The year is 2014. I’m listening to Lorde’s Pure Heroine while waiting for the bus to middle school — anxious about if I’ll make it there on time. As I scroll through my Instagram feed, I’m welcomed with numerous renditions of the “Keep Calm And Carry On” memes and an influx of The Fault In Our Stars fan edits.
Paramore has trekked through an array of sounds with every new release — This Is Why is no different. Since the band formed in 2004, they have curated a discography that guarantees a memorable song for every type of listener, whether they prefer heavy pop-punk anthems or melodic new wave bops.
Coated in Southern gothic aesthetics and spiritual motifs, singer-songwriter Hayden Silas Andhedönia, better known as the notorious Ethel Cain, journeys through the daunting life of the troubled teenager in her debut album Preacher’s Daughter.
Traveling through riptides of both peril and serenity, SOS tells the emotional story of SZA’s career through a blend of music genres — from classic R&B to pop-punk to hip-hop.
From the album announcement to the listening experience, the journey of Midnights was one of pure enjoyment — always keeping everyone on their toes for what was to come next.
Souvlaki paved the way for future generations of music by creating new styles of sound that completely coat your ears, soothe your hunger and leave you satisfied.
With the whole crowd belting the last verse of “Moon Song,” both the arising anticipation and the cathartic climax made me feel at home. Watching her perform it live transformed the song from a slow-paced, skippable track to a go-to nightly car ride tune — one that deserves a deep sea dive.