I am also just as surprised as you, reader! I didn’t think that I would be reviewing Jack Harlow again any time soon (as I just reviewed Jackman 3 months ago) and yet, here we are.

Monica by Jack Harlow (2026)

Monica, Monica, Monica... Who are you, Monica? What are you Monica? With a listening time of 28 minutes and 5 seconds, Harlow returns with another short and sweet album. Straying away from his usual rapping/hip-hop sound, Harlow ventures into the realm of sultry RnB/soul, attempting to showcase more of his singing abilities in this album. While I don’t think his vocal range is especially impressive, his voice is gritty and velvety, which I found perfect for the vibe of the songs in this album. I’ve never heard him sing with this vocal tone before (noticed this in “Lonesome” and “My Winter”). His lyricism in the songs here were a toss up for me— I enjoyed the lyrics in “Prague,” and “All of my Friends,” but I found the flow to be lacking in other songs (one lyric in “Trade Places,” was: “I wish I could trade places with that lamppost, I like the way that you lean on that damn post”).

The instrumentals in this album were smooooooth. The music has an obvious jazz influence, and in some songs, there is an inclusion of strings or background singers which adds an extra layer of excitement and depth.

The standout track for me on this album was “All Of My Friends.” Additionally, this verse in “Prague” was SO suave.

I'm so fascinated (Baby)
Wrote you this sonata (Sonata)
Could you be persuaded (Maybe?)
Won't say things I've thought of (Thought of)
Friends know what your name is (Name is)
Can't lie, it gets brought up (Brought up)
Let's not complicate it (Baby)
We can both be like water

Overall, I enjoyed the vibes, jazziness, and mix of both playfulness and seriousness in this album. I appreciate that Harlow stepped out of this comfort zone for this one, and while there was nothing particularly game changing from this album, I still had fun listening and getting immersed in this world he created. For Monica, 3 stars ✩✩✩

Ram by Linda McCartney and Paul McCartney (1971)

This album was busy! There was so much going on! To start off strong, I loved the narrative lyrics within this album. Each song on this record seemed to follow its own storyline, although I’m not too sure about the cohesiveness of these songs in relation to each other (maybe that’s the point)? Another thing! It is undoubtedly clear that Paul McCartney is SUPER versatile. It’s like he pulled out all the experimental stops for this album, and his voice changes based on the vibe of each song (“Smile Away” sounded eerily like Elvis reincarnated). Linda was nice too, but I thought I would be hearing more of her solo singing abilities considering the album is by both her and Paul. The album is an organized mess—like mashed potatoes but actually SIKE it’s not mashed potatoes at all, and is instead a blitzed, chunky, vegetable soup 🥣. I would still eat it though. That’s kind of how I feel about this album as a whole. I did listen to the album over the span of a couple of days, and it grew on me the more time I spent with it. I get the appeal, for sure…

I saved 4 songs: “Uncle Albert / Admiral Halsey - Medley” (which I already had saved), “Monkberry Moon Delight,” alongside “Heart of the Country,” and “Dear Boy,” (which I guess were more reminiscent of the classic Beatles sound). But I’m hesitant to say I would listen to these tunes as stand-alones, as I found the songs to work (and sound) slightly better when listening to the album as a whole.

If you listen to this album, USE headphones! The engineering and production on this is CRISP! And makes the listening experience that much more fun.

For you, Paul and Linda: 3 Stars ✩✩✩

My top listened to album of 2025! I am so excited to rave about The Crux to anyone who wants to hear. Joe Keery always explores different types of rock/indie/alternative sub-genres, sound styles, and production techniques, making every album release that much more exciting! Despite him being one of my biggest celebrity crushes of all time, I’ve attempted to keep my review as unbiased as possible. 🙂‍↔️

The Crux by Djo (2025)

When “Basic being Basic” was released initially in January of 2025, I remember listening to the song at work with another Djo fan. I was disappointed, and thought that “Basic being Basic,” was exactly what it was critiquing: Basic-ness. I was nervous to hear the rest of the album, but am very happy to report that “Basic being Basic” is in fact, the only skip I have from this album.

This album is SO fun! And SO warm, like being hugged (sometimes gently, sometimes aggressively). Each song includes almost all of these components: SYNTHS, intriguing lyrics/storytelling, exciting instrumentals, and interesting production. The album is an homage to family, friends, growing up and “fly”ing away (letting go). I loveeeed the retro/radio sound effects that were used in a couple of the songs (“Fly” + “Charlie’s Garden”), and I thought most songs did an awesome job at having EPIC build-ups… like REALLY REALLY epic build-ups (especially in the bridges as heard in “Egg,” "Fly,” “Back on you,” and “Link.”) Man, this album just had banger after banger! “Lonesome is a State of Mind,” having a key change? So good. “Back on you,” with a children’s choir? Okay! “Potion,” is just the quirkiest! And as a sucker for slow songs, I adored “The Crux,” “Golden Line,” and “Fly” (can you tell now that “Fly” was my favourite tune on the album?).

Also just as a side note, the small nods to his friends from the Stranger things cast? Such a fun easter “Egg.” Sign me up to make “Charlie’s Garden,” the next theme song for my besties and I.

My favourite lyrics from the whole album. Thank you, “Egg.”

Can one be great? Can one be kind?
When history shows, they're not intertwined
So what will you choose, your heart or your pride?
Could you really be so self-satisfied?

I adored this album (except for you, “Basic being Basic”). Joe Keery, you did it again. I… Love you.. LOL. For The Crux, 4.5 Stars ✩✩✩✩

While I am a mountain lover through and through, I can’t deny the beauty of a prairie sunset… Having done the drive between Calgary and Edmonton countless times, there is a certain draw to the vastness of it all…

Which is how I stumbled upon Peter, Paul and Mary. Their rendition of “500 Miles” makes me CRAVE a prairie life, and it has been on repeat for two weeks straight.

Peter, Paul and Mary by Peter, Paul and Mary (1962)

Wow, the simplicity of a guitar goes a long way. As the main focus within this album are the trio’s voices, the guitar acts as a steady and gentle presence. Peter, Paul and Mary are SO dynamic; their voices are like butter during their slower songs, melting together to create emotional and supported harmonies. They sing so tenderly together… as if they are cradling something fragile. In their faster, more upbeat songs, they employ a rougher and grittier sound whilst still keeping their harmonies tight and fresh. I appreciated how there was a variety of songs within this album that followed incredibly intentional and cohesive themes of: nature, getting back “home,” travel, yearning, and freedom. “Trains” are a recurring motif within the songs on this album, and much like a train, this album tells us that we must continue on; that home is just around the horizon.

I did very much enjoy their slower songs (it’s the prairie-core of it all), “Autumn to May,” “Sorrow,” and “500 miles,” were absolute favourites of mine. They were OOZING of yearning and a desire to belong, somewhere.. anywhere! (I LOVE yearning).

All through this world, I'm bound to ramble
Through storm and wind, through sleet and rain
I'm bound to ride that northern railroad
Perhaps I'll take the very next train

“If I had my way,” “Early in the Morning,” and “Where Have All the Soldiers Gone,” are quintessential folk music revival songs. Not a genre I usually gravitate towards, but the lyricism is still exciting here, and you can hear Peter, Paul and Mary’s enthusiasm as they sing, which I appreciate.

On the flip side, I did NOT enjoy “It’s Raining,” at all. Not personally a fan of any nursery hymn being reinterpreted into a pop song.

Hmmmm. I LOVED some songs, liked most songs enough, and really disliked one song. For Peter, Paul and Mary, 3.5 Stars ✩✩✩

Hybrid Theory by Linkin Park (2000)

With their bold rapping, gritty vocals, confrontational drums, and use of sound effects, the versatility of this album is off the charts. The themes within this album are SO consistent. The lyrics are haunting and exude yearning, sung with desperation and pain, reminiscent of a person who has been severely damaged; someone who shouldn’t care but still (fully unwillingly) does. I find that the juxtaposition between the aggressiveness of the vocal styles/instrumentals and the vulnerability of the lyrics is powerful here, proving a point about the complexities of emotion, and how to appropriately (or inappropriately) display them.

Despite being slightlyyy too edgy for me, I am always surprised by how unique Linkin Park’s sound is—this album specifically is so perfectly curated, and I have yet to hear another album of this genre and time as cohesive as Hybrid Theory.

My faves: “In The End” (of course), “Crawling,” and “Runaway,” (my personal favourite).

Thoroughly enjoyed this one. 4 stars ✩✩✩✩

Jackman. by Jack Harlow (2023)

This was my first time listening to a full Jack Harlow album. I had previously only listened to his hit songs. My initial thoughts: this album is cohesive. First of all, the transitions between each song are SEAMLESS. I oftentimes didn’t realize a new song had started (but maybe this is also because many of the songs are SHORT). Each song is unique, lyrically exciting, the beats are solid, and the samples he chose to include in this album really add to that old school hiphop vibe. Also, when Harlow raps it’s CRISPY. Does that make sense? His annunciation is crystal clear and his voice is never overpowered by instrumentals. Some criticize the production of his beats/the simplicity of them but I quite enjoyed the rawness of something sounding… slightly unfinished? Although it’s his newest album (and at this point, he is already quite famous), he raps about how he still has a long way to go. His duality and versatility really come out here—he has tons of rap/pop BANGERS, but this album showcases his storytelling abilities. Jackman. is ABSOLUTELY something to be listened to in one sitting—it’s short and sweet, narrative, and flows well.

My faves: “It Can’t Be” (horns go hard in this one), “Denver,” and “Is that Ight?”

Jack! I really enjoyed this one. Maybe you’ll dethrone Will Poulter as my WBOTM. 3.9 stars ✩✩✩✩

Oh, Inverted World by The Shins (2021)

Pretty. Surreal yet grounded. Mediaeval perhaps (“Your Algebra” + its use of the harpsichord)?

“Caring is Creepy,” gave me an almost visceral reaction. I added this song to my playlist IMMEDIATELY. Starting strong with the faint whistling, isolated + layered vocals, and a catchy bass hook, how can one not melt into this song? The rest of the album did not disappoint with its slightly twangy sound, gentle but firm vocals, and sentimental lyrics. Also—who engineered this? The instrumentals are perfectly balanced, and listening to this with headphones on was bordering transcendence. Hmmm, I did have one skip though: “Girl on the Wing.” Maybe I’m just not the biggest fan of stylophones, but sometimes I find them quite jarring (although this tune reminded me of “What I’ve Done” by Linkin Park for some reason, and I love that song). As for my saves, I really enjoyed “New Slang” (which sounds super similar to “Magdalene” by Bear’s Den, another folk banger), “The Past and Pending” (my personal favourite), “Caring is Creepy,” and “Know your Onion!”

If listening to this without headphones: 3.4 stars ✩✩✩, with headphones: 3.6 stars ✩✩✩!

“Bless this highly nutritious microwavable macaroni and cheese dinner, Amen.”

I’ll start by being honest. Home Alone 2 is in fact my favourite Christmas movie of all time. Soooo I might be a bit biased in this review, but I can’t help it! It’s perfection. The first movie is also wonderful, but something about a New York Christmas just gets me. Nevertheless, this is a review of the ICONIC Home Alone (1) Soundtrack. There is nothing that will get you MORE into the spirit of Christmas than this album.

Home Alone (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) by John Williams (1990)

I believe that a Christmas song reaches peak perfection with the inclusion of one very important instrument: bells. The sound of jingling bells is the indicator that Christmas is here, that snow is falling, that Santa is near, that your home is going to smell like mulled wine and gingerbread. Bells are a staple in this album! John Williams beautifully encapsulates Christmas nostalgia, excitement, longing, and mystery—all emotions felt around the holidays. What makes this soundtrack so memorable is that each song on the album stands out; the passionate children’s choir singing “O Holy Night,” the thrill that comes from Kevin “Setting the Trap,” the intense “Holiday Flight,” where Kevin’s family sleeps in, almost missing their flight and (definitely) missing Kevin. There is also a gentleness to many of the songs on this soundtrack (“Star of Bethlehem” + “Somewhere in my Memory” + “Mom Returns and Finale”), with a vulnerability and tenderness that melds perfectly with the plot of the movie.

A truly quintessential Christmas soundtrack. 5 Stars, ✩✩✩✩✩

#1 Record by Big Star (1972)

This was my first (and probably (?) not last) time listening to Big Star. I had never heard of this band before, but pleasantly enjoyed this feel-good, sweet, album. It has that quintessentially bittersweet, 70s folk sound. There was nothing crazily exceptional about it, and I found that some of the songs were lyrically simple. But the album was cohesive, pretty, and calming. I saved 3 songs (“Give Me Another Chance,” “Don’t Lie To Me,” and “The Ballad of El Goodo”).

Judging from the other reviews written on ratemymusic.com, this was a CRAZY debut album. But as someone with no background knowledge on the band, all I took away from “#1 Record” is that it’s a decently solid album. 3 (BIG) Stars ✩✩✩