September Records of the Month: Finding Harmony in a Black and White World
Lately, I’ve been stuck in this strange, almost monochromatic world, where everything feels like it’s been stripped to black and white. The internet, once a place to connect and share ideas, often feels like it’s pulling people further and further apart. Conversations get reduced to sound bites, opinions turn into battle cries, and the nuance, the beautiful shades of gray, seems to get lost.
But here’s the thing I keep coming back to: in real life, it’s different. When I sit across from someone, even if we disagree, there’s space for thoughtful conversation. We can listen, ask questions, and maybe even discover that we’re not as far apart as it first seemed.
Music, for me, is a way to bridge that gap. It doesn’t demand that we agree, it just asks us to feel and listen. I hope we can do more of that in the coming year, listening is a skill I fear people are losing track of.
The Records That Inspired Me This Month
This month’s Records of the Month are steeped in that black-and-white feeling. They’re reflective, sometimes stark, but always layered with depth if you take the time to listen closely.
The inspiration came from a record I’ve had proudly on display for a while: Buckingham Nicks. I have kept this and Folklore as a feature two months in a row… decided I didn’t always have to change the display. With its recent re-release, it felt like the perfect time to bring this OG album into the mix and keep it there. There’s something special about holding an original copy in my hands, the tactile reminder that even as the world speeds ahead, some things remain timeless.
Here’s the full lineup for September. Each of these albums brings its own voice to the conversation:
Buckingham Nicks – Buckingham Nicks - captures the raw, imperfect beginnings of what would become one of the most iconic musical duos of all time.
Lyle Lovett – Joshua Judges Ruth - weaves storytelling and humanity into every track, reminding me of the power of narrative to connect people.
Dope Lemon – Kimosabe - feels like stepping into a hazy dreamscape, laid-back, soulful, and a little mysterious.
The Postal Service – Give Up - is a nostalgic nod to the early days of digital connection—when the internet felt new and full of possibility.
Ásgeir – Bury the Moon - offers introspection and quiet reflection, perfect for finding calm amid chaos.
Taylor Swift – folklore - delivers layered, intimate storytelling that feels like peering into someone’s private journal.
Ruston Kelly – The Weakness - bring a balance of moodiness and edge, grounding the set with grit and authenticity.
Bonus: Sabrina Carpenter – Man’s Best Friend
This album has been making waves—not just for its catchy tracks, but for the conversations it’s sparked. Some criticized the cover art, saying it wasn’t a position a feminist should be photographed in.
I loved it for exactly that reason: it got people talking. Art is meant to challenge and open dialogue, and Sabrina’s album reminds me that music can be both playful and powerful. It doesn’t have to fit neatly into one box, just like us.
Why This Collection Matters Right Now
This month’s collection isn’t just about music, it’s about conversation. About remembering that behind every opinion, every post, every headline, there’s a real human being.
When life feels polarized, I turn to music to remind myself of what connects us. A song can be both deeply personal and universally understood. It’s proof that we can experience the same thing and interpret it differently and that’s okay.
As I listen to these records, I think about the importance of slowing down and making space for those moments of genuine connection. Whether it’s over a cup of coffee, at a neighborhood event, or while flipping through a stack of vinyl, there’s beauty in the gray areas of life.
What album has been on repeat for you lately?
Drop me a comment or send me a message, I’d love to hear what’s been speaking to you this month.