an album a day

discovering new music daily

[analbumaday]

Hi!

I'm Theo and I like music a lot. I work as a venue technician and spend my summers visiting various music festivals.

This blog is my attempt to listen to a different album every day - for as long as I can keep it up. My aim is to introduce myself to as much new music as possible, whether that's new releases or simply just new to me. I want to expand my music library and what I choose to listen to.

I am into all sorts of music, from pop, indie, and rock, to jazz, hip hop, and classical - and everything in between - it just depends on what mood I'm in. Generally I prefer lyrical music but if it's got a beat I can dance to then I'm gonna get down to it. Some of my favourite artists at the moment include Aesop Rock, Mitski, Orla Gartland, Paramore, and The Streets - though this is just a handful of the hundreds of artists I listen to regularly. If you want a better idea of my music taste, below is the playlist I am currently listening to.

[analbumaday]

One day I will come back to this account but today is not that day

[analbumaday]

Taking a break for a bit, will be back with more albums soon, just gotta sort my life out first

[analbumaday]

Silk Sonic - An Evening With Silk Sonic (2021)

Conceptually, Silk Sonic is a match made in heaven - the smooth voiced pop superstar Bruno Mars alongside the funky drummer, rapper, and singer Anderson. Paak - and this debut album blends their styles in a thoroughly enjoyable and inventive way. The pair have some obvious chemistry and that is evident in the way they riff off each other throughout the album, with intricately crafted classic soul-inspired songs infused with R&B beats and soulful vocals. Lyrically, the album takes a broadly light tone, opting not to talk about the darker elements of their lives or the ongoing issues surrounding the release of the album such as social issues and the pandemic - and instead focuses on music that simply makes you feel good. And it certainly succeeds - this is a great album to chill out to, to dance to, or for spending time with that special person in your life.

7.5/10

[analbumaday]

Knucks - ALPHA PLACE (2022)

The debut album from Knucks pays homage to the street he grew up on in Kilburn, London, dealing with the concept of 'home' - a place you will always want to return to, for better or worse. Knucks has created an engaging and intricate album filled with captivating storytelling, and his lyrics are certainly the high point, but ALPHA HOUSE starts to get a little repetitive towards the middle, with samey beats and an inability to change things up. However, the featured artists Knucks has pulled into this project do a great job of livening things up and bringing new and refreshing angles to his songs. Overall, ALPHA PLACE is a well put together record with a mix of beats, some grimey, some trappy, some jazzy, with the addition of a smooth flow, relatable lyrics, and pop culture references, and has a handful of really strong tunes.

6.5/10

[analbumaday]

Loyle Carner - hugo (2022)

Loyle Carner's third studio album is an exquisitely produced and intensely autobiographical project. Maturely tackling issues of mental health, documenting his struggles with dyslexia and ADHD, identity, particularly what it means to be a mixed race man, and family, delving deeply into the concept of fatherhood - both as a new dad and as someone reconnecting with a previously absent father. With production from the likes of Madlib, Rebel Kleff, and longtime collaborator Kwes, hugo is Carner's cleanest record yet, with an eclectic selection of samples layered over jazz-infused beats and introspective lyrics.

9/10

[analbumaday]

Kojey Radical - Reason to Smile (2022)

The debut album from UK hip hop and spoken word artist Kojey Radical was a long time in the making - he was almost ten years into his career in music before Reason to Smile was put out. Radical had released 4 music projects prior to Reason to Smile, and each could easily be defined as LPs in terms of their length and thematic cohesion. While his previous works were all masterpieces kn their own right and signified a flair for songwriting and musicality, Radical's debut takes things up a notch, with complex, enigmatic, and challenging lyrics backed up by jazz, soul, and gospel inspired beats. When rapping, his unique and exquisite flow is unmatched and he's got the poetic, conscious bars to match. Radical enlists an impressive slew of collaborators for this album, each featured artist being allowed to shine, bringing something new and exciting to the table. I have had the pleasure of seeing Kojey in concert twice now - and I have to say his live shows are some of the best gigs I have ever witnessed. He brings a boundless raw energy to his performances that is often rare to find, and is definitely worth a watch if you ever get the chance.

10/10

[analbumaday]

Caroline Polachek - Desire, I Want to Turn Into You (2023)

Caroline Polachek's second album under her given name is a brilliant and dazzling romp, with experimental, poppy beats throughout that are well-matched to Polachek's elegant and exquisite voice. Melodically enchanting and perfectly produced, each song is completely captivating and a real delight to listen to, the music crafted in just the right way to evoke the desired emotions that the lyrics are going for. Desire, I Want to Turn Into You is a thoroughly enjoyable journey through Polachek's psyche and will undoubtedly be remembered as one of the best albums of 2023, and it definitely warrants a listen.

9/10

[analbumaday]

Self Esteem - Prioritise Pleasure (2021)

Rotherham-born singer Rebecca Lucy Taylor, otherwise known as Self Esteem, has produced an unapologetically confessional and purposely powerful second album. Tackling bodily autonomy, self love, and the complexity of life with witty yet challenging lyrics, Prioritise Pleasure is a bold and assured take on modern issues, with pop anthems, power ballads, and disco-inspired bangers throughout. Taylor's unique and high-octane voice consistently breaks through the experimental and unorthodox musical arrangements with empowering and intimate lyrics in an utterly compelling and engaging way. The breakout single I Do This All The Time is where Taylor's wordplay is at its strongest, with the song being a painstakingly relatable anthem for the modern generation, containing incredible lines like "You're beautiful and I want the best for you/But I also hope you fail without me/It was really rather miserable trying to love you". Self Esteem possesses raw and authentic star power all the way through this album, and if you listen to anything today - make it this.

9.5/10

[analbumaday]

Vulfpeck - Schvitz (2022)

Full of infectious, gospel-inspired melodies and witty wordplay, the latest album from the eclectic ensemble known as Vulfpeck delivers a variety of soulful and jazzy tunes that are an utter joy to listen to. A handful of the songs on this album are covers of already existing songs, but Vulfpeck add such a refreshing take on them that they sound like brand new music, imbued with bluesy and funky beats sure to put a smile on your face. The humour inherent in Schvitz's lyrics is downright endearing and the energetic musicality of the band really pulls the whole record together.

7.5/10

[analbumaday]

Arlo Parks - Collapsed In Sunbeams (2021)

Arlo Parks' debut album is a masterclass in songwriting, her unique and evocative voice a perfect match for the melancholic and insightful lyrics sprinkled throughout Collapsed In Sunbeams. The composition of this album is mostly stripped back, usually just with guitars, drums, and the occasional addition of keys or backing vocals, but the production level is always impeccable and allows each song to become their own. Tackling troubling but pertinent themes, Parks deftly handles depression, heartbreak, and loss in a mature fashion that only someone who has experienced those things can. This is a real coming-of-age album from an extremely promising artist with a bright future ahead of them.

8.5/10

[analbumaday]

Poppy Ajudha - THE POWER IN US (2022)

THE POWER IN US is an absolute indictment of western culture, calling its listeners to action with rousing anthems that deal with difficult topics such as female empowerment, abortion rights, racial issues, and gender norms. Poppy Ajudha's vocals are the highlight of this album, her jazzy and soulful voice blasting out incredible melodies throughout - but although packed with feeling, the lyrics can sometimes fall a little flat, with poor rhymes and cliché wordplay. The production on this album is tight, and packed with mesmerising instrumentation and funky beats that range from gospel-inspired sounds to electronic riffs and trappy snares. Endearing and packed with powerful messages, Ajudha's debut really is a statement piece that you can't help but be inspired by.

7/10

[analbumaday]

Fiona Apple - Fetch the Bolt Cutters (2020)

Fiona Apple's fifth album is an absolute fever dream of raw emotion from start to finish, containing deep, dark, and intensely personal lyrics coupled with winding, mesmerising, and harsh instrumentation. Extremely experimental and utterly unconventional in its composition, Fetch the Bolt Cutters takes you on a journey through Apple's mind, exploring sombre topics such as sexual assault, bullying, and failed relationships. Despite its often depressing themes, there is also plenty of humour to be found in the lyrics and the industrial, percussive sounds throughout the album fit well with Apple's frenetic piano playing. Released at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic, this album is filled with a sense of urgency and music that feels like it wants to break free of confinement. This is undoubtedly Apple's best work to date and is full to the brim with chaotic drive and endless innovation.

9/10

[analbumaday]

Omar Apollo - Ivory (2022]

The inventive and refreshing debut album from bedroom pop singer and guitarist Omar Apollo is a passionate and heartfelt affair that strongly delivers on hard-hitting lyrics and painfully haunting vocals. All sorts of influences are apparent in this record, with the music flitting between genres like hip hop, r&b and indie pop in a way that never feels disconnected - all the songs meld into one another effortlessly, held together by Apollo's smooth and silky singing. These different styles lend themselves very nicely to the mix between English and Spanish lyrics, with songs like En El Olvido being extremely stripped back and is a chance for Apollo to show off his incredible voice - but then is followed by the trappy and rappy song Tamagotchi with a melody that is sure to get you moving. It is no wonder Omar Apollo won a Grammy this week - he is certainly an up and coming artist you should be watching out for.

8/10

[analbumaday]

Paramore - This Is Why (2023)

The latest album from Paramore sees the band going back to their alt rock roots, but is also a culmination of all their work so far. After a six year break, this album is a refreshing and enjoyable listen from these stalwarts of pop punk and successfully builds on their already impressive body of work. Lyrically, This Is Why delivers well crafted and burningly relevant wordplay, delving into topics extremely pertinent for the times, lamenting the current state of the world. Hayley Williams has an incredible vocal range as always, able to perform flawlessly in whatever style she chooses, and Taylor York and Zac Farro complement her wonderfully, with punchy guitar riffs, fabulous basslines, and snappy, lively drum beats that will have you dancing along throughout the album. Through the years, Paramore have gone from strength to strength, their music steadily maturing as they've grown older - and now it feels like they're truly making the music they were born to play. This is why Paramore are one of the greatest bands of all time.

10/10

[analbumaday]

Paramore - After Laughter (2017)

After Laughter took me quite a while to properly appreciate - but it definitely grew on me each time I listened. This is Paramore's most poppy outing to date, moving away from the rockier and heavier sounds they became known for. The record is for the most part extremely upbeat and is a joy to listen to - although the lyrics themselves are touching on some fairly dark topics. With the return of Zac Farro on drums as well as Taylor York on guitar, the instrumentation on this album is tightly produced and with their exploration of new styles brings a freshness to the band's music that it desperately needed. Hayley Williams' vocals are for the most reserved and understated, but also full of life and passion, with a hint of sweetness that really is the cherry on top for this album.

9/10

[analbumaday]

Paramore - Paramore (2013)

It is not often for a band's fourth studio album to be self-titled, but in this instance it feels totally appropriate. Paramore has gone through many lineup changes over the years but this album was their attempt to define their sound and it certainly feels like a more mature take on the music they had been releasing up to this point. With Hayley's vocals generally taking a more understated and poppy feel, the band (now just containing Jeremy Davis and Taylor York) experiment with new styles throughout this record. A statement piece and a reintroduction of the band to the world (and to themselves), this album contains some of Paramore's best songs, but unfortunately it also includes some of their worst - though that doesn't mean the music is bad by any means.

8/10