Albums for the taken, the single, and the complicated

Working in a record store means that you’re constantly reminded of love. From the many first dates nervously feeling out music tastes, to the old timers picking up classic rock records and announcing, “I’ve loved this album for decades,” to a fellow staffer proclaiming their undying love for noise rock. I even met my girlfriend, whom I obsessively adore, at a Wax Trax event. 

While I may be loved up now, I’ve known many forms of relationships and their musical associations. So if you’re happily head over heels, going through a breakup, or something more complicated, here’s some situational albums you may love.

Magdalena Bay – “Imaginal Disk” 

From start to finish, Magdalena Bay’s “Imaginal Disk” showcases, as the title of the tenth track suggests, that “Love Is Everywhere.” Written and produced by the married couple behind the moniker, Mica Tenenbaum and Matt Lewin, their adoration for each other is sweet, synthy, and undeniable.

Father John Misty – “I Love You, Honeybear”

An iconic 2015 album that Josh Tillman created about his new wife Emma, this one is perfect for those who’ve freshly tied the knot. There’s a healthy level of new appreciation for commitment, sweet and sacrilegious ballads, and reflections on a miserable single life left behind.

Wet Leg – “moisturizer”

Have you been recently bit by the love bug? This one’s for you – the lyrics have all the heart-eye blinders of a new relationship, while establishing the foundational, and hopefully lasting, shared passion. Due to its intensely sexual content, this one’s not for the prudes.

Lily Allen – “West End Girl”

Absolutely scathing and deeply personal account of Lily Allen’s public divorce from Stranger Things star David Harbour. If you were trying to make it work for far too long, at far too much of a personal expense, and it still ended in flames, time to commiserate with Lily.

Frank Ocean – “Blonde”

If you’re rolling solo and have processed the emotions that brought you there, look no further than the perfection of “Blonde.” Ocean’s poignant lyrics and stunning instrumentation point out that releasing the shackles of resentment can lead to acceptance. Don’t forget, break-up healing is often non-linear, and you’ll get there eventually.

Caroline Rose – “The Art of Forgetting”

Instead of a sudden smother, sometimes a relationship fizzles. No one knows this better than Rose, who chronicled the difficulty of accepting a relationship where the love has not quite died. As Rose sings in the album’s “Miami:” “This is the hard part, the part that no one tells you about. There is the art of loving, this is the art of forgetting how.”

Mitski – “Bury Me At Makeout Creek”

Mitski is the queen of yearning, and if you’re obsessed with the chase, take a listen to this classic. After screaming along to “Drunk Walk Home,” ask yourself if you’d feel the same intensity if your love was requited. Or skip that thought process, and carry on obliviously with the rest of Mitski’s discography.

Omar Apollo – “Apolonio”

If you’re like Omar Apollo, you’re fully aware that you could get anyone you want. But there’s something in the push and pull that’s got you hooked. You get dragged in easily, but that doesn’t say anything about your self worth. You know you’re amazing, but might have an addictive tendency to explore.

The Magnetic Fields – “69 Love Songs”

This one is entirely comprehensive of love forms gained and lost. With 69 tracks to choose from, no list of love songs/albums is complete without it. The Magnetic Fields also happens to be my girlfriend and I’s first concert together, so I can vouch that it leads to worthwhile sparks.