Albums of the Week #6
Album #1: How To Be A Human Being by Glass Animals
Favorite Song: “Agnes”
Notes: How To Be A Human Being is an art project by Glass Animals, as each of the eleven songs on the album represents a different character depicted on the album cover. One of the best parts about listening to this album is connecting each song with one of the characters and learning about their fictional backgrounds. The lead singer of Glass Animals, Dave Bayley, has mentioned that the songs are inspired by different stories he hears while touring with his band. He states that many fans, drivers, workers, and others have come up to him and shared these wild tales of their past. He used those as inspiration for each of the songs. However, as the last song, “Agnes,” is based on someone that the band knew personally. Bayley sings about an old friend of his, named Agnes, who took his own life. This song has profoundly affected Bayley, and he refuses to play it live, despite it being his all-time favorite song he has ever created. The song is amazing, as you can hear Bayley beg to have his old friend back, not the one who is obsessed with substances and has a declining mental health, but the one whose smile could brighten up the entire room, but he’ll never have that friend back. The song is just beautifully crafted and perfectly showcases what it’s like to witness someone lose themselves. You can definitely feel the emotions Bayley experienced when listening. This song is a perfect reminder to be aware of those around you who may be struggling, and to do what you can to help them.
Album #2: Bite Me by Reneé Rapp
Favorite Song: “Kiss It Kiss It”
Notes: Reneé Rapp’s newest album, Bite Me, is a perfect example of artists not caring what other people think of them. It’s fun, and entertaining to listen to Rapp sing about her relationships and stardom, and doing it in such a carefree and upbeat way. She truly showcases how fun it was making this album, and the enjoyment is very contagious while listening to it. I personally love this album much more than her previous work. It’s so exciting to hear an artist demonstrate that they’re a real person and doesn’t care what the media thinks of them. A perfect ten out of ten album!
Album #3: Beautiful Chaos by Katseye
Favorite Song: “Mean Girls”
Notes: This EP became popular online for songs like “Gnarly” and “Gabriela,” but it’s important to talk about songs like “Mean Girls,” which sends a great message out there into the world. It’s amazing how such a famous group was able to create a catchy song about womanhood. It’s crucial to talk about how each and every single women out there deserves to be treated as equal, and not pitted against each other, as media often tries to do. Women fight the same battle when we’re seen as “less than,” and it’s important to remember that we shouldn’t fight each other, but fight for our equal rights.
If you have any suggestions, feel free to email me at any time!