If you haven’t been tuned in to the radio, Spotify, TikTok or wherever you discover new music lately, you have missed out on a month full of extraordinary new music. From albums to EPs: March has been absolute music madness. 

It would be hard to listen to all the music that has been released in March so far, so here are my top picks for what should be on your March playlist. 

“Djesse Vol. 4” by Jacob Collier

Official Score: 8/10

No matter your favorite genre, “Djesse Vol. 4” has something for you. This album hits notes of pop, jazz and even metal. 

At times, this makes the album feel scattered, but it is still impressive to see each direction Collier can take his music. 

This song features a dozen collaborations, my favorite of which is Lizzy McAlpine and John Mayer with the song “Never Gonna Be Alone.” 

My favorite part of this album is the way each song seems to flow into the next if you listen to it from top to bottom. 

Don’t miss out on this all-encompassing album (and maybe even check out the previous installments of the “Djesse” project). 

“Eternal Sunshine” by Ariana Grande

Official Score: 8/10

After three years of waiting, Ariana Grande fans finally have a new album to dance and cry to. 

I have always loved Grande for her powerhouse voice and pristine vocal technique. But she isn’t just a voice; this album brings beautiful writing and fun production into a stellar record. 

After facing controversy due to her relationship with Ethan Slater, this album seems to address the rumors, as well as issues with her separation from Dalton Gomez. 

This album suffers from an issue I see with artists all the time: the lead single is the worst song on the record. If you have only heard “yes, and?” don’t let that turn you off from the rest of the project. 

“Eternal Sunshine” is topping the charts, so you won’t want to miss this supernatural album. 

“Deeper Well” by Kacey Musgraves

Official Score: 7/10

Musgraves departs from the upbeat production you may know from “Butterflies” and “breadwinner” and takes a more mature approach to “Deeper Well.” 

This is a soft, feminine album that makes you feel like you are sitting with her on her bedroom floor as she weeps to her guitar. 

This is not her best work, but it still showcases her beautiful voice and unconventional approach to country music. 

Unlike her previous albums, “Deeper Well” doesn’t have any clear anthems. But, if you like introspective lyrics and cosmic country, this is a great low-key album that feels like a walk through a meadow at sunrise. 

“Unheard” by Hozier

Official Score: 10/10

This may be only a four-song project, but it packs a punch. These songs did not make the cut for his previous album “Unreal Unearth,” but are still masterpieces in their own right. 

Its most popular song, as well as my personal favorite, is “Too Sweet,” which originally went viral on TikTok before being released. 

The EP also features a collaboration with Allison Russell on “Wildflower and Barley,” whose melodic voice blends beautifully with Hozier’s whiskey-flavored sound. 

Even though “Unheard” is only 14 minutes long, it is an immersive experience complete with haunting vocals and perfect folk production. 

Don’t leave this gorgeous project unheard. 

“GUTS (spilled)” by Olivia Rodrigo

Official Score: 10/10

Allow me to spill my guts for a moment: “GUTS (spilled)” is my favorite music project from March and has my favorite songs from Olivia Rodrigo to date. 

“GUTS” first came out in September, but this new deluxe version adds five new songs that showcase all of Rodrigo’s strengths. 

The first new track “obsessed,” an upbeat rock song, was well-known before this release since it is on the setlist of Rodrigo’s ongoing world tour. 

The deluxe album also features “girl i’ve always been” and “stranger,” a departure from her typical sound with a folk twang. It wouldn’t be Olivia Rodrigo without an acoustic ballad which she satisfies with “scared of my guitar.” 

Finally, “so american” is Rodrigo’s first-ever love song. She is no stranger to writing about heartbreak, but this track marries the classic Olivia Rodrigo sound with a positive and giddy subject matter. Like the rest of the internet, this is my favorite song from the deluxe album. 

If you only listen to one release from March, I recommend this one: you’ll be obsessed. 

Honorable Mentions

If you still haven’t gotten your music fix yet, check out some of these other projects from this month. 

• “Underdressed at the Symphony” by Faye Webster
• “Bleachers” by Bleachers
• “Visions” by Norah Jones
• “Alley Rose” by Conan Gray
• “You Need Me Now?” by girl in red and Sabrina Carpenter

Upcoming Releases 

March isn’t over and if you want some music to look forward to, check out these upcoming highly anticipated records. 

• “Cowboy Carter” by Beyonce 
• “Evolution” by Sheryl Crow

Categories: Arts & Entertainment