Album #1: Achilles by Kevin Atwater

Favorite Song: “Jailer”

Notes: This album was a suggestion from Levi Caldwell. Achilles is a folk album that revolves around themes such as identity, mental health, and failing relationships. Kevin Atwater’s vocals and writing style reminds me a lot of Adrianne Lenker and her 2020 album, Songs. I noticed that a big aspect of Atwater’s songs is sacrificing your own mental well-being and doing so much for others in an attempt to make them like you, that in the end it only ends up worse for everyone involved. Realizing that you can never make everyone happy and there’s always going to be at least one person who will be upset with you no matter what you do is something I thought of a lot while listening to this album. When you finally realize that you have to start looking out for yourself, you truly do become a much happier person. It’s rare for me to find an album that forces me to self-reflect and look at my own mental health in such a deep way, that I have no other choice but to applaud Atwater and fall in love with this album. It’s a beautifully written album that I highly recommend.

Album #2: Ego Death At A Bachelorette Party by Hayley Williams

Favorite Song: “Mirtazapine”

Notes: This album was a suggestion from CHS Staff Member, Ms. Hodge. This album has left me speechless, I mean it is just a perfect blend of styles and emotions and I am so happy this was recommended to me. I found myself hypnotized by this album, never wanting to take a break or change focus onto something else, despite the album being a little over an hour long. I found myself relating deeply to some of Williams’s lyrics, and actually living through my favorite song off of this album, “Mirtazapine.” I also respect Hayley Williams for being able to do so well in a solo career, as she is able to be the front woman for famous pop-punk band, Paramore, and be her own person is just something so few artists could do. If you find yourself listening to any album off of this week’s list, please make sure it’s this one.

Album #3: Do It by Stray Kids

Favorite Song: “Holiday”

Notes: This album was a suggestion from Yamilett Fuentes. The second Stray Kids album I’ve reviewed this year, Do It is a five-song K-pop EP mixtape that is fun and upbeat. I found myself really enjoying the songs, and I wish that it was longer. As someone who is still relatively new to Stray Kids’ music, this was good motivation to get more into the band. I had a great time listening to the album, and I do recommend it to any other K-pop fans out there.