Albums Fit For Quarantine

Albums Fit For Quarantine

Andrew Ciarelli ‘22 Staff Writer

Because of quarantine, CC has effectively switched to an online curriculum. This means no seeing your friends, no Tru- Foods chipotle bar, and even no finals. Fortunately, this also means no one can tell you to stop listening to music in class. Here are some personal recommendations from various genres.

The Slow Rush - Tame Impala (2020)

Kevin Parker, known to many as Tame Impala, doesn’t fail to push his own creative limits in this sequel to 2015’s Currents. In this upbeat melting pot of genres, he blends dozens of synthesizers, samples, and vocals to create a style that is uniquely his own. Definitely worth an uninterrupted listen.

Tha Carter II - Lil Wayne (2005)

While I really liked the other entries in his Tha Carter series, Wayne’s magnum opus will forever be The Carter II. This album marks Weezy’s coming of age in hip hop, a huge step up for his lyricism and artistry, as the game around him changes. Hall of fame tier. No doubts about it.

Hysteria - Def Leppard (1987)

As a rap fan, it was hard for me to get into rock, but this album opened my eyes to the wonders of the 80s. From mainstream classics like “Pour Some Sugar On Me” to wild energy hits like “Run Riot,” Hysteria kept me entertained for the full 62 minutes.

Future Nostalgia - Dua Lipa (2020)

Most of her songs have gotten overplayed, whether it’s on the radio, Tik Tok, or even the NBA 2K19 soundtrack. Dua Lipa has quickly become the face of modern pop, and this album is no exception, with its poppy melodies and EDM-influenced instrumentals. Give this album a listen and you might get a song or two stuck in your head faster than you think.

Spirit - Earth, Wind & Fire (1976)

This project, from the same funk group behind the timeless hit “September,” is sure to bring nothing but smiles and peaceful thoughts during the stressful pandemic. The flawless harmonizing and religious undertones offer an uplifting vibe, something that definitely puts them above other 70s R&B acts. Highly recommended - 10/10.

Good Faith - Madeon (2019)

In the world of EDM, I stumbled upon this gem. Producer Madeon changes things up well, with every track bringing something new to the table, until you have an entire Thanksgiving dinner of synth melodies and beautifully warped vocals.

Modus Vivendi - 070 Shake (2020)

070 explores the many sides of love and scandal in this debut LP. Her vocals were really solid, but the production by Dave Hamelin and Kanye-collaborator Mike Dean was what made good become perfection. Shake has loads of potential so I won’t be surprised if she starts climbing the rap and R&B charts soon.

Tangled Up -Thomas Rhett (2015)

It’s politically correct to throw a country album in here too, so here’s one I’m actually pretty fond of. Rhett toes the lines of pop in songs like “Vacation” but still remains true to his genre in a way that feels natural. He offers some unforgettable higher melodies in the choruses, and casually returns to a low southern drawl for the verses that leave the listener wanting more.