The NACC Chart reflects the most popular music and artists that are gaining traction on college and community radio stations across North America. They offer insights into the ever-changing taste of younger, experimental listeners who gravitate toward authentic and fresh sounds. This week’s top five artists show the influence of older artists, demonstrating how they continue to hold a significant presence in today’s music scene. Many of these sounds may resonate with young college students who appreciate the history of music.
1. Father John Misty – Mahashmashana
As he remains at the top of the NACC Chart for another week, Father John Misty’s “Mahashmashana” features eight powerful songs, where strong instrumentals, engaging rhythms and his lyricism create a groovy jazz sound that plays into the themes of rebirth and reset. The track “Josh Tillman and the Accidental Dose,” best represents Tillman’s classic formula, with a classic piano ballad mixed with jazz guitar elements and witty, yet very real emotional lyrics. This album represents a different side of Tillman, from the musical combinations to themes surrounding the complexities of human emotion.
2. Franz Ferdinand – The Human Fear
Jumping up the NACC Chart, Franz Ferdinand and its newest album, “The Human Fear,” follows the same stylish mix of rock and dance, leaving a familiar feeling to those that have been listening to them for some time. Despite the breezy, upbeat sounds, this album delves into the core anxieties that define the human condition. It’s a powerful and groovy sound that is enjoyable to listen to yet has deeply introspective lyrics. Young adults might be able to recognize this band from its popular song, “Take Me Out,” and those who enjoyed that should take a listen to this album, as it carries the same energy.
3. The Cure – Songs of a Lost World
English songwriter and band leader of The Cure, Robert Smith, composed their hit album after a significant time passed of nearly 16 years. The post–punk rock band’s album, “Songs of a Lost World,” touches on the sad passing of Smith’s parents and older brother. The track “A Fragile Thing” explores mourning the loss of a love that became broken or got off track. The band develops a unique approach to exploring the turbulent truth of pain and loss that followers both old and new can feel through their music.
4. Michael Kiwanuka – Small Changes
Michael Kiwanuka’s new album features his soft mellow soul-like voice, with powerful lyricism that conveys a sense of self-transformation. Compared to past albums, his shorter tracks are at a slower, calmer pace and great to listen to when you’re looking for chill background noise. He reflects on the power that small changes have on shaping one’s individuality and perception.
5. Kim Deal – Nobody Loves You More
Coming in at the fifth spot on the NACC Chart with her album “Nobody Loves You More,” this album stands as Deal’s first studio album independently from the “Pixies” and “The Breeders.” The album touches on themes of loss and defeat as it characterizes emotional intelligence. Her melancholy tone and consistent slow rhythm allows listeners to feel the sadness and sorrow of the artist while creating a calm and almost peaceful feeling of remembrance of what was lost.
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