Album #1: Everyone’s A Star! (Fully Evolved) by 5 Seconds of Summer

Favorite Song: “Telephone Busy”

Notes: 5 Seconds of Summer’s newest album is a chaotic pop-punk sound that has the band reflecting on their career, relationships, and fandom throughout the course of the record. It’s insanely fun and upbeat, and I found myself not wanting it to end. This is one of my favorite albums I’ve ever listened to for The Sting, so I highly recommend it to all alternative-music fans

Album #2: The Art Of Loving by Olivia Dean

Favorite Song: “Loud”

Notes: Olivia Dean appears to be one of the newest artists, often compared to singers like Sombr and Clairo. For me personally, she reminds me a lot of a new mix between 60s superstar Etta James, and R&B vocalist Alessia Cara. This unexpected combination of musicians makes a beautiful sound that works so well with Dean’s vocals. I loved this album, and I definitely see why she has gotten so much attention in the media recently.

Album #3: Where We Were by Wastelined

Favorite Song: “Nicotine”

Notes: Wastelined’s first EP, Where We Were, offers a clear look at the kind of group this new band will be and what kind of music they will produce. I remember being a fan of frontman Marco Monro’s content before he formed a band, so the excitement I felt when seeing they were producing music was out of this world. I loved the alternative and indie vibe their music has attached to it, and I am curious to see what else they create in the future.