King George has done it again. Strait’s “Cold Beer Conversation” is, by far, one of 2015’s best albums. The emotional highlight of the record is “Everything I See,” written by Strait and his son Bubba. The song is about Strait’s father, who passed in 2013, is a musing song about being able to talk to his father from the beyond. The album provides a great array of tracks like high school love in “It Was Love,” to not holding onto bad vibes in “Let It Go.” A few upbeat, good-timing songs make an appearance on the album in “Going Going Gone,” “Stop And Drink,” and “Wish You Well.” Also on the album is the track “Take Me to Texas,” many will recognize this from the History Channel mini-series Texas Rising. Strait hits all the right chords with is new album, further proving his long-reigning claim as the King of Country Music.
Ryan Adams – 1989, September 21
Ryan Adams takes a stab at Taylor Swift’s “1989” album and knocks it out of the park. Giving the album a rock-infused and singer/songwriter vibe, Adams has displayed his wide variety talents—specifically his ability to add layers of emotions to the record comes through on almost every track. By stripping down songs like “Blank Space,” “How You Get the Girl,” and “This Love,” Adams brings an aspect of vulnerability to this album. His best cover is “Shake It Off,” stylistically reminiscent of Springsteen’s “I’m On Fire.” Adams brings his rocking side out in “Welcome to New York” and “All You Had to Do Was Stay.” If you are a Taylor Swift fan, you can appreciate what Ryan Adams has done with “1989.”
Drake and Future – What a Great Time to Be Alive, September 20
Drake and Future got together and dropped a mixtape. They collaborated to bring fans “What a Time to Be Alive” and for any Drake fan, it is a great time to be alive. This album has everything a typical Drake fan wants: great beats, flowing lyrics, and catchy hooks. Bringing in Future to collaborate on the album was a smart move by Drake, bringing an extra component to this album. The semi-spontaneous mixtape is comprised of 11 tracks that are well varied. Drake and Future do an excellent job of mixing different beats throughout the album. The result is an album that does not sound like it is repeating itself. Each song stands out on its own two feet, refreshing for a modern hip-hop album.
Disclosure – Caracal, September 25
If you are a fan of electronica, get ready. Disclosure has released their new album “Caracal,” enlisting some major superstars to collaborate with them on this album. Sam Smith, Lorde, The Weeknd, and others lend their talents to several songs on the record. The 15-track album will resonate with fans of 80’s pop, bringing dance club vibes to the entire album. Disclosure is able to bring a variety of sounds into their music. “Holding On (featuring Gregory Porter),” “Echoes,” and “Hourglass” are the most upbeat tracks of the album. Disclosure was able to bring the beat down in “Moving Mountains,” bringing balance to the album. The best collaboration goes to “Omen” which features Sam Smith.
