Obsession • an idea or thought that continually preoccupies or intrudes on a person’s mind: he was in the grip of an obsession he was powerless to resist.
My body shakes. I get goosebumps from my jaw down through my legs. I don’t want to breathe lest my senses be directed somewhere other than my ears. Eventually, I’ll regain the ability to utter, “OMG!” My eyes will widen. My arms will reach wide, and my hands will clasp my head.
I am in the grip of a music obsession that I am powerless to resist.
Here are eight new obsessions.
ALBUMS
Evanescence Sanctuary Classic Evanescence: heavy guitar riffs, dramatic piano arrangements, melodic hooks. Neoclassical Evanescence: electronica, heavy buzz, modern beats. Quintessential Evanescence: Amy Lee’s unmatched, powerful, emotional vocals. This is my favorite Evanescence album since their debut Fallen. It is very rare that, 23 years later, a band can find new ways to stay true to themselves.
Here’s a taste: Spotify, Apple Music
The Hardkiss Grey Hound Is it possible that I like this Ukrainian rock band’s album even more than the new Evanescence album? True to the “hard” in their name, this album combines massively hard rock with industrial elements. And true to the “kiss” in their name, hard is paired with melodic pop-rock driven by the sweet, yet powerfully dramatic bilingual vocals of Julia Sanina.
Here’s a taste: Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube
Dagny Dancefloor Erotica While we wait for the July 3 release of Madonna’s Confessions II, Dagny may have already dropped the throwback dance album of the year. This album has everything you need in a dance album: strong vocals, escapist lyrics, infectious hooks, glossy ‘80s club beats, and sophisticated production. And synths. I love the synths. Madge, the disco ball is your court.
Here’s a taste: Spotify, Apple Music
SINGLES
Adam Lambert Under the Rhythm Adam’s opening “La La La La La” reintroduces us to the irrepressible Y2K global smash Around the World[1] before vocally hop-scotching around the musical scale in ways that are not humanly possible – in other words, Adam being Adam.
Jerry Heil Dark Disco A cool, dark bop from my Ukrainian pop princess.
AG Sully Dive In I’m so here for this ethereal, neo-soul meets bedroom pop vibe.
Dove After All the Rain Has Gone Can we get an “Amen” to old-school soul?
Anastacia Left Outside Alone – Symphonic Revolution I am a sucker for strings in pop and rock music[2]. Here was my immediate response to the friend who tipped me on this: “That was a religious experience. Heavenly Father, we are not worthy.”
[1] By the short-lived German-based Eurodance group ATC (an abbreviation of “A Touch of Class”)
[2] Hence my love of symphonic metal.
Ray's Musings 