Favorite albums. We all have one that we listen to on repeat, to be uplifted, to calm ourselves down or just because we like its beat. The following five albums reflect what Legacy students listen to.
The Lumineers – “The Lumineers” (2012)
The Lumineers’ debut album “The Lumineers” brings a collection of songs that are easy to listen to, featuring the single “Ho Hey,” which peaked at No. Three on The Hot 100 and 15 other tracks that accentuate a folk feel.
“They have a really raw sound to them,” sophomore Rebecca Goodman said, “kind of an imperfect sound, you know?”
To me, the set of songs are like the ones a small town band would play in a tiny, little bar downtown; one that people would actually enjoy rather than just acknowledge after settling into their seats. The lyrics of each song tell a story, they’re meaningful, unlike some artists of today whose lyrics are written to rhyme and sound cool.
“It’s a great album,” Rebecca said.
Their first full-length album, out next March, is highly anticipated.
Katy Perry – “Prism” (2013)
Katy Perry’s newly released album “Prism” is described as “Very exact and autobiographical,” by the pop queen herself. Full of inspirational lyrics and the spirited vocals of Katy Perry, the songs in this album tell the heartbreaking story of the Perry-Brand split up that occurred nearly a year ago.
“Every song is unique,” Cameron Dallas said.
Katy makes listeners want to sing along into a hairbrush while dancing in their pajamas with songs like “Legendary Lovers” and gives a soft yet intense feel in “Ghost.” Katy Perry opens up her life in Prism with passionate and reflective lyrics.
Lana Del Rey – “Born to Die (The Paradise Edition)” (2012)
The Paradise Edition of Lana Del Rey’s “Born to Die” is filled to the brim with balladic melodies, each of which display the talents and strangely calming effects of Lana. When most artists of this generation have so many alike qualities, it’s a relief when someone like Lana comes along to captivate listeners with a unique voice and style.
“I can’t stop listening to her,” Freshman Abigail Turner said.
The album features pieces that will make you want to sit back and just listen to the lyrics like “Ride” and “American,” and songs that will make you want to dance like “Off to the Races” and my favorite, “This is What Makes Us Girls.” Lana takes her listener to uncharted territories that should be visited more often.
Ron Pope – “Whatever It Takes” (2012)
Kelcey McKinley’s choice “Whatever It Takes” by Ron Pope will fill the room with the warm, rich quality of Ron Pope’s voice.
“He’s amazing,” McKinley said.
This album’s songs have beautifully written lyrics that will make you smile, cry and reminisce, occasionally, all within a single song. “‘A Drop in the Ocean’ is the best song in there,” Kelcey said. “A Drop in the Ocean,” which was featured on shows like “So You Think You Can Dance,” “90210,” and “The Vampire Diaries.” “Never Let You Go” and “If You Were a Stone,” songs that will make the listener tap their foot to the rhythm. This album makes the listener wish there were more than just 12 tracks.
John Mayer – “Continuum” (2006)
Sophomore Cameron Dallas couldn’t decide between Katy Perry’s new album or John Mayer’s relatively older “Continuum.”
“They’re different and original,” Dallas said.
John Mayer’s dreamy voice does wonders in his Grammy-winning album “Continuum,” consisting soothing songs that encourage listeners to relax no matter what they have going on. The guitar, piano and harmonies that are included in each of his songs tie everything together wonderfully. Songs like “Vultures” and “I’m Gonna Find Another You” feature John’s bluesy accents and a falsetto that beautifully enhances the music. John’s songs tell stories that people can identify with, for example, “Stop This Train” tells the all too relatable feeling of time going by too quickly and being afraid to grow up, “Slow Dancing in a Burning Room” tells about when a couple is reluctant to separate regardless of the fact that they are destined for failure, and so on. John Mayer continues to infatuate his fans by singing of scarred relationships and real-world problems, sounding angelic in the process.
