“Cloud 9”
Megan Moroney, a country artist from Georgia, released her third studio album “Cloud 9” on February 20 . The album went No.1 on the Billboard 200 and contains 15 songs. It also includes collaborations with pop artist Ed Sheeran and fellow country artist Kacey Musgraves. Her lyrics throughout the album are deep and meaningful to many, displaying vulnerability and romance through catchy melodies. One of the most popular songs on the album is “6 Months Later,” which talks about healing after a breakup. This song is upbeat and high energy with a relatable vibe. My personal favorite song from the album was “Wish I Didn’t,” because it has a catchy melody and playful lyrics, which fans have speculated reference to one of her past flings. Overall, “Cloud 9” is an upbeat country album that you should definitely give a listen to.
“The Way I Am”
This sixth studio album from country artist Luke Combs was released on March 20 and contains 22 songs. While other artists are creating pop tunes, Combs maintains his authentic country style across his works. The album represents his entry to fatherhood and his own personal growth with his past mistakes. One of the most popular songs on the album is “Ever Mine,” featuring country artist Alison Krauss. It utilizes beautiful acoustic sounds and cinematic storytelling to honor military service. Combs has a sense of relatability and authenticity to his music because he doesn’t try to be anyone else, which makes him impossible not to like. Go play this album and really let the lyrics sink in.
“Kiss All the Time. Disco, Occasionally.”
After a four-year break since his last album, Harry Styles finally released his fourth studio album on March 6. This 12-track album is a mix of indie rock and ‘70s-inspired soul, showcasing Styles’ more artistic side when compared to his previous pop hits. This album features collaborations with the House Gospel Choir, which adds a passionate energy to many tracks such as “Aperture” and “Pop.” The lyrics throughout the album are deeply personal to Styles, focusing on themes of growth and fame. One of my favorite songs was “American Girls,” because it has an upbeat melody that makes it feel like summer and driving with the windows down. Fans have started to analyze the song’s lyrics and wonder if they reference his life when he was living between both London and the U.S. Overall, this new album proves that Styles isn’t afraid to experiment with his sound. Make sure to give it a listen before his “Together, Together” World Tour starts!
