Panic! At The Disco
Too Weird to Live, Too Rare to Die

Following in the footsteps of long time pals Fall Out Boy, Las Vegas’ rockers Panic! At The Disco try to reinvent their sound, growing from your average mid-2000’s rock band to something a little more experimental and different. So if you’re hoping to hear something like “Nine in the Afternoon,” or another “I Write Sins Not Tragedies” then this probably isn’t the album for you. Although it’s weird to hear P!ATD using synths and drum machines, it’s also a little refreshing to hear something like the heavily ’80s influenced dance track “The Vegas Lights,” or the album’s lead single “Miss Jackson.”  So congrats to P!ATD on finding their way back into the playlist and headphones of high schoolers every where.

Lorde
Pure Heroine

“Now we’re in the ring and we’re coming for blood.” Way to let people know you’re here, Lorde. Making her first steps  into the music world, 17-year-old New Zealand singer Lorde makes sure her efforts are noticed on her debut LP Pure Heroine. Kicking things off, she opens up with the smooth synth and bass driving “Tennis Court.” The album continues with a bunch of laid-back tracks much similar to her hit “Royals.” Then she switches up the pace the up-tempo track “Team,” a song that features pulsing drums and a super sweet chorus. So with a No. 1 song under her belt and an amazing origanal sound, Lorde has managed to make a solid first impression.          
Miley Cyrus
Bangerz

Ditching her Disney Channel past and making headlines at award shows, Miley Cyrus attempts to continue her transition from child star to pop superstar. Coming out the gate, Bangerz manages to trip, fall, break both legs, but get up and finish the race. Throughout the first half of the album Miley jumps from genre to genre, from rapping to singing, from partying to crying; Bangerz features many mood swings. But as you search through the rubble you will find some diamonds in the rough with songs like “FU,” “Maybe You’re Right” and “Adore You.” But as for the rest of the record, try to avoid being hit by this wrecking ball.
Eminem
The Marshall Mathers LP 2

Thirteen years after releasing one of the biggest albums in hip-hop history, self-proclaimed Rap God Eminem treats us to a sequel with The Marshall Mathers LP 2. For those who heard the first Mathers LP, they remember a young rapper who wasn’t afraid to say what was on his mind, whether it be about his childhood or the struggles of his new found fame. This time around he tries to take us back to that vintage Slim with songs like “Legacy,” “Berzerk” and “Bad Guy,” a track that tells the story after the events that happened in the 2000 hit “Stan.” Also, teaming up with Shady once again is Rihanna, who showcases some strong vocals on the duo’s fourth collaboration “The Monster.” But hands down the ultimate moment of growth on this record is shown on “Headlights,” a ballad where Eminem finally takes back all the hard feelings and resentment toward his mom. So good for you Slim and thanks for The Marshall Mathers LP2.