Albums

---

Geography (2018)

Tom Misch

Geography is a melodic explosion, a musical exploration and my favourite album of all time. Smooth grooves and funky, bopable beats provide the backbone for most of the tracks, each of which have a perfect balance of meaningful lyrics, catchy hooks and strong musicality ‒ it all just sounds so good. It is undeniable that the quality control is top tier; this one of the only albums I know which contains not a single bad song. Overall, Geography offers a depth and breadth of sound which is rare as it is masterful.

Score: 9.6/10 Top Pick: Water Baby

Get To Heaven (2015)

Everything Everything

Get To Heaven is a subversive smorgasbord of delicious sounds and atypical indie music. A reoccuring structure within many of these songs is the technique of beginning relatively basic, and then building throughout the song to a breathtaking, souring climax. Lyrics are wild as they are dark, and yet not without depth and meaning; this is in stark contrast to most typical pop/rock lyrics. Though not without a miss or two, the majority of songs which do hit are compelling as they are mind-bending.

Score: 9.3/10 Top Pick: Distant Past

Songs in the
Key of Life

(1976)

Stevie Wonder

Songs in the Key of Life demonstrates the highest levels of funk and groove you may ever potentially listen to. While the music is driven by bass, kit and synth indispersed by some ripping instrumental solos, lyrics touch on religion, love, politics and race; between its lyrics and music, this album truly is in the key of life. This album also features seamlessly melding of one song to the next, reinforcing this album as a cohesive experience in its own right.

Score: 8.9/10Top Pick: Isn't She Lovely

Joy in the
Wild Unknown

(2018)

Ripe

Joy in the Wild Unknown is a delightfully funky alt-pop album. Melodic hooks grab you at every turn, while harmonically layering progressions keep the ear engaged. Horns, eletric guitar and crispy vocals drive every song, each of which demonstrates phenomenal musicality and an intoxicating energy. On top of the musically delivery, there is also a compellingly carefree yet edgy vibe, which is then subsequently accentuated by the lyrics.

Score: 8.8/10Top Pick: Follow Through

The Original Motion Picture

Soundtrack (2021)

Saint Motel

The Original Motion Picture Soundtrack is a fun indie pop-rock album, complete with retro vibes and bopable grooves. Every song is driven by smooth, simple riffs, and each one can be individually treated as a single in its own right. While the overall sound is undeniably sweet, it admittedly lacks a certain depth. And yet, what may lack in depth is made up for in sheer variety and vibrancy, nicely balancing the line between carefree and cringe.

Score: 8.7/10Top Pick: A Good Song Never Dies

Room for Squares (2001)

John Mayer

Room for Squares, John Mayer's first album, pioneered his own unique genre, which he subsequently identifed in his 2021 album of the same name: sob rock. Beyond this particular style, Mayer providers a trifector of amazing vocals, staggering guitar riffs and actually interesting lyrics.

Score: 8.6/10Top Pick: Neon

Viva La Vida or Death and

All His Friends (2008)

Coldplay

Viva La Vida (lit. long live life), is a stark contrast to the typical Coldplay sound, showcasing minor riffs which rather than being depressing, instead create a moody and atmosphereic musical experience. Lyrics are impactful and have a cohesive thematic direction in relation to the album title. Repetitive lilting melodic riffs drive much of the sound, allowing for strong builds within songs. Overall, Viva La Vida is unique while remaining completely Coldplay.

Score: 8.0/10Top Pick: Cemeteries of London