Northwest’s Favorite Albums
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This school year, Northwest students are listening to Taylor Swift, Zach Bryan and Harry Styles as they walk down the halls. Whether they’re in the mood for dancing, sulking or headbanging, these artists have something fit for every student. Here are six of Northwest’s favorite albums.
Midnights by Taylor Swift
Submitted by Abbie Garlock and Veronica Veraldi
Taylor Swift’s tenth studio album, “Midnights,” is a collection of music written in the middle of the night. Throughout the album, Swift reflects on her twisted past relationships through synth-pop. Ballads such as “Sweet Nothing” and “You’re on Your Own Kid” stand out for their sweet lyricism, but Swift ventures into more upbeat pop on tracks like “Lavender Haze” and “Karma.” Overall, “Midnights” is the perfect album for any Northwest students in the mood for sulking, reflecting and dancing.
American Heartbreak by Zach Bryan
Submitted by Krish Sehgal and Sophie Nguyen
“American Heartbreak” is the third album by Americana singer-songwriter Zach Bryan. Bryan describes the album as “love, loss, rivalry, resentment, and forgiveness, all wrapped up into one piece of work.” The album has an astonishing 34 songs, all with vulnerable, descriptive, country-style lyricism. “American Heartbreak” is for Northwest students looking to live their American dream.
Harry’s House by Harry Styles
Submitted by Bella Reine
Harry Styles’ third solo album, “Harry’s House,” is the Grammy’s 2023 Album of the Year. The album is a culmination of Style’s strong funk, pop and folk influences. “As It Was,” “Harry’s House’s” lead single, is a “certified bop,” according to Styles, with melancholy lyrics about the suddenness of change. The eclectic mix of funk-adjacent-bangers like “Cinema” and “Daydreaming” and comforting melodies like “Matilda” and “Little Freak” make the album perfect for any mood. “Harry’s House” is for any Northwest student looking to soundtrack their school day with a little bit of home.
Stick Season by Noah Kahan
Submitted by Sydney Leporte
Noah Kahan’s breakout album, “Stick Season,” has taken over the folk world. “He’s introducing folk music in a way that hasn’t been introduced [to the] mainstream before,” junior Sydney Leporte stated. The collection of songs is about Kahan’s hometown, Strafford, Vermont. Songs like “View Between Villages” and “Growing Sideways” are filled with cutting lyrics about home, heartbreak and mental health. “All My Love” and “She Calls Me Back” are perfect for screaming in the car on summer drives. “Stick Season” was written for Northwest students longing to escape their hometown.
Stranger in the Alps by Phoebe Bridgers
Submitted by Zaida Wetzel
Phoebe Bridgers’ debut solo album, “Stranger in the Alps,” is critically acclaimed for her beautiful melodies and angelic voice. Her witty, self-deprecating lyrics make the album feel relatable. “Lots of people can relate to her experiences and how she sings about them,” junior Zaida Wetzel said, “she talks a lot about feelings and mental health related [topics].” Reflective songs like “Smoke Signals” and “Scott Street” persuade listeners to ponder past relationships. “Stranger in the Alps” is perfect for Northwest students who are feeling mellow with nostalgia.
The Record by Boygenius
Submitted by Avery Jones
“The Record” is Boygenius’ debut album. The supergroup is composed of Phoebe Bridgers, Julien Baker and Lucy Dacus, three incredible singer-songwriters with their own solo music. The album is the perfect balance between indie-style rough guitars and melodic heartbreakers. “They are so good at songwriting,” senior Avery Jones stated, “they write songs about how much they love each other, and it makes me think about how much I love my friends.” Tracks like “Not Strong Enough” and “Satanist” stand out for their witty lyricism and catchy melodies. Northwest students should listen to “The Record” if they adore both their friends and intense headbanging.