A Toast to World-builders and Storytellers
It is safe to say that some albums truly demand to be heard in full. Whether they are concept albums with sweeping narratives or collections rooted in sonic and thematic exploration, these works hold a special place in my heart. Allow this playlist to serve as a mere peek into some of these worlds and consider it an invitation to step fully into them.
“Going Home” by Berhana
“Going Home” is the final track on Berhana’s 2023 indie-soul album, Amén (The Nomad’s Dream). Born from both a creative process and a cultural homecoming, the album is an intimate exploration of Berhana’s experience as an Ethiopian-American. From start to finish, Amén (The Nomad’s Dream) follows the story of a character, “The Nomad,” whom Berhana describes as someone who “is able to bring a piece of home with them wherever they went.” The world Berhana has built around this album beautifully captures the nuance of what many first-generation Americans feel as they navigate their identity. For a fully immersive experience, you can also watch “The Nomad’s Dream” on YouTube, a visually stunning short film featuring tracks from the album.
“Sienna” by The Marías
Submarine is the 2024 miracle child of The Marías, emerging after the split of founding band members María and Josh. The striking transition from the group’s tried-and-true red discography to a new era with a blue album cover symbolizes a clear thematic shift in their music, moving from stories of love and passion to those of grief and solitude. “Sienna” is a standout track on this album—and not just because it concludes the LP. This haunting song confronts the painful reality of what could have been in a relationship, mourning the loss of a child, “Sienna,” who never had the chance to exist. With delicate musical backing and María’s tender vocal delivery, the track captures the fragility of memory and grief, serving as a heartwrenching testament to the album’s raw emotional depth.
“The Ballad of Matt and Mica” by Magdalena Bay
This playlist would be incomplete without a song from Magdalena Bay’s most recent album, Imaginal Disk, which garnered an overwhelmingly positive response after Track 4, “Image,” went viral on social media. From ethereal set designs on tour to album-inspired makeup trends, Imaginal Disk has transcended the sonic plane to become a true multi-medium experience. The album tells a science fiction-inspired story of a character named “True,” whose body rejects the “imaginal disc” implanted in her forehead, setting her on a path of self-discovery. “The Ballad of Matt and Mica” is a euphoric synth-pop anthem and the album’s finale, wrapping up its narrative with signature dreamy production while embodying themes of transformation and self-acceptance. While I may be spoiling the end, do yourself a favor and experience this album from top to bottom—you’ll thank me later.
