With a new season comes many new things, including new fall fashion, fall activities, and the release of new music. New albums and singles are being released around this time, including Taylor Swift’s debut pop album 1989. The album, named after the year Swift was born, includes 13 songs (Swift’s favorite number), and dropped Oct. 27. The album includes already released singles like “Shake it Off” and “Out of the Woods.” Many reviewers are very critical about the songs.

“1989 is a clear example of manufactured pop, designed to appeal to adolescent girls — the ones who beg their parents to buy them tickets to massive stadium tours,” Allie Volpe, Seattle Times critic, said.

Which is true– without these adolescent girls, Swift wouldn’t have had record breaking sales.

Another new release, Meghan Trainor’s new Extended Play (EP) Title, came out early September. The “All About that Bass” singer released her four track EP including songs “Dear Future Husband” and “Close Your Eyes.” Trainor performed in Louisville in September with Jacob Latimore and Jake Miller at the 98.9 Back to School Bash. I was at the bash and thought Trainor did an excellent job performing her songs, and playing a ukulele, despite letting the crowd know she was extremely nervous.

Chris Brown’s brand new album X also dropped in September. The album is an honest telling by Brown of his problems with former girlfriend Rihanna, all accusations that have been made against him, and how he is changed and moved on. There are a few songs that don’t follow that meaning, but I personally think it is a good album and deserves better reviews than it is getting. The songs “X,” “New Flame,” and “Lady in a Glass Dress” are among the most popular. The album also has songs featuring artists Akon, R. Kelly, Kendrick Lamar, Ariana Grande, Jhené Aiko, Brandy, Usher, and Trey Songz.

All albums and songs by these various artists are available on iTunes for purchase.

Article by Abbey Sullivan