I am CRAZY about music. And I figured this might be a good way to expand my horizons and share my music taste while also getting some recs from other people!
SET UP
ALBUMS:
Artist, Release Date, number of songs, duration, the name of each song, rate each out of ten with a brief explanation and my favorite part/lyric, grade the entire album based on how much I liked each of the songs, and also would I consider buying the album on CD
SONGS:
Artist, Release Date, Album, Duration, lyrics I liked the best and some insight on the meaning behind the songs, a rating out of 10
MUSICALS:
Release date, duration, songs will have the same set up as the albums, what songs I would use to audition/what role would I audition for (I'm a theatre kid), Grading the musical based on song ratings, and finally if i'd consider buying it and adding to my cd collection.
PLAYLISTS:
If you send me your playlist on Spotify in an ask, I'll rate it! I'll go through each song with a brief blurb on if I liked it/if it fit the theme of the playlist, then I'll rate the songs out of 10 on how much I feel it fits the theme. Then grade it based on all of those <3
It's important to note that these will all just be my opinions and it is all in good fun. But yeah feel free to request anything you want! I'm looking forward to expanding the music I listen to.
I figured it would be fun to share the albums I do already have on CD and then update you all when I get new ones! I am having the time of my life looking for these things lol. If you guys want me to give a review of any of these just lmk. They're listed roughly in the order I got them.
The Queen Is Dead - The Smiths
Guts - Olivia Rodrigo
Hozier - Hozier (Well, duh)
Be The Cowboy - Mitski
Louder Than Bombs - The Smiths
ABBA Gold - ABBA
don't smile at me - Billie Eilish
HIT ME HARD AND SOFT - Billie Eillish
Rise and Fall of a Midwestern Princess - Chappell Roan
Short 'N Sweet Deluxe - Sabrina Carpenter
Not much but I'm very confident in my ability to get more lol
Okay that was a sick ass intro to something I’ve never experienced before and I’m so pumped about it. This song is starting out with very much giving opening credits of a really good show. It’s giving teenage loser and I’m so so here for it. I’ve never been one for this style of music but I’m finding myself really enjoying this. The chaotic energy at the end adds to it in a way I’m not sure how to describe but I feel very positively about it.
“I live my life for the stars that shine”
Shakermaker - 10/10
See, this music is just so good. The openings to the songs just make me bob my head along to it and that’s very important to me in music. The vocals are also very ticklish to my brain. I don’t have too many words for this one I’m just vibing with it. The controlled throw of the voice the singer does is so cool I really like that.
“I’d like to be somebody else and not know where I’ve been.”
Live Forever - 7/10
I really like the music break halfway through the song. The lyrics don’t really hit that hard for me, so it’s not my favorite ever, but it’s interesting to say the least. I like the instrumentals the best in this song.
“We see things they’ll never see.”
Up In The Sky - 9/10
The openings have been so strong in this album like each time it kinda draws you in. It kinda sounds like something out of Disney’s Planes. I’m not sure if that makes sense but it feels like it belongs in that soundtrack in the best way possible.
“It’s just a case of never breathing out before you’ve breathed it in.”
Columbia - 8/10
The start to this song was interesting and I don’t really know how to feel about it. This song has some banger lines in it. I feel like the basic premise of the song is very relatable to me and that draws me to it a lot. I too find myself very confused a good chunk of the time, haha. Now I’m all for that rock-ish kinda music, and it sounds nice, but I guess I’m just not one for long, prolonged music breaks when I’m listening to an album. It’s really only interesting for me when I’m watching the musician do it in a video or something.
“I can’t tell you the way I feel because the way I feel is oh so new to me.”
Supersonic - 9/10
I like the vibes of this. It seems like classic 90’s music (probably because that’s exactly what it is). It feels like the kind of music a kid from the 90s would listen to getting ready, or maybe a scene kid from today’s era. I absolutely love that. The lyrics also just smack you in the face a little in a fun and cool way.
“You can have it all but how much do you want it?”
Bring It On Down - 8/10
I like the music and beat of this song. I really liked when they got the far-away metallic voice effect. I might sound dumb but I don’t know what it’s called. But I love love love the megaphone-y sound halfway through the song, it always makes my ears happy when artists do that.
“You’re the uninvited guest who stays ‘til the end.”
Cigarettes & Alcohol - 10/10
The electric guitar at the beginning hit me with a wave of “woah this is something my dad would LOVE to play” and that made me very very happy. This song just feels so badass, walking through the halls of a high school after dark kind of feeling. This song makes my soul feel happy
“You could wait for a lifetime, to spend your days in the sunshine.”
Digsy’s Diner - 10/10
I really like the carefree tone. It sounds so skippy and fun. I feel like the constant reference to lasagna was a little random but still very much enjoyable. This was a short and sweet song, I really liked it.
“These could be the best days of our lives”
Slide Away - 8/10
I love a good adoring song. This song was just SO very lengthy, and to be honest I’ve just never been a huge fan of terribly long songs. I still enjoyed it but I don’t think I would ever seek it out again just because it was so long, lol.
“We’ll find a way to do what we’ve done.”
Married With Children - 10/10
A very cool change of pace for the end of the album. I’m also a whole sucker for albums that end with such final songs. Meaning songs that are about goodbye’s or leaving. It just makes me giggle because it feels like the artist is saying goodbye to listeners as well.
“There’s no need for you to say you’re sorry.”
OVERALL GRADE: 98/110 (89%)
I had some mixed feelings about this album but it was quite enjoyable to listen to. I am not one for long instrumental breaks in music unless I can physically see the person who is doing the solo, but that's just a me thing and that was one of my main complaints. This whole album felt like something my dad would really enjoy and that lowkey helped me enjoy it a whole lot more. I would have never stumbled across this music without the ask I received, so to that person, thank you. I will be responding to their ask one I finish the post for the other album they recommended.
WOULD I CONSIDER BUYING THIS ON CD?
As of right now, no. But I could see myself making a purchase if I found myself listening through this album a couple more times and really getting a feel for the music, because I did really enjoy it for the most part!
I figured it would be fun to share the albums I do already have on CD and then update you all when I get new ones! I am having the time of my life looking for these things lol. If you guys want me to give a review of any of these just lmk. They're listed roughly in the order I got them.
The Queen Is Dead - The Smiths
Guts - Olivia Rodrigo
Hozier - Hozier (Well, duh)
Be The Cowboy - Mitski
Louder Than Bombs - The Smiths
ABBA Gold - ABBA
don't smile at me - Billie Eilish
HIT ME HARD AND SOFT - Billie Eillish
Rise and Fall of a Midwestern Princess - Chappell Roan
Short 'N Sweet Deluxe - Sabrina Carpenter
Not much but I'm very confident in my ability to get more lol
This song is an average girl experience. We’ve all had that one relationship that sounds exactly like this song and let me tell you it WRECKS YOU. This song tugs my heart strings so wonderfully and it gets me every single time. Trying to convince yourself something is good when reality it’s killing you. Gah. I know that feeling far too well, and this song gets me every time, even though it’s safe to say that era of my life is over now.
“But we know that’s not what we’re doing cause baby, this ain’t like the movies”
People Watching - 10/10
This song is so good. I love it, the beat is amazing and the message is just like average middle school feelings. I don’t really know what else to say. Conan is just SO good at capturing emotion.
“I cut people out, like the tags on my clothing.”
Disaster - 10/10
The beat behind this song is so good and is very much more of his Found Heaven album vibes. The relationship anxiety is so incredibly real. This song is actually exactly how I felt when I was in that era of crushing on my boyfriend before I confessed. Actually also including when I actually confessed love for him as well. This song is just me haha.
“But if I’m readin’ it wrong, man, it’d be better off if I died”
Best Friend - 9/10
This song has such a vibe and makes me think of my own friends. It catches the way me and my friends are just mildly unhinged but still incredibly close. I took off a point just because it’s not my favorite but I still actively seek this song out a lot.
“You’re just as psycho as me, just as sick in the head.”
Astronomy - 10/10
This song is so gentle and quiet. It’s got that melancholic calm to it that I really like. The heartbreak of wanting to be with someone but feeling that disconnect. This is on a few of my vent playlists. Though I really don’t relate to it much these days. The beat towards the end, punctuating the words also KILLS me.
“But here face to face, a stranger that I once knew.”
Yours - 9/10
Something I am very much guilty of BELTING during a break up and shit like that. I’m starting to realize I might not be capable of giving Conan anything below a nine because I freaking love his music. It’s so ethereal and I never want it to leave my ears. The music shift at the end, again just takes my heart out of my chest and beats me to death.
“Can’t believe I chose you over all my best friends.”
Jigsaw - 9/10
The painful imagery of hurting yourself or changing yourself to please others to keep them around. A true people pleaser anthem. It reminds me so much of myself, especially with my friend group and my family. Such a gut wrenching song. The sudden cut off is literally everything to me.
“I’ve changed every part of me, until the puzzle pieces aren’t me at all”
Family Line - 10/10
This song actually chews me to bits and spits me out. I sob every time. I had a crazy family event that happened in my life and it actually felt a lot like this song afterwards. Honestly if you’ve got family issues and need a good cry, listen to this song because woah.
“All that I did to try to undo it, all of my pain and all your excuses, I was a kid but I wasn’t clueless, someone who loves you wouldn’t do this.”
Summer Child - 10/10
I’m a sucker for a good little guitar moment where it’s just, gentle. As someone who loves the sun (my friends understand why), this is the song that just reminds me of myself. Conan just knows exactly what he’s doing when he writes songs. I love the gentle singing and guitar and the little acoustic moment in the album.
“Aren’t you way too busy taking care of everybody to take care of yourself?”
Footnote - 8/10
Wanting love to be returned is such a sickening feeling and honestly if you haven’t been there done that- then you’re lying lol. This is probably not my favorite song on the album if I had to be truthful. I’m not sure exactly why but the best reason I have is the lyrics don’t hit as hard. But the music is really nice, if that makes sense.
“Every line I would write for you, but a footnote will do.”
Memories - 10/10
This song just goes wayyyy back with me. Me and one of my dearest friends straight up OBSESSED over this song during sophomore year and woah. I’ve listened to it probably a hundred times and it still hits just as hard every single time. Not being to let go of something or someone simply because they KEEP. WORMING. BACK. It’s one of the most frustrating experiences and this song is like that. But it’s also just one of those songs you could belt even if you’re in a perfectly happy relationship. Picking just one lyric for this song was so hard because i LOVE it so much.
“I wanna put you in the past, cause I’m traumatized.”
The Exit - 10/10
Conan again with the lyrics that just hit so hard. This is the kind of song I imagine my horrifically doomed OC’s in a dramatic animatic to. It’s gut wrenching in all contexts, romantic, platonic, everything. The spike in music after he whispers “the exit” is something that scratches my brain so well and it’s honestly one of the best parts of the songs.
“Feels like we had matching wounds, but mine's still black and blue and yours is perfectly fine.”
OVERALL GRADE: 115/120 (95%)
So I think it's clear that I was already VERY familiar with this album going into things. I love Superache and honestly this was a ploy to get some people in my personal life into him too. I also just felt like reviewing something I knew after so many new albums I've listened to so that I had things to talk about that I actually knew about. So, if this post is a bit yappy, that's why but I love love love Conan. So excited for Wishbone!
WOULD I CONSIDER BUYING IT ON CD?
At this point, it's not a want. It's a NEED. I NEED Conan Gray in my collection so bad. I am clawing at my enclosure as we speak. So yeah. Yeah I would consider buying it on CD. But "considering" is underselling the emotion drastically.
The beginning of this song is so trippy I actually love it. The music is groovy and interesting with subtle vocals which is cool. I think it was a good introduction to an artist I had never heard of before. So it’s not only the intro to the song but to Kenya Grace in my eyes.
Strangers - 10/10
I was like oh this sounds familiar and then I realized I totally have heard this song and it’s AMAZING! It’s so gentle in the vocal sense of things, yet so full of pure emotion. It’s heartbreaking but really nice to listen to.
“How can we say that this is love when it goes like this?”
It’s not fair - 9/10
Her voice is so pretty and quiet. I think that might be something that draws me to this music. It kind of reminds me of music I would play in my room on a rainy day in a way.
“In my head, I can’t forget all the stupid shit you said”
Stay - 9/10
The beat on this song is so good. The lyrics are honestly so relatable about trying to leave toxic situations. It’s hard to leave and this song is such a good representation of that.
“Why can’t I leave? It’s the right thing. I always threaten, but I’m lying.”
Someone Else - 9/10
This song explores a jealousy theme, which I really like. I will keep preaching this, but the gentle voice really helps to push the album further. It’s like all the big thoughts girls have quietly in our heads as they so often are. Very inner dialogue core.
“I wish that I was someone else”
My Baby Loves To Dance - 6/10
Okay this song did not really do it for me. I didn’t really like the instrumentation of it very much and it just felt a little bit too repetitive for my personal liking. Not terrible but I definitely won’t seek this song out actively.
“I can’t sleep at home staring up at the ceiling.”
Hey, Hi, How are you? - 9/10
This kinda makes me think about sitting in a car watching the rain drip down the window. It’s also just such a sad concept of a song executed with a rather upbeat beat, which isn’t unheard of but I still love songs like this every time.
“Life’s hard without you.”
Only In My Mind - 8/10
I like the vibes a lot. The repetition is cool but it’s just a bit too much for me personally. It still really slaps and I will be looking forward to listening again on the floor of my bedroom. It’s very delusional girl vibes and I’m here for it.
“See your face alone in a crowded room”
The Aftertaste (Outro) - 8/10
I loved the odd like, party in the next room vibe of the beginning of this. The message is also pretty cool and oddly encouraging. The same surrealism is brought back for the outro which I love. I liked this better than the intro tbh.
OVERALL GRADE: 75/90 (83%)
I really liked being introduced properly to Kenya Grace. She has a wonderful voice and I would totally encourage others to go and check out her music. It has a very clear sad girl aesthetic to it and almost reminded me a bit of Mitski in a strange way. (I love Mitski) But this was cool and thanks very much to my friend for recommending this album!
WOULD I CONSIDER BUYING IT ON CD?
I don't think so. I liked the music, don't get me wrong, but I don't think I liked it enough to commit to buying the CD and committing to it like that. I think for now this album is going to be something I might put on during rainy days when I need chill music with a hint of sad energy.
Now I’m pretty sure we’ve all heard this song before, absolute banger. It’s one of those songs that make you sound like a badass. This song is yearning in black leather jackets at 2 in the morning in one of the best ways possible.
“Maybe I’m too busy being yours to fall for somebody new”
R U Mine? - 9/10
The fast and desperate pace given by the drums really emphasizes the lyrics in such a delicious way. The silence in the middle of the song threw me in such a thrilling way. I can't even put into words the sheer excitement I felt giving that a listen. This is one of the songs I hadn’t listened to before.
“And satisfaction feels like a distant memory”
One For The Road - 7/10
Another one of the songs in this album I haven't listened to yet. This one didn’t hit the itchy spot I felt. It was still really good but it just felt like it was missing something so get me on that bandwagon if that makes sense.
“Soundtrack to disaster”
Arabella - 10/10
I am just such a sucker for music that sounds so passionately adoring. It’s just something that makes my heart feel all sorts of happy! The electric guitar in this song also makes me WEAK. I love it so much. Who is Arabella and can I please be her or be with her.
“It’s much less picturesque without her catching the light”
I Want It All - 7/10
This song kind of feels like it was more about showcasing the instrumental talent rather than vocal talent. And while I’m here for it, I would much rather just a wordless track in the album. It’s still really good but just not exactly what I would actively seek out on my own.
“Old dogs, new tricks, can you feel it?”
No. 1 Party Anthem - 10/10
I like the slow nature of this song and the gentle lyrics. It’s a change of pace that I love so much. It makes me want to slow dance with my lover in the kitchen on a late night.
“Before the moment’s gone.”
Mad Sounds - 8/10
Another slow song. I don’t hate it and it’s catchy! However, I feel like it’s missing something. I would totally put this on a study or focus playlist though because it has those rainy day chill vibes.
“Love buckles under the strain of those wild nights”
Fireside - 9/10
This song has a very satisfying chorus. I really like the way the instruments speed up (or at least seem to be speeding up) during it. It’s like it’s pushing the melody forward and I really like the way that sounds.
“But that place on Memory Lane you like still looks the same.”
Why’d You Only Call Me When You’re High? - 10/10
Okay right off the bat I am in love with this song. I’ve heard it multiple times before and I will listen to it until the day I die. Again with the theme of yearning while dripped out in leather jackets late at night. This is very much one of my favorite songs on the album.
“Incapable of makin’ alright decisions, and havin’ bad ideas”
Snap Out Of It - 9/10
This song is sooo catchy. It kinda sounds like skipping through a parking lot under street lights. I really like the beat, it makes me want to smile, the chorus is also so singable. If that even makes sense, I may just be speaking gibberish.
“Darling how could you be so blind?”
Knee Socks - 9/10
I’m not sure how to feel. It’s another one of those skippy songs, like the last one and I’m like.. Very much here for it. I don’t really have any words or criticism other than I really like it! Not the worst song in the world but I wouldn’t go so far to say it’s my favorite.
“In a Small World on an exceptionally rainy Tuesday night”
I Wanna Be Yours - 10/10
I have loved this song for years. It is so adoring and again, that kind of shit in music makes me so weak. Everytime I hear this song, it hits so hard and so different in so many ways. It’s a slow tempo but woah it’s just so singable and danceable. This song makes me swoon oh my goodness.
“(How deep?) At least as deep as the Pacific Ocean, I wanna be yours”
OVERALL GRADE: 108/120 (90%)
I freaking loved this album. I casually listened to Arctic Monkey;s for a while, so sitting myself down and fully listening to the whole album was actually so fun and it turns out I really really love the music, especially this album. I was so obsessed with the vibes and I said it so many times before and I'll say it again. The adoration and yearning in leather jackets at 2 AM in a dark street with an electric guitar. I know the description gets longer every time I say it but genuinely it's just that good.
WOULD I CONSIDER BUYING IT ON CD?
I feel like legally I have to right? Like I need it for car rides home at night so desperately. I need those vibes and I need this music so freaking bad. I will be keeping an eye out for this 100%
Completely instrumental which I kind of love. It’s the kind of thing that sounds like standing on the beach and reflecting on life. It also reminds me of something my dad would probably play for me on his guitar as a kid.
Six Below - 10/10
THE FADE IN FROM THE LAST SONG WAS SO COOL. The instrumentals are really cool. It’s catchy and has some banger lyrics. One of those. This song also has some crazy summer vibes to it.
“Live long enough to tell your sons things you learned when you were young”
Churches - 9/10
The opening dialogue was a little unsettling. Goodness I am actually falling in love with the vibes of this EP and each song is just as good as the last. The repetition is fun. I was nervous going in that it would be a bit christian-y since I’m not familiar with flipturn (I have listened to like a couple songs before now) but I was pleasantly surprised! The outro is a little longer than I personally like.
“Well religion left the building ‘bout an hour ago.”
Jasmine - 8/10
It was solid. The speaking and the gentle piano was oddly calming and kinda nostalgic. It was a short little break but still enjoyable!
August - 10/10
I’ve heard this song before, thanks to my boyfriend! It’s still a very catchy good song. The vocals here are literally to die for I’m kinda floored. Looking at this song through the perspective of judging it is helping me notice all the little things. I like the constant little motif the guitar is playing throughout the song especially.
“We thought love was something we weren’t meant to find”
Hippies - 7/10
I don’t really know how to feel about this song. I mean I don’t hate it but it is certainly not my favorite song here. It doesn’t hit as hard as the others. I appreciate the change of pace, but this song just wasn’t exactly my cup of tea.
“And you were sleepy eyes that glowed like summer morning, sunrise”
Nickel - 10/10
The beginning starts off in a very cool nostalgic summer running around I dunno if that’s the right way to describe it. The la-la-la-la’s are probably the best part of the song; it scratches my brain in incredible ways. The tone shift is really cool. The repetition that gets more intense after a while is an AMAZING way to end off the EP. Of course the guitar at the end slaps too.
“I was only five and had so much to say”
OVERALL GRADE: 63/70 (90%)
I loved the summery vibes of the EP. The music kind of tasted like music I would have listened to in my childhood, it's kinda hard to explain. Bottom line is I very much enjoyed this and will be giving most of these songs many more listens. (Thank you again to my boyfriend for suggesting something cool!)
WOULD I CONSIDER BUYING IT ON CD?
I think hell yeah. It's a short listen but it's perfect to put in any kind of summer rotation. And I mean, it got a 90 so clearly I really enjoy enough of the songs here.
The shift between the beginning sound and the guitar was cool but mildly jarring. It was short and sweet though, which was super nice.
“And the desert can’t hear my cries”
Mine Forever - 9/10
I loved the instrumentals in this song. There was something so incredibly satisfying about them to be quite honest.
“Everybody lies but I’d never doubt you.”
(One Helluva Performer) - 8/10
I find short interludes like this very charming, it reminded me of that one Ricky Montgomery album with interludes of his mom talking.
No favorite lyric here as there wasn’t much to go off of.
Love Me Like You Used To - 9/10
Now this song is damn catchy. The guitar part is amazing. The message is sad but again it is SO catchy!
“ And when I dream, I’ll only dream of you”
Meet Me In The City - 10/10
The music is so good. It’s giving night time drive when you’re tired vibes and I am so so here for that. It’s got a dark and mysterious aura to it which I love
“If our love is so wrong, tell me why does it feel so right?”
(Sing For Us Tonight) - 4/10
Honestly the 4 second clip felt unnecessary and I probably would have preferred it to be the opening to a song rather than the shortest interlude I’ve ever experienced in my life.
Long Lost - 10/10
The Title song usually hits differently and this was no exception. One of the best in the album. It was so whimsical and had stargazing and frolicing energy. I’m reeling, this song was SO good.
“Leave me where the moonbeams carve through the leaves like blades”
Twenty Long Years - 10/10
It’s a gentle song that really kinda punches you in the gut with reflection. It’s deliciously melancholic. The chatter at the end almost makes it sadder, I can’t describe it, but it’s an awesome creative choice.
“I made a life out of chasing a ghost”
Drops In The Lake - 10/10
It’s a solid slow song, like I would slow dance but the lyrics do unfortunately betray me. The guitar part again is just, so solid. I love it. The vibes are immaculate and I know I keep mentioning them but genuinely it’s so good, I’m gob smacked over here.
“I get by, but it’s hard to regret, in the smoke of denial and the fog of regret
Where Did The Time Go - 7/10
It’s quiet, but a wonderful concept. I wish it was longer and maybe a little less abrupt if that makes sense. Maybe I’m judging too harshly though.
“May you live until you die”
Not Dead Yet - 9/10
This was jiggy. I loved the song a lot but there was just something I felt like it was missing. But it’s definitely another one of those drowsy driving home at night songs.
“There’s a stranger in my eyes again”
(Deep Down Inside Ya) - 7/10
Nice little interlude but I do not like the voice at the end getting deeper. I dunno I was just not here for that.
“I don’t want to lose you, You know I don’t but I can’t stay here”
I Lied (With Allison Ponthier) - 8/10
Okay it’s a feature so I obviously have to comment on the two together. It was beautiful. Perfection. They compliment each other so well. However the song just doesn't vibe for me I guess. I couldn’t really get behind it.
“Going way out where the world will never find me”
At Sea - 9/10
I like the chill laid back tone of this song! A very good relaxing kind of song.
“Floating, tired and lonesome like I promised to be”
What Do It Mean? - 10/10
The repetition was really powerful at the end and I really enjoyed the instrumentals. It was a very long song so I went in weary but honestly I had a very very nice time listening. The ending voice was actually so randomly powerful for me, I felt like I was in fact going to burst into tears for no real reason.
“Try though I might, I was never a believer.”
Time’s Blur- 8/10
It’s sixteen minutes with no words. I’m not going to lie, I skimmed and listened to snippets, so sue me. But I like the chill vibes to end off with. Very reflective of the song title and a calm, mysterious way to end off a very dark yet soothing album in my eyes.
OVERALL GRADE: 136/160 (85%)
I really enjoyed this album and found it like- soothing in a sort of scary way if that makes sense. Very much night time reflection vibes. I’m sure the overall grade will go up overtime, as they so often do with music once you get to really know and love the pieces, but this was all just my first impression of the songs as I’ve never heard this album before. It was REALLY good and I’m glad I gave it a listen (thank you to my boyfriend).
WOULD I CONSIDER BUYING IT ON CD?
I would have to say… Absolutely! It would totally live in my car for those late night drives back from functions but yes I really would like this album on CD and I’ll be keeping an eye out for it.
