Music is and can be the thing that holds a lot of us together. I know personally, I don't go a day without listening to music or singing. I struggle to walk across campus without my headphones in because it's the one thing that makes me feel better every single day. I'm a fan of music of all kinds. Rock, hip-hip, indie, Top 40...it all depends on my mood. There are a few albums that never fail to make me feel better when I'm having a rough day, however, so here are 5 albums that will without a doubt, brighten your mood.
1. "True Blue" by Madonna
"True Blue" was released on June 30, 1986 and produced hits such as "Papa Don't Preach" and "Open Your Heart." The album was recorded during the first year of Madonna's marriage to actor Sean Penn, and she dedicated the album to him. The entire album is a feel good masterpiece. The songs are upbeat, positive, and just plain fun.
2. "Just Love" by Us the Duo
"Just Love" by Us the Duo was released on July 22, 2016 by Youtubers turned touring-musicians, Carissa and Michael Alvarado. The pair, who married in 2012, have been recording music together since 2011, when they met on the set of a music video they were both working on. "Just Love" is their third studio album together and from the harmonies to their chemistry, the entire album is the actual definition of #relationshipgoals.
3. "Ctrl" by SZA
"Ctrl" by SZA was released on June 9, 2017 and received international success. I'm probably beating a dead horse here considering you couldn't go anywhere this past summer without hearing "The Weekend" and "Broken Clocks" but this album has become one of my favorites of all time. From "Garden (Say It Like Dat)" to "Normal Girl," SZA tells the story of a young woman dealing with being mistreated by a trash guy and how the experience ultimately led her to finding herself and living her best life. Personally, this album got me through a really hard time in my life, and I'm sure it will do the same for you.
4. "Raised Under Grey Skies" by JP Cooper
"Raised Under Grey Skies" by JP Cooper was released on October 6, 2017 by British singer-songwriter JP Cooper. The album chronicles the process of falling in love and how relationships evolve over time. My personal favorites are "September Song" and "Passport Home." Even if his songs aren't typically your style, his voice is just absolutely incredible.
5. "Tell Me You Love Me" by Demi Lovato
"Tell Me You Love Me" by Demi Lovato was released on September 29, 2017 by former Disney star, Demi Lovato. I don't care if it's Demi Lovato, this album is absolute, straight fire. I think everybody has heard "Sorry Not Sorry" by now, and that song is definitely worth the play time it's gotten, but the rest of the album is just as good. "Daddy Issues" and "Ruin the Friendship" are definitely worth a listen. The album chronicles Demi's finding of herself and how she's cultivated that image, and it's honestly, truly inspiring.
