Album Recommendations - February 2023
Thrilled to report that I am back again for month two of album recommendations. According to a study conducted by Phillippa Lally, it takes just over two months for a new behavior to become automatic—66 days to be precise. Honestly, it feels like listening to an album a day is already ingrained into my routine. I break into a cold sweat if I haven’t listened to something new by 11 p.m. each night. Anyways, here’s the five best albums I listened to in February.
Pool Kids
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Pool Kids 〰️
Album: Pool Kids
Artist: Pool Kids
Release Year: 2022
Length: 47 minutes
Why you should listen: I have never listened to a ton of emo music, but this album convinced me to start. Pool Kids emerged from the waters of Tallahassee, Florida, in 2018, and stun in this 12 song self-titled project from last year. Bursting with complex guitar lines and lyrics detailing feelings of rage and acceptance, Pool Kids sounds like Paramore if they veered into math rock. There are many mentions of couches, bedrooms, bathrooms, and houses, making the album feel extremely cozy even though it’s sonically huge. I can imagine singer Christine Goodwyne furiously writing these songs while sprawled on the floor of her garage.
Recomeçar
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Recomeçar 〰️
Album: Recomeçar
Artist: Tim Bernardes
Release Year: 2017
Length: 44 minutes
Why you should listen: This album is definitely in the top three of albums I have listened to so far this year. Brazilian songwriter Bernardes crafts a beautiful, timeless soundscape in Recomeçar, with his angelic voice soaring over delicate guitar, bittersweet piano and enchanting string arrangements. It honestly might be a good thing I don’t know Portuguese, given that I’m emotionally rocked by this album even without understanding the lyrics.
Namen Namen
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Namen Namen 〰️
Album: Namen Namen
Artist: Namen Namen
Release Year: 2022
Length: 15 minutes
Why you should listen: I had Namen Namen on my radio show (shoutout Growing Pains on WIUX) so I’m probably biased, but this EP is such a gem. The Fort Wayne-based band basks in a Rocky Horror, 70s punk-influenced sound through driving, sometimes squeaky guitars and the occasional scream. Even more impressive, this EP was recorded live in only four hours. The six songs are meticulously crafted, super weird and oh so much fun to listen to.
flounder
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flounder 〰️
Album: flounder
Artist: quinnie
Release Year: 2023
Length: 35 minutes
Why you should listen: You might know quinnie from her TikTok breakout Touch Tank (featuring the iconic lyric, “he’s so pretty when he goes down on me”), but the 21-year-old proves herself to be more than a one-hit wonder on flounder. Her sweet voice, combined with punchy lyrics and indie-folk sensibilities, make this a heart wrenching debut. It’s beautiful to hear quinnie sit in moments of intense vulnerability and then reclaim her power across the album.
The Dark Side of the Moon
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The Dark Side of the Moon 〰️
Album: The Dark Side of the Moon
Artist: Pink Floyd
Release Year: 1973
Length: 43 minutes
Why you should listen: Odds are, you’ve already listened to this. On the off chance you haven’t (like me until February 23rd), you are majorly missing out. From the mournful lap steel on Breathe (In the Air) to Clare Torry’s wordless wail on The Great Gig in the Sky to the gnarly guitar solo on Time, there’s a plethora of jaw-dropping moments to be heard across the album. I now understand why the album’s iconic artwork can still be found plastered across t-shirts and posters today.
Those were my favorite albums of February, but I’ve listened to a lot of other good music in 2023 so far. Interested in seeing my favorite songs? Check out the playlist below!
