Hello to all of the nervous, homesick, and anxious first-years out there! I write this to you now as a graduate student at URochester, but I vividly remember my first year here and how rough of a transition it was. Don’t worry — soon the initial nerves and sadness will dispel and you’ll find your niche here. But what about that uneasy period between? You’ve just left home for good, you’re faced with the daunting prospect of starting over friends-wise, and you need something to keep you grounded through these tribulations. Now you need look no further — here are five albums that I’ve handpicked to help you through this adjustment period. I recommend these albums to anyone, not just first-years, as they’re all great records, but I think they will strike a certain chord with you first-years especially. Enjoy!
- “Nurture” by Porter Robinson
Porter Robinson is famous in the electronic music community for his classic EDM album “Worlds,” but fear not if you’re not a basshead, it still has something for you. This album deftly weaves together his synthetic sensibilities with sugary pop and winsome singer-songwriter music to make a uniquely life-affirming album. Beyond the ear candy of the production, there are many moments of reflection and self-discovery from the euphoric anthem “Look At The Sky” to the mesmerizing “Unfold.” If nothing else, listen to standout track “Musician” — an ode to dealing with burnout and pursuing your passions.
- “This Will Destroy You” by This Will Destroy You
This might seem like a bit of a daunting listen if you don’t like instrumental music, but the post-rock genre captures nostalgia and the coming-of-age movie soundtrack like no other. “This Will Destroy You” exemplifies this cinematic, crescendo-ing style while still remaining accessible to people outside of the genre. “The Mighty Rio Grande” is a modern post-rock staple, and the perfect backdrop to reckoning with your transition to adulthood.
- “Daydream Nation” by Sonic Youth
If you’re an indie fan, you probably already know it, but give it a listen again anyway. Few bands capture the sort of disaffected nature and messiness of transition better than Sonic Youth, and this record is their masterpiece. Not many could pull together the sort of lackadaisical strains of noise rock the band draws from with indie rock and punk into concoctions this catchy. This record was the peak of their genre blending and freeform rock concoctions. “Teenage Daydream” is an essential indie/college rock song, and the band’s wry and timeless songwriting can help you through those awkward first few weeks of finding your footing.
- “Somewhere City” by Origami Angel
No genres feel quite as nostalgic and summery as pop punk and emo music. Origami Angel is a modern band embracing these styles, and one of the best. This album is summery, bittersweet nostalgia held together by charming narratives and dynamic, empowering instrumentation. If you’re in the market for some feel-good music that still feels just a little reflective, look no further than “Somewhere City.”
- “Melodrama” by Lorde
Perhaps the quintessential album for the pains of growing up, Lorde’s first album, “Pure Heroine,” features her massive hit “Royals,” where she took on her role as the voice of the discontented youth. “Melodrama” ups the ante in terms of songwriting, production, and, fittingly, drama. From opener “Green Light” and its pulsating club beat that feels like a welling tear, to closer “Perfect Places” which feels like a true send-off to childhood, Lorde captured a snarky snapshot of growing up and feeling all too aware of the process. It’s pop music, but it’s not just music to dance to — it’s music to help you realize who you are.
