Aries

21^st March – 19^th April

A true Aries, Lady Gaga is known for her high energy, passionate, and fiery songs that dominate the charts. Born This Way (2011), Gaga’s iconic second album, just screams Aries – just look at that rocker cover with Gaga as a motorbike! On this dance-pop album, Gaga dips her toes into metal, disco, house, rock, and opera to create an outrageously fun experimental piece that challenges what traditional pop is. It’s a feminist album that delights in freedom and equality. Gaga doesn’t care what the haters think and you shouldn’t either. Enjoy this nostalgic party and sing along to ‘Born This Way’, ‘Judas’, ‘The Edge of Glory’, and all the other Aries anthems.

Taurus 

20^th April – 20^th May

Full of absolute bangers like ‘Boyz’, ‘Jimmy’, ‘Paper Planes’, and ‘Come Around’, Kala (2007) is arguably one of the best albums of the noughties. Tenacious, hard-headed, yet down-to-earth, M.I.A. embodies many of the admirable traits of Taurus. Full of memorable bars, eclectic yet danceable beats, and M.I.A.’s plucky energy oozing through her gritty vocals, Kala will enthuse Taurus will energy to tackle the day.

Gemini

21^st May – 21^st June

Lively Geminis start your night out right with a playful house album with energy that matches your love of fun and sass. For those not in the know Deee-lite were a popular New York trio in the early to mid-90s best known for their hit song ‘Groove is in the Heart’. The supremely cool Miss Lady Miss Kier fronted Deee-lite influencing generations to come with her outlandish outfits, soulful sound, and activism. This larger-than-life group fused their colourful psychedelic 60s style with acid house, dance pop, and a hint of hip hop to create a kitschy camp hedonic potion of sound perfect for partying to. Their finest work is Dewdrops in the Garden (1994) features repetitive thumping beats, super cutesy vocals, and fabulous piano – it’s sure to pack the dance floor at any house party.

Cancer 

22^nd June to 22^nd July

Cancers are drawn to soft, creative music often with a romantic quality. A fellow Cancer herself, Kali Uchis makes emotionally nurturing music for the highly intuitive among us. Cancers treat yourselves to a bit of healing and romantic passion with Kali’s newest record Red Moon in Venus (2023). Reflecting “the divine femininity of the moon and Venus” the warm laidback R&B album features a mix of passionate love songs and Kali’s heartbroken yearnings that will entrance Cancers. Hop into a warm bath and soak up the good vibes like a true water sign.

Leo 

23^rd July – 22^nd August

Though Lana Del Rey is a Cancer, her third studio album Ultraviolence (2014) gives off Leo energy. On the album, Lana is confident playing up the ultimate femme fatale image that she had been typecast in presenting the image of a drama-adoring, ambitious, but loyal to her lover diva – just like a true Leo. Any Leo’s melodramatic tendencies will thrive whilst wallowing to ‘Cruel World’, strutting to ‘Florida Kilos’, and crooning to ‘Shades of Cool’.

Virgo

August 23^rd – 22^nd September

Hardworking, creative, reliable, patient, kind Virgos – you deserve an album as good as your character. Mama’s Gun (2000) by psychedelic neo-soul goddess Erykah Badu is the ideal album for you. Incorporating elements of funk, soul, and jazz styles and dabbling in themes of love, philosophy, and religion, it’s a great album for chilling out with your friends and reflecting on your day of putting good energy out into the world.

Libra 

23^rd September – 23^rd October

British singer-songwriter Joy Crookes, a Libra, always sounds poised and in control even when singing about vulnerable themes such as heartbreak, mental health struggles, and identity. Libras will fall for the neo-soul singer on the rich and luscious Skin (2021). Despite the heavy subject matter, Joy’s honey-toned voice and jazzy melodies will soothe Libra’s soul and help them restore the balance they crave after a long day.

Scorpio

23^rd October – 21^st November

The mysterious and passionate Scorpio crave meaningful complex music to match their intense personalities. Rosalía’s MOTOMAMI (2022) will be right up their alley. The concept album detailing the Spanish singer’s struggles with homesickness and isolation during the past three years blew away critics last year and reached the top ten in seven different countries. This electric mix of art pop, flamenco nuevo, and neoperro will ignite the fire in Scorpio whilst satisfying their urge for deep meaning.

Sagittarius

22^nd November to 21^st December

The masked villain MF Doom was an innovative artist who inspired many of his successors with his impressive ability to weave samples from retro cartoons, snappy beats, humorous lyrics, and gorgeous flows to create masterful hip hop tracks that never missed. Adventurous Sagittarius who love the witty and tongue-in-cheek need to listen to MM FOOD… (2004) – a concept album “about the things you find on a picnic, or at a picnic table”. Undoubtedly those who haven’t listened to MF Doom yet will still be familiar with the TikTok-adored tracks ‘Hoe Cakes’ and ‘Rap Snitch Knishes’.

Capricorn

22^nd December – 19^th January

The overachieving, persistent, and sensitive Capricorn will feel inspired by many of the themes on Little Simz’s Sometimes I Might Be Introvert (2021). On this ambitious album Little Simz tackles the injustices black people face to this day, the government’s corruption, as well as her own insecurities, hopes, and dreams, and praises women and other strong people of colour. It’s a bold album that at times is triumphant with Simz’s lyrics surrounded by uplifting fanfare and in other moments more vulnerable and reflective. Either way, it’s an empowering hip hop album full of smooth melodies that will motivate Cancer in whatever endeavours they’re pursuing.

Aquarius

20^th January – 18^th February

Miley Cyrus has always been original and one step ahead of the trends throughout her career – she wowed us as Hannah Montana, reinvented herself with ‘Wrecking Ball’, gave us all the rocker glam with ‘Midnight Sky’, and her new album Endless Summer Vacation (2023) will be the ideal summer soundtrack for Aquarius. Clever, self-reliant, and creative, Aquarius embody many of the traits Miley stands for. You’ll be obsessed with Miley’s spunky new tracks like ‘Handstand’, ‘River’, and ‘Rose Colored Lenses’.

Pisces

19^th February – 20^th March

Synthpop duo Magdalena Bay shook up the music world in 2021 with their futuristic debut album Mercurial World (2021). Its surreal cyber sound sucks the listener into a pink-tinted electronic world – the whole album sounds like if an MS Paint drawing of a unicorn could sing. Mercurial World will appeal to whimsical Pisces with their love for daydreaming. Hypnotic and melodic, lose yourself to the airy ‘Dawning of the Season’ and dance yourself stupid to ‘Hysterical Us’.

_{Words by Molly Sutherland}

^{Header Image: Miley Cyrus, Kali Uchis, Little Simz, Joy Crookes, Rosalia}

The post A Full Tracklist Based on My Star Sign? Yes Please! appeared first on Voir Fashion.

Minnie Riperton – Come to My Garden (1970)

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Want to know what an angel sounds like? They sound like Minnie. Come to My Garden takes sappy and sugary to a new level on this smooth soul album but we love it. Minnie’s debut album combines powerful vocals with dreamy orchestral arrangements to create an ethereal flowery piece. You may be familiar with the opener ‘Les Fleurs’ as it was rediscovered by Gen-Z on TikTok a few years back.

Why it sings spring: The ultimate spring album. Like a true hippie child, on ‘Les Fleurs’ Minnie delights in the flower power that spring brings singing, “Ring all the bells, sing and tell the people everywhere that the flower has come/Light up the sky with your prayers of gladness and rejoice for the darkness is gone”. To use Minnie’s turn of phrase on ‘Close Your Eyes and Remember’ the album is as “sweet as morning dew, and sounds a lot like springtime”.

The perfect soundtrack for: A fruit-filled picnic in the park – this album longs to be listened to whilst you laze about on a red checked blanket.

Madonna – Ray of Light (1998)

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Ray of Light is often considered Madonna’s magnum opus and one of the best trip hop and electronica albums of all time. At times daintily ambient and in other moments a euphoric eruption of electronic sound, the album is a hypnotic genre-bending piece that blew away critics and fans in the 90s and stands the test of time.

Why it sings spring: Spiritual, meditative, and introspective, with the sound and lyrics of Ray of Light inspired by Madonna embracing Kabbalah, her study of Hinduism and Buddhism, and her daily practice of Ashtanga yoga – healing is evident on the album. You’ll find Madonna singing “Let the water wash over you” on ‘Swim’ and “Now I find I’ve changed my mind/This is my religion” on ‘Drowned World/Substitute for Love’ as well as the trancey repetition throughout the album the cleansing experience you need to embrace spring.

The perfect soundtrack for: A great spring morning album. And after a big night out Ray of Light will get you out of bed and have you feeling (at least a little more) refreshed. 

SZA – SOS (2022)

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We’ve had time to fully appreciate SOS now the hype around the album has died down a bit and we can confirm it’s one of the best albums from last year. Fans went crazy over SZA’s sophomore LP after having waited since CTRL was released in 2017 for new music. Delicately combining hip hop, R&B, pop, and even a little grunge, SOS is SZA’s most daring project yet and sees the singer experimenting with her sound. The payoff was huge with critical acclaim for the album, several of the songs trending on TikTok, achieving number one in the US Billboard 200, and high rankings in the charts globally.

Why it sings spring: Sometimes sweet and sometimes salty, SZA sings about heartbreak and murder in a honey voice. Though it’s a nocturnal-sounding album it’s also warm and romantic making it ideal for a spring evening. It’s an album that encourages change through its flirtations with other genres and is just the refresh we need this season.

The perfect soundtrack for: Doing some much-needed selfcare to. Run a hot bath, grab your creams, face masks, and put on the kettle and relax to SZA’s heavenly voice. Heartbroken queens, we’re looking at you especially.

Janelle Monáe – The ArchAndroid (2010)

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Janelle’s debut album is an explosion of soul, psychedelia, pop, and R&B all wrapped into one tight, glossy, perfectly produced album. A concept album like no other, Monáe takes elements of Afrofuturism and science fiction to tell the story of Cindi Mayweather, an android messiah, who falls in love with a human Anthony Greendown during the revolution she leads to free robots from the human’s oppression. The ArchAndroid dwells on love, identity, and politics using the oppression of androids as a metaphor for the oppression black people face in America. Unsurprisingly, the album received widespread acclaim from critics, with many dubbing it the best album of 2010 and even of the decade. The album also received a Grammy nomination for Best Contemporary R&B album.

Why it sings spring: Those flowery, grand yet tranquil overtures that spilt the album bloom like a blossom tree. Sonically upbeat and extremely melodic throughout, the lyrics paint a different picture – just as spring is simultaneously bright but drizzly. Janelle advocates for change, freedom, and a brighter future using light and catchy melodies and a witty Sci-Fi tale to deliver an important message.

The perfect soundtrack for: With Janelle’s rapid and energetic delivery on ‘Dance or Die’, ‘Faster’, ‘Locked Inside’, and ‘Neon Valley Street’, there’s no way you’ll be able to sit still to this album. We recommend a refreshing run through a budding garden, a tad of spring cleaning, or just a full-blown bedroom dance party.

Big Thief – Dragon New Warm Mountain I Believe (2022)

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If you haven’t yet listened to Big Thief, this spring is the perfect time to do so. The indie rock band from Brooklyn makes music that feels like getting a warm hug from a friend. Their fifth album from last year is no different. Dragon New Warm Mountain I Believe was highly praised by the music world with it receiving a Grammy nomination for Best Alternative Music Album and many publications giving it a spot on their album of the year list. Don’t be put off by the folky and country inspired sound of Dragon New Warm Mountain I Believe– it’s full of peaceful pastoral lullabies which will melt any country hater’s heart.

Why it sings spring: Evoking nostalgic images of falling asleep during long cross-country drives, warmer evenings, the smell of fresh blossom, and touching letters from people you miss, the album is soft, gentle, and fragile in places but with a hidden strength and hopefulness. 

The perfect soundtrack for: If you need a calm atmosphere to get some work down Big Thief will provide it. Alternatively, this would make a great soundtrack for a leisurely stroll through your local park.

Kelela – Raven (2023)

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Kelela’s Raven seamlessly encompasses elements of R&B, electronic, breakbeat, and ambient pop to create a unique listening experience that gently guides its listener on a journey. The singer’s second album came out in February and is already set to be one of our favourites of the year. In an interview with Vulture Kelela said of the album: “I’ve always led with tenderness and vulnerability. Those are staples I would say on this record. But I’m also setting boundaries in a way that I’ve never set them. And that’s for real life and also for song life”. That vulnerability is clear throughout the whole record.

Why it sings spring: Much like the change from winter to spring, on Raven Kelela emerges from dark watery depths transporting us to a serene healing space. Setting the mood with the hazy and mellow ‘Washed Away’, Kelela takes us on an aquatic journey through the tranquil dance tracks leaving the listener feeling lighter and at peace.

The perfect soundtrack for: With its lush ethereal production, Raven creates a soothing and ambient atmosphere for spring evenings as the nights get warmer. Play it at the afters or before you sleep and let it wash over you.

^{Words by: Molly Sutherland}

^{Header Image: Janelle Monáe}

The post Channel Your Inner Spring Mode With These Albums appeared first on Voir Fashion.

Random Access Memories – Daft Punk

With the announcement that Daft Punk were putting away their keyboards and robot heads for good back in 2021 many fans of the French House pioneers were distraught. This iconic duo brought us dance tune after dance tune and their four studio albums will influence electronic music for decades to come. Their last and most daring album, Random Access Memories, turns 10 later this year. The album was released on 20^th May 2013 and featured impeccable guest such as Panda Bear, Julian Casablanca, Nile Rodgers and of course Pharrell Williams – it’s no wonder it was such a huge success with critics and fans alike. Random Access Memories sat at number one on the UK Album Charts for two weeks and also won Album of the Year at the 2014 Grammys. The flawless ‘Get Lucky’ will forever be in our hearts and our playlists. 

Pure Heroine – Lorde

The New Zealand singer-songwriter Lorde redefined pop music with her debut album Pure Heroine ten years ago in 2013. The album, whose birthday is on the 27^th September, features luscious double-tracked vocals with deep dark bass set to electronic drum beats. It is regarded as one of the best albums of the 2010s by critics and has fans in artists such as Rihanna, Miley Cyrus, Dave Grohl and the late David Bowie as well as influencing the music of Conan Gray and Olivia Rodrigo. Chart-topper ‘Royals’ had a hold on all of us in our teen years and it continues has a hold on us now. “We don’t care/ We aren’t caught up in your love affair!”

Paramore – Paramore

With Paramore scheduled to return with their sixth studio album This is Why on 10^th February 2023 it seems fitting that their eponymous 4^th album should be turning 10 years old on the 9^th April this year. The album was a huge success for the band being ranked as among the best of the year as well as of the decade. ‘Ain’t It Fun’ also won the group a Grammy for Best Rock Song. Paramore featured the pop punk singles ‘Now’, ‘Ain’t It Fun’, ‘Still Into You’, and ‘Daydream’ that still have us jumping up and down in our bedrooms as they did back in 2013.

Vaudeville Villian – Viktor Vaughn – 16th September 2003 – Turning 30 This Year

The late great MF Doom, Daniel Dumile, had a lot of aliases he released music under, one of them being Viktor Vaughn. Although he only released two albums under Viktor Vaughn Vaudeville Villain is certainly one of his finest. Released on the 16^th September 2003 the album, which turns 20 this year, is a masterclass on how to make interesting, fun and off the wall hip-hop. Viktor’s flow is smoothly transfixing and the production on the album is perfect with great samples that create a dark and intriguing sound. Whilst Doom may be gone his music still has a magical effect on his listeners.

Be The Cowboy – Mitski

Japanese American singer-songwriter Mitski Miyawaki solidified herself as the coolest girl in indie rock with her fifth studio album Be the Cowboy released on the 17^th August 2018. This year we celebrate its 5^th birthday. The album was universally acclaimed by critics and was Mitski’s first album to feature on the Billboard 200 and charted in the UK, Canada, and Ireland as well as the US. Combining joyful pop with brooding lyrics about feeling unloved and damaged Mitski’s music speaks to young women globally. The tracks ‘Washing Machine Heart’, ‘Nobody’, and ‘Me and My Husband’ exploded on TikTok and encapsulates the female angst as Fiona Apple’s music did for women in the 90s. 

Dirty Computer – Janelle Monáe 

The multitalented queen of the androids Janelle Monáe’s album Dirty Computer will turn 5 on 27^th April this year marking 5 years since we were last blessed with her music. The album features several familiar artists such as The Beach Boy’s Brian Wilson, Zöe Kravitz, Grimes, Pharrell Williams, and most notably Prince who collaborated on the whole album before his death in 2016. As ‘Make Me Feel’ is the ultimate pop anthem and ‘Pynk’ is a sweet sexy number we can’t stop playing – there’s no doubt that the album holds up. Whilst Janelle has been busy with her acting career starring in the Knives Out sequel Glass Onion, horror film Antebellum, and the live action/CGI remake of Disney’s Lady and the Tramp we hope that she finds time to make more funky music soon!

Isolation – Kali Uchis

Isolation by R&B star Kali Uchis is another album turning 5 this year. The album, which came out on the 6^thApril 2018, features a bundle of talented artists such as Bia, Steve Lacy, Jorja Smith, Reykon, Gorillaz, Tyler, The Creator, and Bootsy Collins resulting in fun, cool, playful, laidback tracks that demands attention. Since its released Isolation has been certified as gold in the US having sold more than 500,000. This timeless R&B album continues to bring joy to our lives and playlists. ‘Dead to Me’ and ‘After the Storm’ in particular bring the vibes we just love.

Wolf – Tyler, The Creator

Speaking of Tyler his second studio album Wolf turns ten in 2023. The ground-breaking alternative rapper turned heads with Wolf, released on the 2^nd April 2013, which combined the witty lyrics on tracks like ‘Domo23’ with blunt honesty demonstrated on ‘Lone’ and ‘Answer’ where on the latter he expresses the desire to talk to his estranged father. The album features stars such as Frank Ocean, Pharrell Williams, Domo Genesis, Earl Sweatshirt, and legendary R&B singer Erykah Badu. With so much variety on one record Wolf still holds up as one of the best rap albums of the 2010s.

Frank – Amy Winehouse

Amy Winehouse will always be one of Britain’s biggest icons. Her death in 2011 crushed the nation but her fiery spirit lives on through her hugely influential soulful music, bold style, and selfless charity work. Nearly 20 years ago, on the 20^th October 2003, gained attention with her jazzy debut album Frank. Smooth, seductive, and just oozing charism and charm Amy secured herself as the artist to watch for the noughties and stole our hearts. We still love sticking this album on and chilling out with Amy as she croons sultry ballads about the woos of her love life.

Oracular Spectacular – MGMT

MGMT supplied us with the perfect bangers for our house parties, seshes, and club nights when they flooded on to the indie scene with their debut album Oracular Spectacular back in 2008. The American duo released the album on the 22^nd January with positive reviews from critics and the catchy yet melancholic tune ‘Time to Pretend’ won the group an NME award in 2009. Whilst ‘Kids’, ‘Time to Pretend’, and ‘Electric Feel’ are instantly recognisable bops those who aren’t familiar with the rest of the album should absolutely check it out for some funky psychedelic tracks that still sound fresh 15 years later.

_{Words By Molly Sutherland}

^{Header Image : @whoismgmt Instagram}

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