5 No-Skip Albums to Add to Your Playlist

WILLOW / lately I feel EVERYTHING

Perfect for: Getting dressed for a girls night out 

This riff-heavy project feels satisfyingly similar to many of the 2010s pop-punk hits we all sang along to as kids, right after we finished jamming to WILLOW’s own “Whip My Hair.” Willow Smith channeled all her mother’s former Wicked Wisdom frontwoman star power, added in a bit of influence from every Warped Tour staple and a dash of the unapologetic femininity of Joan Jett or Debbie Harry to create unforgettable emotional vocals for her fourth album. It all comes full circle with Blink 182’s Travis Barker on drums during “G R O W”, a duet with the princess of pop-punk, Avril Lavinge. If you ever stepped foot into a Hot Topic, this is an album you never knew you needed but will soon grow to love. 

Must listen: t r a n s p a r e n t s o u l ft. Travis Barker

Surfaces / Pacifico

Perfect for : Road Trips 

A little over a year after the Texas duo became overnight TikTok sensations upon the release of “Sunday Best,” the band returned with their same contagious sunny disposition from the viral sound. Groovy reggae beats accompanied by sounds of ocean breezes set a scene of bliss behind each track’s uplifting lyrics. The duo croons out comforting beachside ballads like “Let it Ride” just as well as they produce sentimental songs such as “Next Thing (Loverboy)” that beautifully fade away like a sunset. Even if you aren’t traveling to the beach this summer, when you put this album on, it won’t feel too far.

Must listen: Come Around ft. Xavier Omar

Pink sweat$ / PINK PLANET

Perfect for: Date Night 

Pink sweat$’ debut album is the perfect soundtrack for falling in love under the summer sun. The dreamy symphony of oh-so-smooth R&B suits quiet nights cuddled up after a long day at the beach. The singer’s enchanting romance is at the center of his universe and this album, creating a peaceful frequency that is Pink Sweat$’ paradise. Choirs and jazzy guitars elevate sweat$’ impressive vocal range on tracks with more bravado, while his euphoric notes stand beside acoustic guitar and piano on intimate lullabies like “At My Worst.” Pink Sweat$ even shows he knows how to get down on groovy party anthems like “Icy” that round this album out to be a no-skip masterpiece. 

Must listen: Chains

Doja Cat / Planet Her

Perfect for: Singing in the Shower

No summer playlist would be complete without one of Doja Cat’s refreshingly real but still glossy pop/rap hits. From the sticky chorus of the regretful “Ain’t Shit” to the love letter Doja raps on dancehall banger “Woman,” this album brings a never-before-seen dimension to the star. Doja’s vocals glide above her polished production until her punchy bars come in and transform each track for the better. Doja’s signature flirty songs like TikTok hit “Kiss Me More” brighten up the record by bringing in a fun sound you’ll never want to take off rotation.

Must listen: You Right ft. The Weeknd

Snoh Aalegra / TEMPORARY HIGHS IN THE VIOLET SKIES

Perfect for: Stargazing

Snoh Aalegra’s TEMPORARY HIGHS IN THE VIOLET SKIES is a more than fitting title for the dreamy album. Snoh’s previous mastery of jazzy R&B encouraged her to reach for a new horizon on this record. Her captivating voice heads towards the planet of pop with not only one but two Tyler, The Creator features, “IN THE MOMENT” and the funky “NEON PEACH.” Many songs mimic her unforgettable hit “I Want You Around” but with an airy lovestruck tone. The Amy Winehouse-Esque “VIOLET SKIES” offers more jazzy chords among the other lush love songs. If you’ve been searching for something to wind down and relax to, this is for you.

Must listen: IN YOUR EYES

By Taya Coates

VCU student, sunset enthusiast, and proud feminist passionate about making the world a better place.