I have already said so much about my colorful college experience in my senior reflection, but beyond that, I think what most represents these past five years for me has been the albums I discovered and listened to. At some point, these albums have gotten me through freshman-year fear, sophomore slump, and the most crippling bouts of burnout. But these albums also symbolize the unbridled joy and freedom of being a 20-something college student, with wonder and whimsy all around me.
“Weezer (Blue Album)” by Weezer (1994)
I could not even make a list like this without including the alternative geek rock classic, Weezer’s self-titled “Blue Album.” I both ironically and unironically enjoy Weezer’s music, and some of their newest releases, like the self-titled “White Album,” are seriously something to behold. This debut, though, is the one that alternative fans usually laud as their best work, and for very good reason!
“Buddy Holly” and “Say It Ain’t So” are, of course, iconic in their own right and are staples on any ’90s alternative rock mixes and playlists. “Buddy Holly” is so mawkish and catchy that it feels criminal. “What’s with these homies dissing my girl?” has no right being as hilarious as it is for an opening line to a song.
Aside from the classic singles, the “Blue Album” has such a cohesive tracklist and nearly every song evokes this folksy, youthful feeling, which, for me, relates to my undergrad experience. Even though it is a breakup song, “The World Has Turned and Left Me Here” truly defined my first semester in a new academic environment where I simmered in loneliness. I felt like I was “left” to fend for myself with very little idea of what I was doing.
During my sophomore year, I re-listened to “No One Else” during the foray of my first real relationship. Meanwhile, “Only In Dreams” was a musical shoulder to cry on when crushes and romantic flings just dissolved into situationship territory.
“Blue Album” is impressive as a debut, but I think more alternative rock fans need to dissect how painfully relatable and sardonic these songs can be, especially for an awkward young adult.
“Teen Dream” by Beach House (2010)
I know most people know Beach House solely from “Space Song,” but I implore everyone reading this to please check out the rest of their discography, specifically this album! 2010’s “Teen Dream” (not to be confused with Katy Perry’s “Teenage Dream) is a bedroom indie pop venture across complex emotions and romantic ruminations. Sonically and lyrically, this album evokes wistfulness and yearning, which college students are all too familiar with.
The dreamy “Silver Soul” conveys a cyclical longing for connection and intimacy, but not receiving it from a desired partner. To me, this song perfectly describes my past experiences on dating apps and the constant need to connect with someone only to be ghosted or … grossed out.
“Walk in the Park” describes a lost spark between two people and a dwindling relationship – let’s just say this one was a hits-close-to-home anthem during my first breakup. “In and out of my life, you would slip from my mind in a matter of time” was cathartic to hear when I was crying my eyes out, thinking I would never get over my ex.
Tracks like “Used to Be” and “Better Times” had me aching with nostalgia, especially towards the end of my senior year when I found myself drifting from certain friends. “Better Times” specifically encapsulated the resentment and melancholic feeling of drifting apart that had me reeling.
As an album on the more forlorn side, I appreciated how much I revisited it during different points of my college journey. Sometimes, I would relate to a song in new ways and I think that’s just a testament to the musical majesty of “Beach House.”
“Jubilee” by Japanese Breakfast (2021)
I cannot stress enough how incredibly artsy and surreal Japanese Breakfast’s “Jubilee” is. Upbeat dreampop that occasionally delves into sour topics? Sign me up!
In all seriousness, this album has a special place in my heart as an amalgamation of whimsy, love and mysticism – I also have to credit it for being a go-to “happy album” for me, even when it had its more muted, melancholic moments. “Paprika” is the album’s joyous, fervent opener that conjures appreciation for creativity and artistic pursuits even if they may not seem monumental. As an English major, a track like this is incredibly relatable, especially since I’m someone who can be unnecessarily self-critical about my writing.
“Be Sweet” is not exactly an overly saccharine number, but instead, relays paranoia about a partner leaving for good. Yet, there’s an undertone of hopefulness in believing in the person and trying to develop trust. When my current partner and I first started dating, I turned frequently to this song to help me process that oh-so familiar insecurity through being caught up in your feelings and overthinking the truth.
A track like “Slide Tackle” may hit close to home for those of us with mental health struggles, trying to process and confront personal afflictions while the world around us continues. It grapples with trying to find joy amidst the darkness of the mind and seeks that through connection and love.
“Jubilee” is a passion project on finding small joys throughout the void of life, and to me, that’s what the college experience is all about: finding something to latch on to while chaos is around every corner.
