James Wei-Yuan Wong - Favorite albums!

Give Me a Minute (2020) - Lizzy McAlpine

This album has always found its way back into my life. I first listened to it in my sophomore year of college, and I love the acoustic elements very much. The lyrics strike a perfect balance between cheesy, heartbreaking, and romantic. It reminds me of my time in the mountains of Salt Lake City. I love New York City, but I would be lying if I said that I didn't miss the nature and valleys. It's one of my go-to albums to fall asleep to, and it's a no-skip for sure.

Charm (2024) - Clairo

This album came out on my birthday! So I like to think that she released it for me :) I listened to this album during the summer of 2024, and it was one of the best summers of my life! I was living with my best friends, and this album reminds me of strawberry shortcakes, book clubs, pickleball, and aliens in the theatre. Love the intimacy of her sound, and her lyricism is so wonderful.

Yours Truly (2013) - Ariana Grande

ARIANA GRANDE IS MY GIRLLL!! I LOVE HER VERY MUCH! She taught me how to sing!! I remember waking up extra early to watch Victorious on TV and learning all the songs that she sang. I learned all the choreo to "Problem" (My Everything) and this album was on major repeat in middle school. At the time, my voice hadn't changed, and I would try to sound like her. There were kids at my playground who would come up to me and say that I sounded just like her, but I tried to be cool and coy and said, "Who is that?" I love all of her albums, but I think this one holds a very special place in my heart because of the nostalgia. Those strings at the very top of the album make you lock in for the best ride of your life.

0.1 flaws and all (2023) - wave to earth

This album also brings me back to a great summer, this time, 2023! I was working my first job at an equity theatre, and this was the perfect indie rock soundtrack. This summer was a silly summer filled with Zelda, sushi, milk tea, and makeup. I don't speak Korean, so I don't know what they're saying, but I can tell that it's either the most romantic thing you've heard or the saddest...or maybe both! I got to see them in concert, and it was pretty magical!

Dawn (2021) - Yebba

I would say that my favorite genre to sing outside of musical theatre is R&B. I love the riffs and the runs and the soul of these songs. I was introduced to Yebba in my junior year of high school and became obsessed. I don't have much to say other than I think this album is so stellar.