As summer reluctantly hands over the reins to fall, we’re left with a season of overpriced pumpkin spice everything and loads of homework and asking for recommendation letters (hello, seniors). But fear not, because with the changing leaves comes some fresh new albums. Whether you’re going to a Friday night football game or navigating the tangled web of your math homework, Sabrina Carpenter, Suki Waterhouse and Leon Bridges are here to provide the perfect soundtrack to the vibrancy of the fall season.

Newly Released

Sabrina Carpenter – Short n’ Sweet 

Released Friday, Aug. 23, 2024

While Sabrina Carpenter’s sixth album may clock in at under forty minutes, it delivers an irresistible punch of charm and flirtation. Short n’ Sweet captures the former Disney actor-turned-musician’s union of fun and sass, and across its 11 tracks, the album dives into themes of revenge, romance and self-confidence—all while showcasing her wit through cleverly crafted lyrics. 

Opening with “Taste,” the album sets the tone for upbeat poppy rhythms and cheeky lyrics, embodying Carpenter’s lighthearted yet confident approach to heartbreak. Despite the emotional undertones, she refuses to bask in her sadness, instead, taunts the subject of the song who has stolen an old fling, singing, “Now I’m gone, but you’re still layin / Next to me, one degree of separation.”

While Short n’ Sweet is unquestionably a pop album (currently first on the Billboard 200), it creatively borrows elements from various genres. For instance, the folky influences in “Coincidence” add a refreshing depth, while “Bed Chem” showcases an infectious pop-funk 80s sound reminiscent of artists like Lionel Richie. This mix of styles not only enriches the sound of the album but also highlights Carpenter’s versatility as an artist. 

However, the eighth track, “Dumb & Poetic,” draws heavily from the style of Olivia Rodrigo. While the simple acoustic delivery is fresh, the similarities in lyrical themes and melodic choices make it feel like an imitation rather than something original. This reliance on another artist’s sound is a rather nuanced aspect of the album. 

That said, Carpenter’s impressive vocal stylistic range and snarky lyrics demonstrates her potential for growth. Short n’ Sweet’s ability to effortlessly switch between playful tracks like “Juno” to more poignant moments like “Lie to Girls” shows her artistry and leaves listeners ready to hear how she will continue to evolve in her future projects. With the right focus on honing in on her individuality, Sabrina Carpenter has the talent to stand out in today’s uber competitive music scene. 

Worthwhile Listens: “Please Please Please,” “Coincidence” and “Lie to Girls”

Suki Waterhouse – Memoir of a Sparklemuffin 

Released Friday, Sept. 13, 2024

The title Memoir of a Sparklemuffin might lead first-time listeners to expect a whimsical, lighthearted album, but the next 53 minutes offer a far more nuanced experience. Renaissance woman (actor, model and musician) Suki Waterhouse’s sophomore album of an impressive length (18 tracks) dives into themes of heartbreak, love, new beginnings and reflection. Here is a fun (and frightening) fact: a sparklemuffin is a small, furry and colorful jumping spider.

The album opens with “Gateway Drug,” which starts with a haunting guitar sound and Waterhouse’s delicate vocals, subtly layered with autotune. While the effect adds to the ethereal feel, it slightly masks the rawness of her voice. The eye-catching title serves as a metaphor, suggesting that reintroducing someone to love can start small but has the potential to spiral into an intense infatuation. This potential for transformation is encapsulated in the second verse, “I’ll show you places that only exist in your dreams / Take off those nightmares and put your heart back on your sleeve.”

The sixth track, “My Fun,” has a tempo that gives the song a spirited bounce that is reminiscent of songs chanted on playgrounds, creating an infectious rhythm that encourages even the saddest of listeners to tap their feet to and embrace the carefree joy. The addition of recorders creates a late 1960s feel, evoking the nostalgic sound of songs like the Beatles’ “Fool on the Hill” and the Rolling Stones’ “Ruby Tuesday.” This entertaining instrumentation complements the song’s lyrics, capturing the essence of finding someone who compliments your way of living and loves you unconditionally. 

While the album undoubtedly has lyrics of sustenance and of introspective nature, the instrumentation often feels lackluster and fails to elevate the overall listening experience. A lot of the songs maintain a slower tempo that doesn’t significantly depart from her previous work, such as big hits like “Good Looking” or “Moves.” This consistency, while can be seen as comforting, results in a listening experience where most of the tracks seem to blend together, lacking the uniqueness that could have made them stand out. The lingering melancholy, though heartfelt, sometimes creates a sameness that dilutes the emotional punch of the album’s deeper moments. 

Despite these critiques, Memoir of a Sparklemuffin exemplifies Waterhouse’s undeniable talent as a performer and a songwriter. Her skill of weaving complex themes into interesting narratives is commendable, and the album leaves listeners with a sense of introspection. 

Worthwhile listens: “My Fun,” “Model, Actress, Whatever,” and “OMG”

Leon Bridges – Leon 

Released Friday, Oct. 4, 2024

On his fourth and self-titled album, Leon, Leon Bridges mixes nostalgic anecdotes with current self-reflection on a multitude of topics, creating a rich tapestry of sound that speaks to both his roots in Texas and his evolution as an artist since he started a mere decade ago. With this collection of 13 tracks, Bridges invites listeners on a 50 odd minute journey through love, self-discovery and remembrance, all wrapped in his soulful signature style with some country elements.

Beginning with “When a Man Cries,” the first few seconds of silence lures the listeners in with anticipation to see how the album will unfold, as Bridges faces the complexity of dealing with hurt and the desire for grappling with sadness, lamenting “Turn my pain into power / My fear to desire / Fall apart when I try to be strong / Gotta learn how to cry.” The emotional weight is amplified by the powerful beat drop at the refrain, where the instrumentation dramatically grows. The way the music transitions to a fuller sound mirrors the intensity of the emotions Bridges is expressing, letting listeners resonate with the vulnerability of his experience.

Bridges manages to masterfully combine country with his usual genres of R&B and soul, especially noted with the prominent slide guitar on “Can’t Have it All.” Each track is rich with instrumentation that complements his smooth vocals that have an impressive range, creating an immersive experience. The chemistry between Bridges and producer Ian Fitchuk throughout the album is evident with the exceptional arrangements, seen with the subtle strings in “That’s What I love” and the infectious funky organ in “Never Satisfied,” amping up the track’s energy. Leon isn’t only a testament of Bridges’ growth as an artist, but acts as a statement of creativity, as he proves he is willing to add more intricate layers to his evolving sound. 

Throughout Leon, a seemingly overwhelming range of themes are explored which seem to contradict each other. For instance, the contrast between the flirtatious nature of “Ghetto Honeybee” and “God Loves Everyone,” the last track where Bridges reflects on acceptance and faith. 

Rather than diminishing the album’s cohesiveness, the contrast in the themes actually enriches the experience, allowing listeners to interact with both the introspective and playful sides of Bridges’ artistry. Essentially, Leon is a celebration of self-discovery and connection through music while noting and embracing the multifaceted nature of life. 

Worthwhile listens: “Laredo,” “That’s What I Love” and “Never Satisfied” 

Anticipated Albums

Soccer Mommy – Evergreen (Set to release on Oct. 25, 2024)

Soccer Mommy (Sophie Allison) is gearing up to release Evergreen, her fourth album and first since 2022’s Sometimes, Forever. This collection of 11 tracks promises to be a deeply vulnerable exploration of emotions, particularly evident in her three already released singles, particularly “M,” a beautifully produced tune with lyrics that delve into themes of losing someone. Since June, Allison has been sharing insights about the album, which leans heavily into folk with some more indie rock sounds like “Driver”. As Evergreen nears its release, listeners have the ability to connect with Soccer Mommy’s evocative story telling and musical craftsmanship.

The Cure – Songs From a Lost World (Set to release on Nov. 1, 2024)

After years of anticipation, the Cure returns with Songs From a Lost World, their first album since 2008 and their 14th in their illustrious career. Newly released singles that will be featured, such as “A Fragile Thing,” highlight Robert Smith’s iconic voice, which has remained remarkably unchanged, defying the passage of time since the band’s emergence in the late 1970s. Fans can look forward to a blend of new elements that seamlessly incorporate the band’s signature sound, highlighting their evolution while still remaining authentic to their roots. With this looming release, they’re set to enchant both longtime followers and a new generation of fans. 

Tyler, The Creator – CHROMAKOPIA (Set to release on Oct. 28, 2024)

Tyler, The Creator (Tyler Okonma) announced his eighth album, CHROMAKOPIA, earlier this month and already fans are anticipating the release slated for the last week of October. Like his previous albums, Okonma has created a character, this time it is the masked Saint Chroma. The promotional videos and singles surrounding the album seem ominous, especially “Noid,” which details Okonma’s paranoia and struggle with fame and fans. Along with the new album release, in 2025, fans can expect four concerts in Southern California as part of the CHROMAKOPIA: THE WORLD TOUR.

Oldies but Goodies
Lana Del Rey – Blue Banisters (2021)

Since its release in late October 2021, Lana Del Rey’s Blue Banisters has captivated fans with its introspective lyrics and lush, dynamic soundscapes. This album marks the start of Del Rey’s shift toward more personal storytelling in her music, highlighting her ability to weave intimate narratives into her artistry. A personal favorite track of mine, “Sweet Carolina,” a delicate melody complemented with Del Rey’s lullaby-like voice reassuring her younger sister of unwavering support. As autumn leaves fall, Blue Banisters becomes the perfect sonic backdrop for those quiet, reflective moments amid the hustle and bustle of the back-to-school season. 

Worthwhile listens: “Black Bathing Suit,” “If You Lie Down With Me” and “Sweet Carolina”

Led Zeppelin – Led Zeppelin II (1969)

50 years ago this October, Led Zeppelin II solidified its place as a classic rock album, showcasing the band’s powerful sound, innovative spirit and tendency to “borrow” from old blues standards—the latter is a story for later. This album captures the raw energy and experimentation that defined the late 1960s rock scene, such as the use of the unconventional theremin on the opening track,  “Whole Lotta Love.” Jimmy Page’s blistering guitar riffs and Robert Plant’s soaring vocals create a listening experience that only gets richer with time. In the Lord of the Rings inspired song “Ramble On,” Plant sings, “The leaves are falling all around / time I was on my way / Thanks to you, I’m much obliged for such a pleasant stay / But now it’s time for me to go, the autumn moon lights my way,” perfectly embodying the essence of fall.

Worthwhile listens: “Whole Lotta Love,” “What is and What Should Never Be” and “Ramble On”

John Coltrane – Blue Train (1958)

Despite being released more than six decades ago, John Coltrane’s Blue Train remains an essential fall listen. Recorded in September 1957, this iconic album showcases Coltrane’s mastery as a jazz composer and saxophonist, solidifying his influence on the genre. With its fast tempo and intricate chord changes, the opening and titular track highlights the six featured musician’s virtuosity as they trade solos with fluidity and intensity. Perfect for late fall evenings or studying, Blue Train transports listeners into emotive landscapes, proving that classic albums can resonate deeply, no matter their release date.

Worthwhile listens: “Blue Train,” “Locomotion” and “Lazy Bird”

As the impending end of 2024 approaches, I hope the music we embrace will help us power through the first semester and election season and into the new year. With the weather hopefully becoming more crisper, let’s welcome the refreshing new beats and comforting sounds that the season brings, and look forward to the vibrant melodies that await us in 2025. For now, I’m tuning out!