Five Best Mainstream Albums
Words and Picks by Jennifer Boylen
Mainstream is a tricky word. It always comes with some bad connotations but I don’t think there is anything wrong with ‘mainstream’ music. Sure, some of it is crap, but a lot of it deserves the spot light it gets. Plus, if reaching on small number on the Billboard charts automatically discounts the music we’re listening to then we’ve got bigger problems in music.
Maroon 5 – Overexposed
I think every woman has a soft spot for Adam Levine, but regardless Maroon 5 is just fun to listen to. I love Overexposed because it has just the right amount of pop, catchy, radio quality to it while still feeling genuine. This album has slow and sad songs but it has upbeat fun songs as well.
Demi Lovato – Demi
Demi Lovato may be my favorite person of all time: I want to be her and be her best friend all at the same time. I’ve been a fan from the get go but her latest album may be favorite. Compared to her last release this one just feels like it’s her, instead of her trying to be something. It’s got enough pop to make it mainstream (well, not that Demi would be considered anything but) but it still has musicianship and great song writing. No one can discount Demi Lovato’s talent, and her self titled record features it perfectly.
Imagine Dragons – Night Visions
I hesitated a little when counting this as a ‘mainstream’ album and if I’m being honest One Direction’s new record almost took its place. But, Night Visions has had a tremendous amount of airplay and is still sitting on iTunes top charts so ‘mainstream’ it is. This took music by storm over this past year and everyone seems to keep this album in their back pocket for whenever they need something great to listen to. It was also featured in Highlights top ten albums of 2012, and it hasn’t seemed to really lose much momentum. I don’t think there is one song on this record that I don’t like, and it definitely deserves its popularity.
Hunter Hayes – Hunter Hayes
Hunter Hayes may have just re-released this album as an ‘Encore’ with a bunch of other new songs, but I am still madly in love with the original. When I first heard Hunter I was convinced I was listening to Rascal Flatts, but once I learned the error of my ways I haven’t turned back. I just love this record, if you’re a country fan you probably do too.
Macklemore & Ryan Lewis – The Heist
He broke into the mainstream scene with Thriftshop, but there’s a whole lot more to him that just poppin’ tags. It’s Macklemore. Everybody loves some Macklemore. That’s all there is to it.
