In our pop culture centered music world, wonderful albums tend to get lost under all of the charts. The same thirty songs are played on repeat, and no one seems to appreciate the hidden gems in the music world. Here are, in my humble opinion, the top five underrated albums from the past year.
Secondhand Rapture, MS MR
MS MR is starting to slowly creep their way on the radio with their new single “Hurricane.” Their ominous tone and eerie voices pulled me to dig a little deeper and fall in love with their album, Secondhand Rapture released on May 14, 2013. Songs like “Bones” and “Salty Sweet” are brooding, celestial yet still seem to classify as pop. The album is so eclectic with songs that hold Middle Eastern-like melodies and songs that contain a slight air of banjo, yet every single seems to fit together.
Halcyon Days, Ellie Goulding
Halcyon Days released on August 23, 2013 is a dance infused album with 10 new songs. “Burn,” has already made its way into the pop charts, but others like “Goodness Gracious” hold undiscovered magic made of smooth vocals and bold beats. Goulding mixes pop, alternative, and dance together to create a breathtaking collection.
I Love You, The Neighborhood
While this band has also slipped into indie pop radio with singles such as “Sweater Weather” and “Afraid,” there are nine other songs on their most recent album I Love You, released on April 22, 2013, that are worth a listen. The Neighborhood falls under the realm of atmospheric rock, but they bring an extra spice that can’t be categorized. The album is laced with cloudy vocals and murky tones that create body swaying magic.
Melophobia, Cage The Elephant
Cage The Elephant’s Melophobia is best known for the single “Come A Little Closer,” which is filled with muddled vocals and a juxtaposing powerful chorus. The album is filled with inventive songs and shifts that keep listeners on their toes. Matt Schultz’s vocals on songs like “Spiderhead” are eerie yet laced with just enough beauty to melt into the track.
The Blessed Unrest, Sara Bareilles
“Brave” attacked the charts and buried the rest of her album The Blessed Unrest released on July 16, 2013. While this album was recognized by the ‘professionals’ of the music community (it was nominated for Album of the Year at the Grammys), it seemed to slip away from the public’s attention. Bareilles mixes up her usual simple piano and vocal duo with more pop infused quirk. She fills up the album with breakup songs like “Manhattan” and joy filled songs like “Little Black Dress.” Each song is filled with such raw emotion, taking listeners on a passion-filled journey alongside her.
