wolf – The Bachelor
I’ve been a fan of Patrick Wolf for years and this is my favorite album of his. It’s moody and just perfect as summer turns to autumn.
What’s on your school soundtrack this semester?
