Getting through Quarantine: 10 albums to listen to!

As you know, the whole world has been on lockdown for quite some time now and I think I speak for pretty much everyone when I say that we’re all looking for pick-me-ups: whether it is organizing daily chats with your gang, watching Instagram lives from your favorite actors or binging early 2000s TV shows (yes, I’ve been watching Friends and How I Met Your Mother. Again).

But music is the one consistent thing that can accompany you throughout the day while you work from home, cook or exercise. I thought I’d share with you 10 albums that I find uplifting in this time of crisis. Brace yourselves, lots of pop records are gonna make this list!

Fleetwood Mac – Rumours

Fleetwood Mac‘s most successful album is always a go-to for those who like soft and pop rock! I think it’s the kind of records that should only be listened to on vinyl (your mum probably has it) and will definitely cheer you up. I promise, this post is not sponsored by Will Schuester.

Ultimate good mood: ‘Dreams’, also known as the Corona Self Quarantine Song, according to YouTube user Eli Carasso, myself and my friend Morgane.

Dua Lipa – Future Nostalgia

Dua Lipa released her second album last week and it’s a good one! If you haven’t listened to it yet (it seems like the whole world has?), I highly suggest you do. Future Nostalgia is the pop album we were all waiting for.

Ultimate good mood: ‘Hallucinate’, turn the volume up and get that workout going.

Picture This – MDRN LV

Picture This is my new Indie obsession. After seeing them opening for the Jonas Brothers last February, I fell in love with frontman Ryan Hennessy’s energy and vocals. MDRN LV was released in 2018 and became their second Number 1 album in Ireland – a very much deserved accomplishment.

Ultimate good mood: ‘Modern Love’, guaranteed to make you miss a girlfriend you’ve never had.

Craig David – Born To Do It

Finally my opportunity to promote Craig David! Born To Do It came out in 2000 and has a very special place in heart because it takes me back to my childhood home (maybe it has the same effect on you millenials). It was the British singer’s debut record and remains – to me – one of the best R&B albums of all time.

Ultimate good mood: ‘7 Days’, helps you keep track of days in case you don’t know how to anymore (FYI, it is Sunday – we’re chilling).

Jonas Brothers – Happiness Begins

The beloved teenage boyband gave us all a heart attack when they announced they were getting back together in March 2019. Ditching their usual rock music, they came back stronger than ever with ‘Sucker’ – the most-played song of the year. Happiness Begins is the perfect combination of pop songs and emotional ballads. Some say they brought back happiness and I think they’re right.

Ultimate good mood: ‘I Believe’, a real treat for all the Nick girls out there.

Elton John – Diamonds

Technically, this is not an album but a collection of Elton’s biggest hits from 1970 to 2016 (the legend released 33 albums, that’s a lot). Diamonds is perfect to rediscover his best songs and the ones that got our parents dancing.

Ultimate good mood: singing ‘Tiny Dancer’ at the top of your lungs.

Taylor Swift – Lover

Taylor‘s 7th album came out last August and quickly became the best selling album of 2019. If you’re lucky, it’s gonna take you right back to summer ’19 and whatever you were doing at that time (I was in Brighton for fuck’s sake).

Ultimate good mood: ‘Paper Rings’ is one of Miss Americana’s catchiest songs, and a heartfelt love letter to her fiancé.

5 Seconds of Summer – Meet You There Live

Harry Styles gave great advice the other day on Beats 1 and said that he enjoyed listening to live music at home as it makes him feel surrounded at the moment. I loved this and came across 5 Seconds of Summer‘s second live album ‘Meet You There’. Recorded in 2018 at the London’s O2 Academy Brixton, the record captures the essence of the pop-rock band and takes us through their ever-growing discography.

Ultimate good mood: ‘Want You Back’. Blast that song super loud and enjoy the riffs.

Niall Horan – Heartbreak Weather

Back in 2017, Niall‘s debut album ‘Flicker’ was arguably the most satisfying album to come out of One Direction and got me really excited for his second record. This one is a concept album exploring every stage in a relationship up until the inevitable breakup. What’s also interesting is how he chose to tell this story through different points of view.

Ultimate good mood: ‘No Judgement’ and its super wholesome music video.

Last Christmas – The Original Motion Picture Soundtrack

There’s something comforting about Christmas and George Michael. Bryony Kimmings and Emma Thompson‘s ‘Last Christmas‘ movie came out last November and its soundtrack immediately followed. They gathered some of Wham! and George Michael’s best songs to tell the story of train-wreck Kate (Emilia Clarke) – and the result is great.

Ultimate good mood: ‘Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go’ is an absolute classic.

All these albums are available on Spotify (don’t go buy them now). And if you’re looking for new movies to watch, head to my latest article. I’ll see you soon. 🌸