introduction

It started as my parents’ CDs played through the kitchen stereo. Then it became my pink iPod Nano I got for Christmas in 5th grade. Now it’s shifted into a Spotify app and an Amazon Alexa. No matter how it’s found its way to me, music has been one of few unique constants in my life.

This summer, I finally went to my first concert since the COVID-19 pandemic all but obliterated live music. I road tripped to the Rock N Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland. This fall, I took off work on album release days to celebrate (thanks for existing 5SOS5 and Midnights). I flew to New York from Chicago for 24 hours to go to free concert with my sister. The moments of my life this year that have revolved around music have quickly turned into my happiest memories of the year.

But while the Beatles and Bruce Springsteen and Taylor Swift (the list goes on) have been echoed through my ears for years, I’ve come to realize how much classic music, new music, iconic music I’ve never given the proper amount of appreciation.

*Edited: So, welcome to Abby's Albums: a music listening project. I began this project as goal to listen to 500 albums, in full, over 365 days. I started this project and suddenly found myself going back to school to advance my career, and the 500-album project became inconceivable. While my numerical goal may have changed, my motivation has not; I continue to want to strive to use this space to reflect on albums defined as my favorites, classics, era-defining albums, and the hits and hidden gems of the current music scene while also reflecting on live music, music videos, and the power of music as an art.

I’ll be documenting my growing taste and appreciation for music right here. Now, headphones on, world off. See you soon.

Abby