#OnTheList with Xtine is a weekly feature from Fresh 102.7’s Christine Richie that will be highlighting all things music and more, from her favorite emerging artists, top female vocalists, and much, much more!
As crazy as it sounds these days, I listen to full albums. It’s how I grew up listening to music. Every album usually has a few standout songs, but when you can enjoy an entire album front to back, it’s something special. There are a few that I’m loving right now so I figured this would be a good time to pick up my #OnTheList again. I don’t listen as a music critic though, just as a fan. If you’re looking for detailed album reviews, look elsewhere. These are just a few of my fav new albums that are worth spending your money.
LOLO – In Loving Memory of When I Gave a Shit
LOLO performs during Fresh 102.7’s Fresh Holiday Jam at The Beacon Theatre in New York City on December 2, 2015 (Photo: E.J. Judge / CBS Local)
First of all, the album title is hilarious and gives you a good idea of the biting and brutally honest songs you’re about to hear. I first met/heard LOLO at last year’s Fresh Holiday Jam. Her excitement and enthusiasm were contagious. She’s very sweet, but when she hits the stage… WOW! I like to call her “a whole lot of talent wrapped up in a little ball of fire.” She sings with such passion and soul and her lyrics kick you right in the gut. It’s a very impressive debut album. If you love songs about guys who have screwed you over, relationship issues, and questions about life in general, give this one a spin.
Favorite tracks: “The Courtyard”; “Heard It From a Friend”; “I Don’t Wanna Have to Lie”; “The Devil’s Gone to Dinner”; “Not Gonna Let You Walk Away”; “Shine”
Bastille – Wild World
Bastille meets fans for Fresh Up Close & Personal in New York City on September 9, 2016 (Photo: Fresh 102.7)
Bastille definitely have a signature sound, but their songs don’t all sound the same. The one thing they do better than anybody is write depressing lyrics over upbeat, happy sounding melodies. It’s that contrast that keeps me interested in their music. Also, Dan’s lyrics touch me for some reason; he seems to deal with the some of the same demons I do.
Favorite tracks: “Good Grief”; “An Act of Kindness”; “Lethargy”; “Two Evils”; “Four Walls”; “Snakes”
Frank Ocean – blond
(Larry Busacca/Getty Images for TIME)
I was not one of those people who initially fell in love with Frank Ocean. Usually when everyone – including other musicians – are praising an artist, I’m the one who doesn’t get it. I’m almost never in the majority. I kept listening to channel ORANGE, trying to understand the hype, but it never came. It just wasn’t for me. Good thing I didn’t write him off altogether because I’d be missing out on his latest album, which is fantastic. It’s different than most of the stuff that’s out right now. The music and the way he uses sounds are interesting and he’s an incredible storyteller.
Favorite tracks: “Self Control”; “Ivy”; “Pink + White”; “Solo”; “Skyline To”
James Vincent McMorrow – We Move
Irish: check.
Singer/songwriter: check.
Two things that will always get a first listen from me. James Vincent McMorrow lyrics are deep and meant to be absorbed and thought about. His voice: haunting and beautiful. Some songs are fully produced and others stripped back, but neither feel out of place on the album. He even gets funky and soulful at times. This is definitely one you should turn on when you’re feeling mellow and pensive. I highly recommend it with a great bottle of red.
Favorite tracks: “Get Low”; “Rising Water”; “Evil”; “I Lie Awake Every Night”; “Last Story”; “One Thousand Times”
More #OnTheList with Xtine:
#OnTheList with Xtine: 20 Songs to Help You Relax
#OnTheList with Xtine: 7 Musicians Who Don’t Suck at Acting
#OnTheList with Xtine: 9 Songs That Are Brutally Honest