10 Best Albums to Listen to in Full While Social Distancing

It’s been over a month of staying in our homes away from any other social contact and seems as if there is no end in sight. If you’re anything like me, you use music to help you stay somewhat sane. Yes, everyone has different taste in music, but after a month of dealing with just yourself you may be open to other peoples suggestions.

It takes true talent to release a whole album in which each next song is just as good as the last. That is what I like to call a work of art. I think we all love an album in which we can just listen to the same artist do their thing for an hour+ and not get annoyed by the sound of their voice. So without further ado, here is my top 10 albums to listen to in full without having to hit skip.

1. Sweetener by Ariana Grande

No surprise here. Anyone who knows me 100% knew this was coming. However, subjectivity aside, Ariana is an out of this world vocalist. Her 2018 Sweetener album only accented this along with highlighting her ability to be an amazing lyricist. The name of the album couldn’t be more perfect; If you’re looking for something to sweeten up your life THIS is the album to listen to. It is delicate, yet upbeat in every way. The talent Ariana Grande has is inspiring and it can be felt through her music.

Personally, I would say that every single one of Ariana Grandes albums can be listened to in full without a skip (if you have the time try it). I am a Sweetener stan at heart though, so this is my number 1 suggestion.

2. Norman F*****g Rockwell! by Lana Del Rey

Oh, Lana. Your music is truly just a masterpiece. An angelic voice singing the most beautiful combination of words. I wish I had her mind because her lyrics give me goosebumps. This is what I call a true song writer. NFR has been on repeat in my head ever since it came out. I truly idolize this album and I think every single person should be required to listen to it at least once in their lifetimes. Lana sings about love and tragedy in the prettiest way. A true high just listening to this album, no words can even express my love for this album. You just need to listen.

3. After Hours by The Weeknd

Who better to write about heartbreak than The Weeknd? This album came out just at the right time because I can listen to it for hours and do absolutely nothing. The Weeknd has the talent to make all of his songs flow and on this album he does this effortlessly. Each song is aesthetically pleasing and soothing. Listening to this album should definitely be on your quarantine to do list.

4. Back to Black by Amy Winehouse

It’s sad that this was only Amy Winehouse’s second studio album, yet the last. Listening to the album is a bittersweet experience, but it is so good. We all wish there was more for Amy Winehouse to add to her discography, but we are lucky to have just a sliver of her soulful work. This album is beautifully mysterious in all the right ways. From her badass persona to a deeply sensitive romantic, Winehouse hits all the right spots in just one release. Back to Black has always been and always will be an all around album for the ages.

5. Swimming by Mac Miller

Wow, another legend gone too soon on this list. Swimming was a magnificently created album by Mac Miller. It was a step outside of what Mac Miller was known for when it came to releasing music, but that didn’t stop him from hitting the nail right on the head with this one. This album was all about self discovery and was a sentimental piece for Miller. The heart he put into this album literally radiates through each song which makes this album so special. A truly sentimental album that can be listened to over and over again as if it’s the first time hearing it.

6. Golden Hour by Kacey Musgraves

Golden Hour has had my heart from the second it was released. It is relatable on another level. Kacey Musgraves touches base on all the highs and lows of being human in this album. All the emotions we feel throughout our lifetimes are perfectly assembled here and put into 46 minutes. Her calming tone is pure magic and makes any heart happy. Many people believed Kacey Musgraves was the dark horse at the 2019 Grammys when Golden Hour received album of the year, but I knew it deserved that award from the day I heard it.

7. Lover by Taylor Swift

Listening to Lover is comparable to landing on a cloud and just floating there for a little over an hour. I. LOVE. TAYLOR. SWIFT. I always have, but this album played at my heartstrings like none of her other albums ever have. Taylor Swifts talent is unquestionable, but the songs she is able to write are unbelievable. This album is all about love and happiness and I am here for all of it. Lover is just a bright, storytelling, open notebook and I love every second of it.

8. Rumours By Fleetwood Mac

There’s no doubt that I was not alive in 1977 when this album was released, but it was kept alive by the generations before us which makes it so infinite. This album definitely doesn’t need a persuasion of how great it is from me because it speaks for itself and has made enough of a mark on the music world. I just love this album and always will because it’s nostalgic for me, so I can’t even imagine how nostalgic it is for everyone before me. Rumours is a gem.

9. Ctrl by SZA

This album has made an appearance in almost every single one of my playlists I’ve made ever since 2017. When this album came out, it did not disappoint. SZA has such a beautiful voice, the type that never gets old. Match that with this personal album from her and you get this perfectly crafted work of art. I genuinely love this whole album and wish I could just share it with everyone who hasn’t listened to it in full.

10. Fine Line by Harry Styles

This album does something for the soul. It’s so fun to listen to, yet warms the heart at the same time. It has just enough endearing value to it with a touch of upbeat happiness in a few songs that peaks through and makes it one of those albums that fits whatever mood you’re in. From chilling in your room to just a drive, this album passes all of the tests and I couldn’t love it more.