Music brings special memories for the summer highlighting some new lifelong favorites, with a special emphasis on Harry Styles pictured at Madison Square Garden night six. PHOTO CREDIT: Liz Fusco | News Editor
Since May, the music industry has churned out some of the best summer releases in recent times.
“Harry’s House” by Harry Styles
Let’s start with the standout: With this album, his third since the disbanding of One Direction in 2016, Styles took over the world. I have always considered myself a big fan of Styles’ music – originally, I considered myself a moderate fan, keeping up with his biggest moments, but never obsessing. But that changed when this album hit the shelves.
Just like his last name, style is at the forefront of his music and image. Styles introduces flashy horn sections and ethereal harmonies throughout the 13-track masterpiece. More than that, he truly solidifies himself as one of the greatest lyrical storytellers – not only right now, but possibly all time. He delivers each verse with a strong intention, whether that be sensitivity, adoration or utter heartbreak. “Harry’s House” is the first musical collection to ever create such an emotional stir within me, and that says a lot in itself.
Choosing just one song as a favorite is so difficult because I love every track for different reasons. There are intricate soundscapes, thoughtful isolations, instrumental zeniths and delicate lyrics that can stir up an argument for any track to be the best. My personal choice would be “Keep Driving.”
Styles reminds his fans that, among the chaos of existence, there is still the choice to carry on. He uses a pulsating synth in the bridge to build intensity towards the final reminder to “just keep driving.”
“Special” by Lizzo
Styles’ good friend piggybacked his release with a masterpiece of her own. Lizzo’s “Special” first made strides with her hit single “About Damn Time.” Her soulful voice is suspended in each song, despite such a range of genres for one album. There is one common thread throughout all of Lizzo’s music though: empowerment. Her songs uplift those who listen and surely made me look on the bright side of things this past season.
Track 11 “If You Love Me” makes the top of my list. Lizzo shows more of a mellow, personal approach to this song, singing “If you love me, you love all of me or none of me at all.” It’s refreshing to be reminded that Lizzo has an emotional, human side to her since so many of her stage appearances are eccentric and upbeat.
“HOLY FVCK” by Demi Lovato
While Demi Lovato is known mainly for their signature pop ballad music, their album “HOLY FVCK” is anything but ordinary. Lovato adopts more of an angsty punk groove in their latest release, finally fulfilling my 2014 “emo” phase (which, by the way, was not and is not a phase). Not only is the music edgy and heavy, but so are the lyrics. Lovato references her challenging past throughout the album, such as her struggles with addiction and the pressures put upon her as a young actress.
“4 EVER 4 ME” is the perfect button for such a rollercoaster of an album, and would have to be my favorite from this collection. Still embracing the pop-punk feel with acoustic aspects, Lovato sings “They say you know when you find the one./ Just a look from you, I come undone.” Their balance of heartfelt and heavy metal takes the cake. I’m hoping for some big Lovato features by next summer, especially now that they have proven themself to be back in business.
Honorable Mentions:
Here’s a list of some honorable mentions from this summer:
- Adam Melchor – “Turnham Green” and “I’m Ready”
- Beyonce – “Renaissance”
- Maggie Rogers – “Surrender”
- Soccer Mommy – “Sometimes, Forever”
- The 1975 – “I’m In Love With You”
- The National – “Weird Goodbyes (feat. Bon Iver)”
As always, keep an eye out for more “Month in Music” stories this semester, and don’t forget to check out the Good Five Cent Cigar’s podcast channel, “Our Five Cents.”