Although October brought us the unbelievable experience of Bangerz courtesy of the ever modest Miley Cyrus, the excess of other fantastic new music can almost blast out the sound of wrecking balls forever destroying the way we see hammers.
Lorde- Royals
Rating: 7/10
Before her number one hit, “Royals”, the US Billboard Top 100 no one know who this sixteen year old New Zealand singer was. Her new album Pure Heroine hit number one in UK charts in its first week of release. Lorde has broken records across the board and has been compared to the likes of Adele and Lana del Ray. But is she worth all the fame she has achieved? Although I admire her alternative style from many other previous Billboard artists, Lorde’s message is what really sets her apart. Much different from almost every other popular singer today she states she doesn’t need beautiful things and is content with living her middle class life. The song “Royals” by itself is extremely repetitive even if at points it becomes a little catchy. Whether you like it or not “Royals” will more than likely become stuck in your head.
Panic! at the Disco- Too Weird to Live, Too Rare to Die!
Rating: 8/10
Panic! has returned with their new album ,released on October 8th, and they have not faded. Especially their love of exclamation marks! In the past Panic! has released such hits as “Nine in the Afternoon”,” I Write Sins not Tragedies”, and of course their new single “Miss Jackson” which I hope and believe will become another in a list of classics. The album is the same quality as their past, the most popular being “Girl that You Love”,” Vegas Life”, and “Casual Affair”. Over all, the entire album is a terrific addition to Panic’s long list of achievements and fans will rejoice in out pour of new content.
Arcade Fire-Reflektor
Rating: 8.3/10
Arcade Fire has always been the funky relative of indie rock, and their new album Reflektor definitely lives up to their reputation. The funky beats that have made Arcade’s reputation what it is are more than present in their new album Reflektor. The much awaited entire album is available on October 29, but the single released named after the album’s title is celebrated by many fans as one of their greatest, which is definitely true. (Warning: if you want to check out the music video it is a little interesting…) But the band stayed true to their the major elements keyboard and technological sounds a long with drums, xylophone, harp, and French horn they have definitely made a name for themselves in alternative music. After their Grammy win in 2011 and many previous awards for older albums, Arcade Fire’s newest release will no doubt bring praise and more recognition to the band.
Bastille- Bad Blood
Rating: 7.8/10
Bastille has a style that is similar to many other bands of the UK with original instruments, violins, cellos, and drums. But Bastille has found a niche in the vast world of their claimed genre ‘alternative rock.’ The mix of both rock elements and their own passion of acoustic instruments create a fresh perspective on alternative rock. But the album itself is a unified front, for most of the songs sound basically the same. Even though their style is respectable, the songs should have some distinction. Their most famous single “Pompeii”, by far a personal favorite, has attained some success not only in the US but mostly in Scotland and England. Bastille has with worked with artists such as Emeli Sandé and Muse, fans of both will probably enjoy Bastille’s music.
Katy Perry- PRISM
Rating: 8.2/10
Over played, that is probably the sum of your feelings toward Katy Perry’s new single Roar if you listen to popular radio stations at all. However, the album as a whole and every single released including “Roar” is one of Perry’s best. Unlike other albums before with one or two worthwhile songs, Prism contains many songs that will become as overplayed as “Roar”. From “Dark Horse” to “Walking on Air” to “Unconditionally” the singles just kept being released. The whole album, released on October 22, is definitely worth checking out if you are a fan of Perry’s pop technique.
Pearl Jam- Lighting Bolt
Rating: 5/10
Honestly I have never been a Pearl Jam fan; in fact I believe their songs sound like old men grunting. And I wish I could say this album was different, but for Pearl Jam fans out there want more of the grunge, it is exactly the same as their old hits. It is truly surprising 22 years after their first album they have stayed true to their original style. Respectable because it works for Pearl Jam, they have made a true fan base for themselves. Their lead single “Mind Your Manners” is not the greatest, but if you’re a hard core Pearl Jam fan you will still be in love with this album.