Need a break from Taylor Swift? Like almost everyone else, I am a Swiftie. However, sometimes it’s easy to forget that there are other talented artists out there with music that we would love. So, if you want to branch out in your music taste a bit, here are some recommendations. (By the way, most of these artists are very mainstream, and I am, in no way, claiming that I discovered them.)
First, my personal favorite, Lizzy McAlpine’s 5 Seconds Flat, is the perfect album for fall/winter. Her song “ceilings” went viral on TikTok last year, but she’s definitely not a one-hit wonder. My favorite songs on the album are “erase me” and “hate to be lame.” Recently, she collaborated with other talented artists like Noah Kahan and Niall Horan.
Next, of course, is Phoebe Bridgers and her band boygenius. This group, especially Phoebe, has recently become significantly more popular, with their top songs being “Not Strong Enough,” “Cool About It,” and “Emily I’m Sorry” from their album The Record. I was initially interested in Phoebe’s music after listening to “Motion Sickness” and “Kyoto,” but I now love all of her music.
One artist whom I have been appreciating recently is beabadoobee. Her music has a really interesting 90s rock energy that juxtaposes her angelic voice. My favorites are “the perfect pair” and “the way things go.”
Moving from indie to pop, artist PinkPantheress uses samples of other songs, like dance music from the 90s, to create a unique alt-pop vibe. She has certainly become more popular after her collab with Ice Spice in the single “Boy’s a Liar.” My personal favorites by PinkPantheress are “Picture in My Mind,” “Pain,” and “Break It Off.”
Lastly, another recent favorite, Noah Kahan, has a more folk-pop feel. His song “Stick Season” is going viral on TikTok, and for good reason; his genius and catchy melody created a perfect autumn/winter masterpiece. Some of my favorites are “Mess,” “All My Love,” and, of course, “Stick Season.”
Of course, Taylor is an icon and she certainly deserves all the fame that she gets, but it’s nice to try something new every once in a while. Enjoy this new selection!
