Cowboy Carter – Beyoncé

Only God Was Above Us – Vampire Weekend Beyoncé’s most recent release, Cowboy Carter is indicative of a new era in the Beyoncé timeline. Representing her Texas roots, the new album has an overarching country sound while still combining elements of R&B, Soul, and Pop music, making Carter feel familiar with previous releases. Beyoncé’s use of twangy guitar licks, pulsing bass lines, and banjo solos pay homage to classic Country music. along with her cover of “Jolene” by Dolly Parton, a tribute to one of the most popular female classic country artists.

-Audrey Farris ‘25

Only God Was Above Us- Vampire Weekend

Vampire Weekend has returned after a five-year hiatus. The album is a good listen, with a vibrant and sometimes experimental sound that meshes well with the indie rock that Vampire Weekend became known for beginning in the early 2000s. Generally, these tracks are more emotionally mature than the band’s previous albums, with slower and softer songs. No matter if you’re a long-time fan or are just hearing them for the first time, Only God Was Above Us is worth the listen.

-Jordan Costolo ‘25

Dark Matter – Pearl Jam

Legendary rock band Pearl Jam’s most recent album, Dark Matter is a rollercoaster ride through the depths of rock ‘n’ roll emotions. Lead singer Eddie Vedder’s vocals take listeners on a journey through gritty grunge and soulful ballads. Each track is a testament to the band’s evolution, showcasing their ability to craft powerful melodies and thought-provoking lyrics. From head-banging to soul searching, this album has it all. Whether you’re a die hard fan or just discovering Pearl Jam’s magic, Dark Matter is guaranteed to leave you craving more.

-Audrey Farris ‘25

The Tortured Poets Department – Taylor Swift

Still the biggest star in the world, Taylor Swift continues to shift into new styles of music. This time she explores slower synth-pop, with the same emotional lyricism that has been present in all of her albums. Along with the base album, Swift has also released a complementary album that adds many
more bonus songs to enjoy. There is a similarity to many of the tracks on The Tortured Poets Department, but that could be a plus for the hardcore Swifties used to albums from Swift with their own unique identity.

-Jordan Costolo ‘25

$10 Cowboy – Charley Crockett

$10 Cowboy is a refreshing blend of Americana, blues, and country twang that transports listeners to the dusty trails of the Wild West. Crockett’s smooth vocals and authentic storytelling evoke images of rugged landscapes and timeless tales of love and loss. From foot-stomping anthems like “Welcome to Hard Times” to heartfelt ballads like “I Need Your Love,” each track showcases Crockett’s versatility as a musician and his deep connection to his roots.

-Audrey Farris ‘25

Radical Optimism – Dua Lipa

Beloved Pop superstar Dua Lipa has made an electrifying comeback with her most recent album, Radical Optimism. With infectious beats and empowering lyrics, Lipa invites listeners to embrace optimism in the face of adversity. From the groovy rhythms of “Cool” to the empowering anthem “We’re Good,” it’s a feel-good party from start to finish. Radical Optimism is the perfect soundtrack for dancing through life’s challenges with a smile on your face.

-Audrey Farris ‘25

You Won’t Go Until You’re Supposed To- Knocked Loose

Hardcore Punk band Knocked Loose’s You Won’t Go Before You’re Supposed To is a relentless onslaught of brutal energy. With mind-crushing riffs and guttural vocals, the album grabs you by the throat from the first track and refuses to let go. While staying true to their signature sound, Knocked Loose also explores new territories, pushing the boundaries and tearing down the status quo of Hardcore music. If you’re looking for an unapologetically intense album from start to finish, You Won’t Go Before You’re Supposed To is the perfect choice.

-Audrey Farris ‘25

Neon Pill– Cage the Elephant

After the many controversies surrounding the band, Cage The Elephant has finally returned with the album Neon Pill. Going forward with a similar sound to their previous albums, Neon Pill revives Cage The Elephant’s classic and beloved indie rock sound with a newfound polish. Songs such as “Float
Into The Sky” or “Out Loud” are examples of this sophistication, where the songs are slower and with more attention to the lyricism. One of the most anticipated albums of the year, Neon Pill delivers.

-Jordan Costolo ’25