(Photo: Epic Records)
Through a series of highly fortunate circumstances, you’ve been gifted an iTunes gift card. Perhaps your job had a Secret Santa or maybe a family member slipped it in with your Hanukkah gifts. Whatever the case may be, you have a gift card now and you have no idea what to do with it. We’ve all been there, especially at the close of the year when you’ve basically forgotten everything that musically released over the last twelve months. Well fear not, audiophile, because we’ve got you covered. Here are seven albums you should look into purchasing with that gift card. Put that card to good use, and stop using it to pick at your beard.
Drake – If You’re Reading This It’s Too Late
(Photo: Cash Money Records)
Sincerest apologies, but “Hotline Bling” isn’t on this project. However, some other good tunes from the 6 God (bka Drake) are. Drizzy always bounces back and forth between rapping and singing, oftentimes doing that sing-rappy thing he likes to do. It’s perfect music to zone out to in between reenacting those killer moves in his “Hotline Bling” video. Whoops, sorry to bring up that song again.
Kid Cudi – Speedin’ Bullet 2 Heaven
(Photo: Republic Records)
This isn’t the Kid Cudi that you’re used to. While the artist has always kind of teetered in between Hip-Hop and Rock, this is a whole other break from that. And that’s actually a good thing, since Cudi sometimes had the knack to make you feel sorry for yourself. This is inspired music, arguably “alternative.” If you’re not a Cudi fan, you may become one.
The Weeknd – Beauty Behind The Madness
(Photo: Republic Records)
Now look, you’ve probably spent the greater part of this year jamming out to “Can’t Feel My Face,” “The Hills,” and “Earned It” already, so the right thing to do is to purchase the whole album. The Weeknd’s breakout project is crazy, sexy, and cool. This one is the ultimate “Netflix and Chill” soundtrack for you and that special someone.
Coldplay – A Head Full Of Dreams
(Photo: Atlantic Records)
Coldplay always feels like that band you can play in your earbuds taking the train on a lonely ride or driving in your car when the sky is overcast. There’s a bit of a departure from that on this project, especially in the clubbier moments (thanks to Beyoncé). Don’t worry though, if you buy this album you still have every right to play it alone with your thoughts.
Kendrick Lamar – To Pimp A Butterfly
(Photo: Interscope Records)
Kendrick Lamar has had quite a year, and it’s all thanks to this album. His multiple Grammy nominations were definitely well-deserved. To Pimp A Butterfly is a diverse project that travels through various sounds from Rap to Funk, Jazz, Soul, and everything in between. All of that on one album? Way to go, K. Dot.
Raury – All We Need
(Photo: Columbia Records)
Here is a kid who is wise well beyond his years. Raury might only be 19 years old, but his words and his music are straight from an old soul. This is another one of those pensive projects, as Raury gathers strong lyrics and hypnotizing beats to reflect on life, love, and revolution. You’ll be a better person after pressing play on this one.
Future – DS2
(Photo: Epic Records)
You deserve to turn-up sometimes. You’ve earned every ounce of it. Head to that club, blow all of your money (just kidding don’t do that), and think about the consequences later. While you’re in your room, brushing out your beard, thinking about every part of the club you’re gonna hit, play this Future project. Avoid the real Dirty Sprite though #PSA.
