Andrea’s Music Picks

I’m not normally a music-recommending sort of person. Honestly, I have a hard time keeping up with what’s new. But I’ve been in sort of a music slump lately – you can only listen to the Hamilton soundtrack so many times — so I did some digging around for new albums that sounded interesting. And boy, was it worth it! Here are a few I’d recommend, each with a very distinct vibe. They’re all linked to our catalog in case you want to put them on hold or listen digitally in the Hoopla app.

Emily’s D+ Evolution by Esperanza Spalding

This is some really funky jazz. Well, not just jazz: it’s kind of a mix of jazz, rock, R&B, and even some spoken word. Spalding is a gifted jazz bassist who won a Grammy award in 2011 for Best New Artist. My favorite track: Unconditional Love.

Light Upon the Lake by Whitney

This is indie pop from the Chicago songwriting duo of Julien Ehrlich and Max Kakacek. Their music has been described as being like Bon Iver with elements of folk and country and a Chicago soul makeover! My favorite track: Golden Days.

Love You To Death by Tegan and Sara

This is the eighth album from Canadian twins Tegan and Sara Quin. They started out as singer-songwriters and have transformed themselves into pop queens. On this album, I love their harmonies and rhythmic hooks. My favorite track: Boyfriend.

Midwest Farmer’s Daughter by Margo Price

Margo Price is a country vocalist who says she styles herself after greats like Loretta Lynn and Tammy Wynette. She’s originally from Aledo, Illinois, a small town near our state’s western border. This is her first album – classic Americana. My favorite track: Four Years of Chances.