Album #1: Unessential Oils by Unessential Oils

Favorite Song: “Solutions To My Gloom”

Notes: Unessential Oils released his first album, of the same name, in 2024, and it is completely breathtaking. The indie jazz feel this album has is amazing and my favorite style of music ever. I cannot stop listening to “Solutions To My Gloom,” as the folk and blues genres mix together to create one of my favorite songs ever. I loved it and highly recommend it to everyone.

Album #2: Older (and Wiser) by Lizzy McAlpine

Favorite Song: “Pushing It Down And Praying”

Notes: I have heard of Lizzy McAlpine and her music for a while now, but I never actually listen to her. I finally did, after hearing how much my friend Macy liked her music, and I can safely say that I regret not listening to it sooner. This album is just amazing. The album’s story, aesthetics, and vocals all create this beautifully intense listening experience that I have not been able to stop thinking about. McAlpine’s ability to so perfectly write about how hard change can be but having to realize that you need to accept it at some point is just breathtaking. Since I only listened to this album because of Macy, I asked if she had anything she wanted to say. Macy stated, “Lizzy McAlpine quickly became one of my favorite artists after I was introduced to this album! I think her songwriting is great and I love the emotion that she portrays in her music, especially in this album.” It’s safe to say that this album means a lot to so many people, which is a definite sign that you need to listen to it.

Album #3: With Heaven On Top by Zach Bryan

Favorite Song: “Skin”

Notes: With Heaven On Top by Zach Bryan has some of my favorite songs on here with titles like “Skin” and “Say Why,” but the album as a whole isn’t my favorite. I definitely prefer his other albums more, but this one does have some really good gems on here. I like the individual songs on here, but when they’re all combined then the album story seems to get a little jumbled. That being said, I still definitely recommend you listen to it, because few of the singles on this album have been on repeat for the past couple of days.