Tasty tunes were no scarcity this semester. Below is a list of my favorite albums that have sanctified the opulent airwaves of WGRE this year.
- I See You – The xx
The English indie pop group's new album, released at the beginning of the year, was among the most played by our DJs. The xx took a smoother, less desolate route from their previous album, and it worked in their favor. "I See You" is velvety, buoyant, and suave.
Standout tracks: "Say Something Loving" and "Performance"
- Pure Comedy – Father John Misty
Standout tracks: "Smoochie" and "So I'm Growing Old On Magic Mountain"
- DAMN. – Kendrick Lamar
While none of the tracks are FCC appropriate for the college airwaves, "DAMN." is an explosive rap masterpiece. Several big-name collaborators, including Rihanna, Zacari, Terrace Martin, Kaytranada, BADBADNOTGOOD, and several more make appearances in Kendrick's fourth studio album.
Standout tracks: “DNA.” and “LUST.”
- Nothing Feels Natural – Priests
Standout tracks: "JJ" and "Appropriate"
- This Old Dog – Mac Demarco
"This Old Dog" was a much-anticipated album for WGRE this semester, and it did not disappoint. Released in early May, the thirteen-track album is dynamic and introspective. Mac Demarco's third album takes listeners on a smooth ride through melodious and mellow while sticking to his dreamy, lo-fi authenticity.
Standout tracks: "A Wolf Who Wears Sheep's Clothing" and "Watching Him Fade Away"
- Process – Sampha
Known for his collaborations with SBTRKT, Drake, Solange, and Kanye West, Sampha decided to go solo with his first album "Process." The British vocalist built musical success for himself starting with learning to play the piano in his parents' home. From cover to cover, the tracks on his debut album are emotional and passion-driven.
Standout tracks: "Blood On Me" and "No One Knows Me (Like the Piano)"
- Season High – Little Dragon
Standout tracks: "High" and "Strobe Light"
- Humanz – Gorillaz
Pitchfork describes the British virtual band's fifth album as "another gloomy party playlist for the end of the world." The hip-hop techno, twenty-track, doomsday-focused album is punchy and charged with energy. Released in late April, the cartoon collective's "Humanz" features Pusha T, Mavis Staples, Danny Brown, and Vince Staples among other greats.
Standout tracks: "Let Me Out" (feat. Mavis Staples & Pusha T) and "We Got The Power" (feat. Jehnny Beth)
- Drunk – Thundercat
Standout tracks: "Bus In These Streets" and "Lava Lamp"
- Heartworms – The Shins
Singer and guitarist James Mercer self-produced and recorded the Albuquerque rock band's first studio album in five years. "Heartworms" is colorful, exciting, and an easy one to dance to.
Standout tracks: "Name For You" and "Dead Alive"
Tune into 91.5 WGRE to check out tracks from these appetizing new albums.
