First Semester, New Sounds!

Entering Marking Period 2, there are times when you want to find a new song to distract yourself from the busy hallways or the noise of everyone around. Throughout the first marking period, there was an ocean full of albums from all genres – ranging from R&B to EDM. These collections of albums should give you the break you need as you connect your AirPods or put on your Beats. 

Starting the list off with a favorite of mine – Brent Faiyaz’s Independent Release “Larger than Life” which was released October 27, 2023. This mixtape includes 9 tracks and features A$AP Rocky, Coco Jones, CruddyMurda, and Missy Elliot. It reached No. 4 on Billboard’s Top R&B and Hip-hop Albums as of Nov. 11. This album brings back classic R&B melodies and harmonies produced by Timbaland himself. If you want a feel-good R&B album to get you through the day, check this out! 

Drake’s album “For All the Dogs” is what I would describe as a mixture of everything. Released on October 6th, 2023, this album debuted at No. 1 on the US Billboard Top 200. Features from Sexyy Red, SZA, PartyNextDoor, J. Cole, Chief Keef, Yeat, and more really put the collaboration effort from Drake at an all-time high. If you want something to dance to, or even just sit and think while you are pushing through the school day check this one out! 

Nostalgia by Rod Wave is a peaceful transition from his “heartbreak” to his elevation of reflection. It was released on September 15, 2023, and reached the No.1 album on Billboard 200 dated September 30, 2023. The track “Turks & Caicos” also went viral on platforms such as TikTok and Instagram, the catchy chorus pushing its way into our brains. This album is perfect for taking a walk around the school campus, or maybe even dealing with a lot at the moment. 

You don’t have to spend the school day without some music to keep you going to the end, check these albums out!