I've been discovering a lot of great new songs lately from both mainstream and indie artists alike. As I occasionally have done in the past here on this blog, I wanted to share some of these tracks with all of you fellow music lovers out there. Give the tracks below a listen and let me know what you think! I would also love to hear what you've been listening to as well, so feel free to comment with your own favorites.
The Japanese House - Clean:
A recent artist that I had the pleasure of discovering is The Japanese House, the solo project of English musician Amber Bain. I've only just started listening to her music, but from the dreamy, electronic indie sound of "Clean" I'd certainly say she's one to watch.
Phoenix - J-Boy:
Although I will always associate the band Phoenix with the atmospheric, new wave sound of their hit "1901," their recent single "J-Boy" delivers an infectious injection of groovy energy. It's a bit different from their old style, but I'm really starting to appreciate their musical divergence.
Bishop Briggs - Hi-Lo (Hollow):
Another English musician to check out is Bishop Briggs. Completely by chance I stumbled on her 2017 single "Hi-Lo (Hollow)" and was blown away at the vocals that she delivers on this track. If you haven't heard it yet, it is absolutely worth a listen.
Lorde - Perfect Places:
Lorde's "Perfect Places" was a song that slowly grew on me over time. After my first listen I can't say it was a favorite, but something about this song's chorus is so incredibly catchy. Now I find myself listening to it quite a bit. I would say that so far it's my favorite single from Lorde's upcoming album Melodrama.
VÉRITÉ - Saint:
I've been a fan of solo artist VÉRITÉ for some time now, and she never fails to deliver when she releases a new song. This trend continued with "Saint," taken from her debut album that's due to be released on June 23. If you haven't heard of VÉRITÉ yet, then I'd recommend giving her songs a listen.
Saturday, June 10, 2017
Saturday, June 3, 2017
The Best YA Books that Tackle Heavy Topics
I read a fair share of young adult books and often find myself being drawn to the ones where the author addresses some pretty intense issues. The subject matter of these books can range from depression and other mental illnesses to school shootings, and although sometimes difficult to read I think that books like these can provide important insight when tactfully written. I have compiled a list in no particular order featuring some of my favorite books that achieve this. They all manage to shed light on a difficult topic while maintaining a certain level of sensitivity and humanness to the characters dealing with these burdens.
Jumping Off Swings
Jo Knowles
Although I read this book several years ago, Jumping Off Swings has managed to stay with me ever since. This novel deals with teen pregnancy and ultimately how it can have a huge affect on more than just one person. What Knowles does brilliantly here is tell the story from the perspective of four different teenagers, all dealing with their own lives and problems. It opens readers up to the fact that what looks like a personal issue can have a greater impact than is initially believed.
The Last Time We Say Goodbye
Cynthia Hand
The Last Time We Say Goodbye is a touching story of a young girl grappling with the recent suicide of her brother. This novel gives a refreshing perspective on the topic of suicide by putting readers in the shoes of someone deeply affected by its aftermath. Cynthia Hand does a superb job of illustrating the transformation of the main character as she slowly begins to embrace the healing process after a family tragedy.
Clean
Amy Reed
Amy Reed's young adult novel Clean dives into the topic of addiction, following a group of teenagers as they all undergo treatment at the same rehab center. Told from the point of view of multiple characters, the story shows how five seemingly disparate teens can find common ground and help each other to overcome their addictions.
If I Was Your Girl
Meredith Russo
If I Was Your Girl is a beautifully crafted story that follows a teenage girl as she tries to find a place for herself. Having been biologically born a boy, she moves to her father's small and largely religious town in the attempts to escape her troubled past and create a new identity as a female. This is a novel that goes beyond simply being a book with a transgender protagonist. Russo creates a very relatable main character that anyone can empathize with on her journey through adolescence.
The Way I Used To Be
Amber Smith
Amber Smith's debut novel The Way I Used To Be deftly addresses the topic of rape among young adult readers. The story follows the protagonist, Eden, through her high school years as she struggles to come to terms with a sexual assault from her brother's friend when she was younger. Smith illustrates the heartbraking inner turmoil of Eden as she attempts to navigate her life and find the strength to overcome the traumatic event from her past.
Jumping Off SwingsJo Knowles
Although I read this book several years ago, Jumping Off Swings has managed to stay with me ever since. This novel deals with teen pregnancy and ultimately how it can have a huge affect on more than just one person. What Knowles does brilliantly here is tell the story from the perspective of four different teenagers, all dealing with their own lives and problems. It opens readers up to the fact that what looks like a personal issue can have a greater impact than is initially believed.
The Last Time We Say GoodbyeCynthia Hand
The Last Time We Say Goodbye is a touching story of a young girl grappling with the recent suicide of her brother. This novel gives a refreshing perspective on the topic of suicide by putting readers in the shoes of someone deeply affected by its aftermath. Cynthia Hand does a superb job of illustrating the transformation of the main character as she slowly begins to embrace the healing process after a family tragedy.
CleanAmy Reed
Amy Reed's young adult novel Clean dives into the topic of addiction, following a group of teenagers as they all undergo treatment at the same rehab center. Told from the point of view of multiple characters, the story shows how five seemingly disparate teens can find common ground and help each other to overcome their addictions.
Meredith Russo
If I Was Your Girl is a beautifully crafted story that follows a teenage girl as she tries to find a place for herself. Having been biologically born a boy, she moves to her father's small and largely religious town in the attempts to escape her troubled past and create a new identity as a female. This is a novel that goes beyond simply being a book with a transgender protagonist. Russo creates a very relatable main character that anyone can empathize with on her journey through adolescence.
The Way I Used To BeAmber Smith
Amber Smith's debut novel The Way I Used To Be deftly addresses the topic of rape among young adult readers. The story follows the protagonist, Eden, through her high school years as she struggles to come to terms with a sexual assault from her brother's friend when she was younger. Smith illustrates the heartbraking inner turmoil of Eden as she attempts to navigate her life and find the strength to overcome the traumatic event from her past.
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