Entertainment
Miley Cyrus' 'Bangerz' Is No. 1, But You Should Listen To These 7 Albums Instead
So, Miley Cyrus' Bangerz is the No. 1 album in the country. Cool, I guess. Sure, the pop star can sing, but with all the recent media bombardment of her various shenanigans, we’re all a little Miley-ed out. The endless hubbub surrounding everything the singer says, wears, and licks might have music lovers missing out on some other great music out there by strong female artists. In fact, there’s a plethora of women who have recently put out work that deserves our attention way more than the "Wrecking Ball" star. Put down Bangerz, and put these on instead.
So, Miley Cyrus' Bangerz is the No. 1 album in the country. Cool, I guess. Sure, the pop star can sing, but with all the recent media bombardment of her various shenanigans, we’re all a little Miley-ed out. The endless hubbub surrounding everything the singer says, wears, and licks might have music lovers missing out on some other great music out there by strong female artists. In fact, there’s a plethora of women who have recently put out work that deserves our attention way more than the "Wrecking Ball" star. Put down Bangerz, and put these on instead.
Janelle Monae, 'The Electric Lady'
All hail the Q.U.E.E.N. I can’t get enough of Monáe’s latest, The Electric Lady. The gender-bending artist grooves through 19 tracks and concept interludes that take listeners through a jazzy concert hall in a dystopian synth dream where she saves the world and where love is free for all. Monáe one of the most refreshing stars to burst on to the scene in recent years, with as much substance as sheer talent. The album is full of pop, soul, R&B, big band, and everything worth falling in love with. The album also touts guest appearances by Prince, Erykah Badu, and Miguel among others. Monáe is the real deal.
Haim, 'Days Are Gone'
Ladies and gents, these three women are the next big thing. Their major release, Days are Gone, was just dropped on Sept. 30, and it’s clear they’re going to make a big impression. Their sunny LA disposition is not lost on some of their moodier and brasher tracks. Overall, Days are Gone is what would happen if Girls was turned into an album — so go put it on and dance in your bedroom with your best friend and feel fierce as hell.
Laura Mvula, 'Sing to the Moon'
Mvula’s Sing to the Moon is a haunting body of work that’ll leave you breathless. The singer hails from Birmingham, yet there’s an old Hollywood quality to Mvula’s voice that is absolutely intoxicating. A perfect mix of songs for your heartache, for falling in love, for standing tall, and for singing at the top of your lungs.
Emiliana Torrini, 'Tookah'
What is it about Iceland that always seems to produce the perfect music for setting the mood? Pick up Emiliana Torrini’s latest Tookah and grab your partner (or yourself), light some candles and get it on. Here is your soundtrack for some seriously sensual lovemaking.
Arlissa, 'Battles'
Born in Germany, Half-American, and raised in London, Arlissa’s background is as eclectic as her sound. The singer first caught the attention of Nas, who, when hearing one of her tracks, immediately flew her to Los Angeles to record a duet. Her first official single, “Sticks and Stones," has been catching fire in the UK and when her debut album, Battles, gets released in November of this year, we will be hearing plenty more of Arlissa.
Julia Holter, "Loud City Song"
Holter’s Loud City Song is the perfect ambient art house music if you’re looking to really get lost in an album. Her songs are cinematic, poetic, and full of plenty of attitude. Open your ears to a wildly eclectic record that can play as a jukebox for whatever mood you’re in.
Nina Nesbitt, 'Way in the World'
The 19-year-old acoustic songstress has been releasing a series of EPs for the last two years. Her most recent release, Way in the World, is catchy and earnest — she sounds exactly how you want to feel at 19. And what a refreshing burst of energy it is. Here's to having some truly lovely pop stars on the rise.
