Pop
Je Suis Une île by Halo Maud
Je Suis Une île
Halo Maud
2018
I enjoyed Halo Maude’s 2024 album, Celebrate, so I figured I needed to give her 2018 one a try and found there’s lots to like. The less “driven” rhythms of this album gives it the pacing of summer; the tracks encouraging you to slow down and bask in them without demanding you pay close attention. As the kids say, “It’s a vibe.”
Recommended track: Du pouvoir/power
Ladyhawke by Ladyhawke
Ladyhawke
Ladyhawke
2008
This whole album is filled with the driven excitement of youth that refuses to stop. You don’t fully understand yourself or others but the only way you’ll find answers is to dive in and mix it up. Bodies heal and so will your emotions.
Recommended Track: My Delirium
Get Ready by New Order
Get Ready
New Order
2001
Back in 2001, MTV only played decent music videos between midnight and 4 am and it was in that late night haze that I discovered this album. While it’s far from a perfect album, there are a significant number of tracks that hit. And when they do hit, they hit hard and prove that New Order “still got it.”
Recommended Track: Crystal
Our Time in Eden by 10,000 Maniacs
Our Time in Eden
10,000 Maniacs
1992
For at least a year of middle school, my family would put this album on during dinner and everyone would end up singing along with it. I’ve listened to this whole album so many times that I no longer have an impartial view of it.
Recommended Track: Eden
Celebrate by Halo Maud
Celebrate
Halo Maud
2024
Adventerous and difficult to pin down by genre, Halo Maud feels like somebody who grew up listening to some of my favorite artists. The French sensibility she brings to familiar sounds and structures is refreshing and something I want more of.
Recommended Track: Last Day Song
playpen by Juliet Ivy
playpen
Juliet Ivy
2023
A surprising new find from my wife. It would be easy to blow it off as playful and short but the unapologetically fun and feminine-forward emotions Juliet Ivy has packed into those five tracks makes me want to hear more.
Recommended Track: boytoy
99 Cents by Santigold
99 Cents
Santigold
2016
Santigold is a pop genius who is somehow able to add substance to normally temporal music and give it staying power. 99 Cents continues to outlast the twenty-teen trends it plays with.
Recommended Track: Rendezvous Girl
Bewitched by Laufey
Bewitched
Laufey
2023
Laufey’s popularity gives me faith that pop won’t drown into a sea of screaming melisma. Her songs are a magical concoction of dreamy and self-assured jazz that draws you into a wonderful sonic hug.
Recommended Track: From The Start
So I Married An Axe Murderer OST by Various Artists
So I Married An Axe Murderer OST
Various Artists
1993
I would love to know how many times I’ve listened to this soundtrack over my lifetime because the number has to be insanely high. With that many listens, I’ve lost all objectivity to this early 1990’s alt-rock treasure box.
Recommended Track: Long Day In The Universe
Whiteout Conditions by The New Pornographers
Whiteout Conditions
The New Pornographers
2017
A prime example of contrasting musicians making stronger music together than on their own. This album has all the fun and drive of power-pop but with the sensibilities of other musical genres bursting from the seams. Neko Case and Kathryn Calder singing in harmony is my ASMR.
Track recommendation: Whiteout Conditions
Bankrupt! by Phoenix
Bankrupt!
Phoenix
2013
My favorite Phoenix album to revisit. I have to admit that it is one of those albums I’ve listened to so frequently that all my objectivity is lost and its sounds live in my bones now.
Track recommendation: Entertainment
About U by MUNA
About U
MUNA
2017
The yearning vocals and driving synth on the opening track instantly grabbed the undying teenager inside of me and pulled him along a whirlwind of hormones and self-doubt. This album is a year of high school translated into music.
Track recommendation: So Special
Tear It Down by My Brightest Diamond
Tear It Down
My Brightest Diamond
2007
I’m usually shy about remix albums but there is so much great artistry at work here. If you’re struggling with unhappy emotions, Shara Nova’s beautiful voice will travel with you through the dark.
Track recommendation: Golden Star - Alias
Here Is Everything by The Big Moon
Here Is Everything
The Big Moon
2022
These are the sounds of life’s unstoppable movements changing everything around you. You can’t stop them so turn to face them as bravely as you can and stand fast in your refusal to be crushed.
Track recommendation: 2 Lines
Good At Falling by The Japanese House
Good At Falling
The Japanese House
2019
I don’t know why The Japanese House’s sound is so cathartic for me but here I am again with this album on repeat. What I do know is their music resonates with the excitedly optimistic part of me that’s still unsure about how other people’s brains work. We’re all still figuring life out.
Track recommendation: Maybe You’re the Reason
Seal by Seal
Seal
Seal
1994
Many convention-breaking details have kept this album elevated past the decade it was created in. Have I really been listening to this album for nearly 30 years!?
Track recommendation: Kiss from a Rose
Fashion Nugget by CAKE
Fashion Nugget
CAKE
1996
Best when loudly sung along to in the car. Listen past the hit singles and you’ll discover unique, irreverent pop arrangements.
Track recommendation: Italian Leather Sofa
Together by The New Pornographers
Together
The New Pornographers
2010
The early 2000’s elevated power pop to new heights and this album is a prime example. Neko Case is a majestic knife that cuts through everything. Lots of repeat listenings to this one.
Track recommendation: Crash Years