By: Tegan Gallilee-Lang, Courtney Miller, and Tessa Perkins

Remember Us to Life by Regina Spektor

You might know her as the voice behind Orange Is the New Black’s opening theme. I know her as my mom’s favourite singer-songwriter. Four years after What We Saw from the Cheap Seats, Regina Spektor has yet again cultivated an elegant and insightful gem.

While Spektor continues to rely on piano as her main instrument in her sixth studio album, she experiments with synth and peculiar percussive sounds. Fans of Spektor’s will continue to enjoy her signature quirky melodies and clear voice while getting to experience a new depth of sound.

The album artwork is representative of its theme: Spektor gazing back at the words and lives of old souls. Throughout the album a cinematic chorus of strings contribute to this nostalgic feeling. This album is the perfect soundtrack to the moment you look back and smile after a great adventure. – Tegan Gallilee-Lang

Revolution Radio by Green Day

The new Green Day album sounds like an old Green Day album. And that’s not a bad thing.

The band still has its knack for taking intelligent political commentary and making it palatable, pairing their thoughts with driving beats and urgent melodies. And Billie Joe Armstrong’s distinctive voice gives them away every time; it’s immediately obvious who you’re listening to.

This album is a good mix of fast-paced rock anthems and slightly more laid-back rock ballads. The title of the first single, “Bang Bang” — a commentary on the senseless violence of war — could be referring to gunfire or to the head-banging beat that makes you want to turn it up and jump around your house screaming the lyrics like you did in high school.

Less high-concept rock opera, more political punk rock brilliance, and a classic Green Day sound make this album as strong or stronger than any of their previous work. – Tessa Perkins

idina by Idina Menzel

Idina Menzel’s vocal range has not suffered throughout her absolutely stellar career. The vocals on idina are big, sweeping, and you can tell — even if you somehow haven’t heard of Menzel — that she comes from Broadway.

While the album is somewhat of a mixed bag, featuring ballads (“I See You” and “Everybody Knows”), electronic beats (“Like Lightning”), upbeat danceable tempos (“Queen of Swords”), and even a slight country lilt (“Small World”), it all works together to create an album that has a strong sense of musicality.  

This album oozes talent — not only Menzel’s but also the production team’s — making it an album that is pleasant to listen to at any time. – Courtney Miller