As the old saying goes, April showers bring great music.
Okay, perhaps I got that saying wrong, but this is a lovely time of year to listen to a new tune as you walk to class or sunbathe and smell the blooming flowers.
Ad
Every month brings new and exciting ear worms you can hum to yourself all day, but this month is the first full month of spring and it brings some especially exciting album releases from genres across the board.
Here are some I recommend:
All Time Low, “Future Hearts”
Release Date: April 3
I have to be honest here: every time this pop-punk band puts out a new album, the teenager in me bursts out and fan-girls pretty hard. “Future Hearts” was no exception, especially since the last time the band released new music was three years ago when I was a senior in high school.
“Something’s Gotta Give” was released Jan. 12 as the album’s lead single, and the music video was posted to Hopeless Records’ YouTube Channel.
Admittedly, there will be some people who turn up their noses with the mention of a pop-rock band, but for people who still like to jam out to artists you’d easily see during a rebellious summer day at Vans Warped Tour, this is great album to check out.
Bonus: the album features guest appearances from Mark Hoppus, the bassist and singer of Blink-182, and Joel Madden of Good Charlotte.
Toro Y Moi, “What For?”
Release Date: April 7
Toro Y Moi is the stage name of Chazwick Bradley Bundick, who began creating chill-wave music in 2008. In January, he announced the release of “What For?” and gave us a sample of its synthpop style with the single “Empty Nesters”.
The album, released earlier this week, is what the AV Club describes as a turn towards psychedelic rock. Chill-wave is always a great option for study music, or for contemplating life as you stare out the window in the passenger seat of a long car ride.
Ad
Toro Y Moi is especially worth the listen if you are up for a melancholy contemplation session with pensive lyrics to reflect on.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mzMyUH4LYCE
Passion Pit, “Kindred”
Release Date: April 21
Finally, Passion Pit has announced the release of their follow up to “Gossamer,” which was released back in 2012 and has had me craving more from the band ever since.
Even if you haven’t come across the wickedly catchy songs of this indie-pop band yet — or maybe you saw a commercial with one of their songs, but didn’t realize it was them — you are in for a treat.
“Lifted Up (1985)” is the new single from Passion Pit’s third studio album, and will having you tapping your toes from the get-go. The album will consist of 10 new tracks and is available for pre-order now.
Alabama Shakes, “Sound and Color”
Release Date: April 21
This band has been classified as everything from blues/rock, to soul, to Americana.
Hailing from Athens, Alabama the band formed in 2009 and has since received three Grammy nominations. Their song “Always Alright” was featured in the movie “Silver Linings Playbook” starring Bradley Cooper and Jennifer Lawrence.
Since then, it’s been a staple for any feel-good playlist. The band, which is led by powerhouse vocalist Brittany Howard, performed two new songs from their upcoming second album on “Saturday Night Live” back in February, including the single “Don’t Wanna Fight” and the intimate, soulful “Gimme All Your Love”.
Josh Groban, “Stages”
Release Date: April 28
Those who appreciate the theater are in for a treat with Josh Groban’s upcoming album. The track listing includes songs such as “Pure Imagination” from “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” and “Over the Rainbow” from “Wizard of Oz.”
Kelly Clarkson is just one of the notable guest artists on the album, with the duet “All I Ask of You” from “Phantom of the Opera.”
Groban told playbill.com, “Nothing has inspired me more in my life than the energy that is shared in a theater when great songs and great art are on the stage. I wanted this album to pay tribute to those inspirations and memories.”
Collegian A&E Writer Erica Grasmick can be reached at entertainment@collegian.com or on Twitter @E_Graz_.
