Over the last six weeks, most of us have been enjoying a nice, relaxing break. During that time there were many albums released, which may be able to help you get back into the flow of the semester. From Cage the Elephant, Chris Brown and Panic! At the Disco, you’re sure to find one track that can make the beginning of the semester bearable.

“Tell Me I’m Pretty” by Cage the Elephant

Released: Dec. 18

Genre: Alternative

5/5 stars

In his wiry, eclectic vocals and ideas, Matt Schultz, along with the rest of the band, created yet another unusual album. From the beginning, with “Cry Baby,” listeners can get a 70s, psychedelic groove. This vibe continues on through songs like “Sweetie Little Jean” and “Cold Cold Cold,” as well; although, the latter could even go as far as sounding like a song from The Mamas & The Papas. The low-running bass along with the tambourines and other percussion instruments give the songs an entirely new sensation that Cage has not yet encountered. The album continues on with the slow, but not dragging, song “Trouble.” With the latest album Cage has continued to reinvent their sound and leave listeners wanting more.

Download: “Sweetie Little Jean”

“Royalty” by Chirs Brown

Released: Dec. 18

Genre: R&B, hip-hop

2/5 stars

Naming his latest album after his child, listeners would probably think Brown’s album has a lot to do with his daughter; those listeners are wrong. His songs continue to be about the same topics he has always sung about (“Back to Sleep” and “Fine by Me”), even though interviews discussed how he has “grown” as an artist and is more mature since the birth of his daughter. This album definitely falls short of Brown being the king of R&B. Even with the same redundant, lame songs though, fans of Brown will probably enjoy the album just as much as the others. Fortunately, he does add a bit of unusual flair to songs like “Discover” and “Liquor.”

Download: “Liquor”

“Death of a Bachelor” by Panic! at the Disco

Released: Jan. 15

Genre: Alternative

5/5 stars

Starting off the album with the powerful anthem “Victorious,” Panic! is back on the grind. With singer Brendon Urie being extremely secretive about the release of a new album, many fans were probably worried the band was just going to keep releasing singles. Although the album rocks hard all the way through, the band could have continued to release singles and it would have been just as great. “Hallelujah” brings a tune that shows off Urie’s vast vocal range in a beautiful, chill-inducing song. “Emperor’s New Clothes” takes a new spin on the Panic! sound from an electronic, intense chorus to a psychedelic vibe. I would even go as far to say that “Death of a Bachelor” has R&B qualities. Through the vast experimentation in this album, Panic! will be able to keep listeners on the edge of their seats through the whole album.

Download: “Hallelujah”