Babel | Mumford & Sons

“Babel is an album that brings up a wide range of emotions and stories with powerful and energetic language. Mumfords and Sons is a band that uses a blend of folk, rock, and emotional storytelling. There is a vulnerability in many of the songs that touch on thoughts about love, redemption, devotion, and struggle. Despite these somber emotions, the songs often leave a feeling of growth and hope. I would recommend!” – Alissa Davis

Dear Wormwood | The Oh Hellos

“This album offers a full, rich sound and intricately crafted lyrics that could be read as poetry. Inspired by C. S. Lewis's The Screwtape Letters, the album provides a musical response to a Screwtape figure, and explores the human experience, especially anticipation and salvation, from an implicitly Christian perspective. This album is best enjoyed with visible lyrics.” - Caleb Hook

Historian | Lucy Dacus

“You may have heard of Boygenius, I would like to introduce you to one of their three members, Lucy Dacus. Dacus is a singer-songwriter from Virginia who writes music that somehow manages to capture that feeling of growing up and learning how to exist in a world with other people, some whom you love, and some you can't stand. This album in particular was the soundtrack to my life during much of sophomore year and still holds a great deal of importance to me as I listen back. Some of my favorite tracks are "Body to Flame," "Timefighter," and "Addictions." Please enjoy! (but if you don't that's ok too!)” – Junia Coe-Renner

Eagles | Their greatest hits 1971-1975

“Imagine yourself, driving down PCH on a warm summer day. Windows down, you smell BBQ on the horizon, as your golden retriever dog in your passenger seat sticks his head out the window. You are blasting "Take it Easy" by the Eagles. Just you and the open road. OR you are wearing a "Kiss the Cook Apron" while grilling up some burgers for your family as you listen to the Eagles Greatest Hits. Wow, sign me up! Either way, this album is nostalgic and a snapshot of the California dream. The Eagles began their musical endeavors in the 1970s and classify themselves as country rock. It is classic, easy going, and the perfect cross country American road trip album. Relax and take it easy!” – Sasha Kuljis

House on the Water | Ashley Kutcher

“A mostly ballad album about love and heartbreak, House on the Water paints pictures of characters and interactions the listener can vividly imagine, relate to, and expand. Moving away from some of her more pop sounding EPs, Kutcher's first full album centers around the storytelling lyrics and beautifully textured vocal performances. While not always the catchiest of tunes, once you engage with the songs, they become both wonderful earworms in the mind and opportunities to sing along.” – Alanna Wroten

Self-Titled | The High Kings

“A wholesome and festive taste of Irish folk music flavored with funky tunes, accents, and a spritze of a foreign language.” – Cameron Richards

CHASO NOW* | Jean Dawson

“CHAOS NOW* is an experiential and genre blending album that hones a worldview that is both trapped and reflective. Jean Dawson blends genres like fruit in an expressive way, opposing social and musical norms. The world and human mind are both chaotic places and this album is a nuanced and unique take on representing that chaos that is all too present in modern society. The pop, r&b, grunge, and metal elements come together to form a sad but intriguing view of conflicting forces and life through the artists eyes. It presents the world in a less idealistic and more truthful way, with all of its complexities and shortcomings, in a way I can easily relate with.” – Micah Gascho

North Hills | Dawes

“Released in 2009, North Hills by Dawes is an album that captures a timeless blend of folk-rock and Americana, paying homage to the golden era of 1970s singer-songwriters while creating a space for the band’s unique voice. It’s an album that will be thoroughly enjoyed under scrutinous analyzation, while also maintaining the charm for suitable background music on a road trip. Each song teleports me to a different memory of my dad on the back porch with his guitar, slowly but surely picking out the tab.” – Owen Freeman

Sleep Through The Static | Jack Johnson

“I grew up with Jack Johnson’s music, so it has always reminded me of the people and places I associate with home. While Sleep Through The Static doesn’t feature any of Johnson’s most popular songs, I believe its lyrics are the most relatable. That’s because this album is fundamentally an honest reflection on Johnson’s life. He laments the disaster he sees in the world around him (“All at Once,” “Sleep Through The Static”), works to grieve a sudden loss (“Go On”), and learns to quiet his own inward turmoil (“Losing Keys”) while reflecting on the beauty of life he finds in the love he feels for his wife (“Angel,” “What You Thought You Need”) and children (“If I Had Eyes”). More than anything, I hope you can see the unfiltered humanity in this album, and possibly a reflection of your own experiences.” – Jackson Zerwas

In Rainbows | Radiohead

“In 2007, Radiohead released their 7th studio album In Rainbows using a groundbreaking “pay-what-you-want” model. The album was quickly recognized as a cult classic. Because I listened to a lot of Radiohead with my older brothers growing up, this album is not only one of my favorites but is also a shot of nostalgia every time I give it a listen. In my opinion, the album flows beautifully from start to finish. It provides a rich collection of sounds—from the funky 5/4 rhythm of the opening track “15 Step” to the hypnotic guitar work in “Weird Fishes/Arpeggi.” Each song has a unique sound, yet together the blend creates a fluid and cohesive listening experience. For the best experience, I highly recommend using good headphones.” – Elijah Ruble

Self-Titled | The 1975

“The 1975’s self-titled debut album, released in 2013, is considered to be the UK group’s breakout album. It brilliantly couples absurdly catchy beats with  consistently thought-provoking lyrics, and is probably the album I have returned to most when I am out of new music.” – Duncan Miller

The Weatherman | Gregory Alan Isakov

"The Weatherman by Gregory Alan Isakov features thought-provoking, poetic lyrics paired with the hauntingly beautiful tone of his voice. The gentle swells and understated acoustic arrangements captivate listeners in a quietly enchanting way, rather than utilizing attention-seeking frills. This album evokes feelings of peace and melancholy, exploring themes of longing, nature, solitude, and the rhythms of life. As you listen, take time to absorb the words of each song and discover the beauty woven into the world around you." – Abby Dickinson

Remember That You Will Die | Polyphia

“Polyphia has drastically changed the way I listen and approach music as someone who enjoys to dabble in music production. Polyphia pushes the boundaries of what it means to be a “rock” band by integrating other genres such as jazz, RnB, classical and trap/rap. They continue to mesh sounds and instruments that deliver, I can guarantee, a unique listening experience. I recognize that they can be “overstimulating” for some, but I encourage everyone to listen carefully to the intricacies and little embellishments played on drums, bass and especially the guitars. Must listen songs on this album: Chimera, Playing God, Bloodbath, Memento Mori and Ego death.” – Alan Lopez

Manna | Chris Renzema

“Chris Renzema is known for his imagery-rich lyrics that rely on the vast variety of stories seen throughout Scripture. This album encapsulates well the human experience in following Jesus, making it unique among much of popular Christian music. Faithfulness, obedience, doubt, hope, and sin are all topics tackled in this album. With a calming folk (and sometimes old rock) sound, this album is made for immersive listening or record playing, and it holds many encouraging melodies to offer up to our Creator.” – Jake Lolli

The Lonesome Crowded West | Modest Mouse

“Swinging from tender, sorrowful reflections to kick you in the teeth and spit in your face aggression, Modest Mouse's early years produced an emotionally charged and unique sound. The album is infused with both a manic angst and a vulnerable softness that gives it a youthful witness to a changing world. Isaac Brock's lyrics touch on the "strip mallification" of his Washington hometown as nearby Seattle and other Western cities start experiencing the tech boom that transformed them. The album puts a spotlight on those who are left behind in rapid economic development and deal with substance abuse and poverty as well as Brock's personal challenges. Sometimes abrasive, but always genuine, The Lonesome Crowded West will give you something special. 
Pitchfork also did a youtube documentary on the album if anyone is interested. https://youtube.com/watch?v=G33AcZzZ0pM”

– Elijah Brake

Self-Titled | Caamp

“Caamp's debut album, Caamp, is a collection of acoustic and folk songs that communicate warmth, sincerity, and a deep sense of belonging. Released in 2016, this album feels like an invitation to step away from the busyness and embrace the simple joys of life. They capture the importance of quiet moments, connections, and the beauty of nature. This is my go-to for mountain drives, camping trips, or nights in.” – Jadyn Ries

Fern Hill | John Corigliano (Cleveland Chamber Choir)

“Maybe it’s a sign of my age – but this poem about youth, innocence and the passing of time gives me shivers of delight and sadness all at the same time. Take the time to read the poem first, and see what you think of Corigliano’s musical setting. In some places I think it interprets in ways I wouldn’t go, but in other places it amplifies Thomas’ poetry powerfully: childlike joy in the world of marvels we find given to us, yet tinged with sorrow and longing as Time steals it away.” – Dr. Gee

22, A Million | Bon Iver

“Take a break from the acoustic/folk/unplugged/authentic world and try this one on for size! Justin Vernon’s (Bon Iver) sonically exploratory but strikingly expressive album is nostalgic, haunting, beautiful and perplexing. IMHO don’t worry about following the rather opaque lyrics. Consider how Vernon can turn vocal and sonic manipulations into expressive devices (e.g. the sonic “blips” in 22 (OVER Soon) and the vocal processing of 715 (CREEKS)).” - Dr. Gee

Zeal | Kings Kaleidoscope

“A challenge toward persistent (band leader Chad Gardner would probably say “child-like”) faith in a post-Christian deconstructing world. Besides chewing on the metaphors that Gardner uses to describe to describe a post-Christian context faith journey, consider also the role orchestra instruments play and what they might be coded for (vis a vis your typical alternative rock instruments). Finally, I’d be curious to know how you respond to how Gardner ends the album.

Incidentally, framing this album is Chad Gardner and others both participation in and eventual departure from Mark Driscoll’s Mars Hill church. You can listen to a podcast episode about their band here.

For more background, KK did a nice documentary on the making of the album as well.”

-Dr. Gee

The Epic | Kamasi Washington

“‘A generous canvas,’ according to its Pitchfork review. Yeah, and a little bit more. Not for the faint of heart!

Take the plunge into this triple album of sonic glory, and drink until you’re satisfied. There’ll be plenty left for your next listen.”

– Dr. Gee