September 26, 2016
Hannah Harvey
There is no better companion for a late night study session, a cruise down I-25 or hanging out with friends than newly released fall albums.
It can be difficult to choose one song, one album or even one genre. This fall has already seen many new, exciting releases from various artists as they tour on their fifth studio album, or break through the mold with their first LP.
Whether you like dancing to pop, head banging to metal or reliving your MySpace days with pop punk, here are five of the newest releases.
POP
“Wild World” by Bastille
Release date: Sept. 9
Genre: Pop/Alternative
Rate: 4/5
Following the release of their first album “Bad Blood,” Bastille, an English rock band, delivers once again with their sophomore release, “Wild World.”
The album’s first single, “Good Grief,” is catchy and rhythmic with its bass and glockenspiel-like effects throughout the song.
The chorus is fun and bouncy, and gets stuck in your head like a true pop chorus, which is a common theme throughout the whole album.
“Blame” has a different tone, but the themes of rhythmic guitar and percussion are still obvious in the song. The listener is drawn in by what lead singer Dan Smith says with the message of the song. Smith’s lyrics are pleading “don’t put it all on me” and encourages the listener to take control of their life.
There are samples of voice recordings, where people speak at the beginning of a couple songs on the album, including “Good Grief” and my personal favorite track, “Campus.”
The song is reminiscent of the alternative band, Vampire Weekend. The fun, bouncy lyrics are relatable to all of us as college students (“just another brain on the campus/ just another man in the field”).
Smith really relates to his audience here; it’s assumed that the band aims for a demographic of college students with their new-wave choruses and instrumental bridges.
The album is great for fun drives with friends, or pepping yourself up for the day. If you want a fun alternative-pop experience, “Wild World” is the way to go.
HIP HOP
“Mac Miller”
Release Date: Sept. 16
Genre: Hip Hop
Rate: 3/5
Mac Miller, known for his fun, carefree raps, follows his witty rhymes with his fourth studio release, “The Divine Feminine.”
The album takes a different tone compared to his previous work with a retro feel. Miller incorporates brass, funky bass lines and rhythmic vocals to make for both a dance-worthy and relaxing album.
The first single, “Dang!,” is a perfect example of the tone of his album. The song is reminiscent of the ‘70s disco era, which gives the listener a false sense of nostalgia for the days of disco balls.
The chorus is catchy; if you listen to this song once, you’ll be singing it all day long.
Miller varies his vocals by starting with a monotone rap and then straining his voice to show his desperation. The song is about a flame who won’t return his advances, so the variation is fitting.
Not all songs on “The Divine Feminine” are like this one, though. “Stay,” for example, is slower, with a jazzy feel. Various horns are again used, along with synth and laid-back bass.
Miller varies his vocals once again and draws the audience in with a choppy chorus backed up by what could be a choir of voices.
This album is perfect for those wanting an abstract hip-hop experience, but the album lacks a mainstream feel. If you’re into top 40 hits, you may want to look elsewhere.
ROCK
“Cold World” by Of Mice and Men
Release Date: Sept. 9
Genre: Metalcore
Rate: 3.5/5
Metalcore band, Of Mice and Men have made their rounds in the metal scene recently and their fourth release “Cold World” proves that they have staying power.
The album is heavy with powerful, aggressive guitars, intense bass lines and vocalists Austin Carlile and Aaron Pauley’s contrasting vocals.
Pauley brings home the emotion in “Down the Road,” a song that is great for those experimenting with metal. Carlile doesn’t scream on this track; it is all Pauley, who certainly holds his own with his smooth, powerful tone.
The song would’ve been great as a single, with its mellow, melodic guitars.
On the other hand, “Real,” one of the actual singles on the album, combines the mellowed metal tone of “Down the Road” with the typical minor keys heard in other Of Mice and Men songs.
This song also has a pop, almost punk, feel to it. Its rhythmic vibe draws the listener in for more.
“Pain,” the fi rst single on the album, packs a punch. Carlile opens the song with intense screams to convey the pain that he felt as part of his real-life ailments. This song is not for the faint at heart with its aggressive guitars, bass and percussion.
Those who want a true metal experience may not find it here, but if you are new to the hardcore world of metalcore, it may be a good starting place for you.
“Tidal Wave” by Taking Back Sunday
Release Date: Sept. 16
Genre: Emo/Pop-punk
Rate: 4/5
As a lover of pop-punk, I was personally excited about this release. Taking Back Sunday’s long awaited “Tidal Wave” brings the typical pop-punk that is associated with the iconic emo band.
The album differs from the usual aggressive style of the band. The album trades their typical screaming parts for more mellow guitar parts and paced percussion. The punk is still present, but it is more subtle.
A good example of this is on “We Don’t Go In There.” The melodic tune begins with a soft acoustic guitar with singer Adam Lazzarra’s choppy, enunciated vocals. The song kicks into effect after the first verse with the band’s typical punk tone, but with mellowed out bass and guitar, and paced percussion.
“Tidal Wave,” the title song, by contrast, highlights the band’s straight punk infl uences. The fast-paced guitars and Lazzarra’s aggressive vocals reminded me of a Flogging Molly song.
Those who want to experience how a pop-punk band that keeps its own iconic style will enjoy this album.