Dane Hooks

Featured on Apple Music's Top 100 list, NFR was a new style for Lana at the time of its release and that can be attributed to a new producer, Jack Antoff. Lana features her simple yet touching and deep lyrics about love and passion. Jack Antoffs production was on point; the entire album with soft bass lines, guitar, and percussion works matches perfectly with Lanas beautiful vocals. NFR will be looked back on as a massive stepping stone in the music world in the near future.

The western rustic sound mixed with a hunted singer-songwriter vibe throughout the album creates ballads about love and traveling out west. “I had a sweet talking wife and a beautiful girl, I know I’m never gonna see em’ again.” on ‘World Ender’ is just one of the many examples of Ben Schnider moving on from a previous life. Ben originally started the project as a solo record but eventually two others started working on the record, forming Lord Huron the band. ‘Strange Trails’ is perfect for anyone who loves singer-songwriter with some alt-rock influence.

Mac Miller’s 5th studio album and last before his unfortunate passing, might just be one of the best records of the last 5 years. ‘Swimming’ takes us through Mac’s life, him “Swimming in thought”, pain, feelings, and experiences with his fame and money. On ‘2009’ Mac talks about how presumably his mother or lover doesn’t have to “Cry no more” and that Mac is “Shining” but he still feels pain but wants to put his team, friends, and family before him. Mac also goes on about his drug addictions and how it’s tearing him apart but he’s too in love with the highs.

Featuring one of the most iconic songs ever ‘Mr. Brightside’, ‘Hot Fuss’ brings back 80s rock but with a completely rejuvenated sound. With high-sheen synths throughout the album and especially on ‘Believe Me Natalie’ capture your attention and almost create a battle between the vocals and instrumental throughout the entire record. I find myself re visiting this album at least once a week every summer because of the up lifting effect it has on me, its perfect for a drive at sundown with your windows down and volume up.

One of the largest alt-rock bands of all time, Coldplay, really catapulted themselves to the next level and proved that ‘Parachutes’ wasnt a one album wonder. Their 2nd album didnt disappoint to anyone. With deep lyrics on ‘The Scientist’ to the war-torn society in the title track, there are tons of different images captured throughout the record but not just with the lyrics. The off and on instrumental on the opening track ‘Politik’ captures your attention right away. A record about tough times and finding hope would go on to sell 17 million copies and win a Grammy Award for Best Alternative Album in 2003.

Lord Huron’s most recent album ‘Long Lost’ tells ghost stories of previous lives. Every song is a new story about someone's life experience about love, loss, travels, and much more. The indie/folk vibe of the instrumentals with Ben Scnhiders amazing vocals and lyrics captures that eerie feel. Lyrics like “If you ever want to see my face again, I want to know” and “In my mind, you're mine forever” really capture the emotion of ‘Mine Forever’.