An album a day keeps the keeps the blues away

In February 2021, I, like many others, embarked on a project known as the Music Writer Exercise, or MWE.

The tradition started in 2015, when Gary Suarez kicked things off. The simple explanation is: each day in February, you listen to an album you’ve never heard before, and ideally, write a short review.

It’s a wonderful idea that’s never failed to brighten up my Februarys. Every year, I’ve looked for recommendations from friends, which has led to me discovering some new favourites. Sharing bite-sized album reviews is also fun – if my years online have taught me one thing, it’s that I love talking about music.

Another reason to love it is the feeling of reminiscing on years gone by, and wondering what I was thinking when choosing some of my previous albums – for better or for worse! I’ve kept a rolling list of each album I’ve chosen each day of MWE each year. If no one else knows that I listened to ANOHNI’s HOPELESSNESS on leap day 2024, then I do, and I love that. Equally, I’m sure I’m not going to listen to the last Tate McRae album again, but hey, it’s a memory for me now.

Reflecting on the albums I listened to for MWE2026, I can safely say it’s been one of the best times I’ve had taking part. It helped that we got new releases from artists I adore, including Pure Mothman, Mitski, and Megan Thee Stallion – three visionary artists with incredible back catalogues.

Surprises arose from lbums from artists I’d never listened to before. Take a record like White by RAY, for example. The month began with them being an artist I’d never heard before, and it ended with them being a new favourite. Similarly, other highlights included phenomenal works from J Dilla, Portraits of Tracy, and Chloe Hotline – artists I’ve not experienced full projects from before, but quickly found to be instant classics.

I don’t think I’ll ever stop taking part in MWE. Even if the day comes when I stop sharing what I listen to that month, for as long as I’m able to, every February, I’ll listen to (at least) twenty-eight albums that will feel new to me. And every month, I’ll find some musical moments that I’ll always cherish.

Here are the albums I listened to for MWE

In years gone by, in line with the original aims of the exercise, I’d tweet my MWE findings day-by-day. However, since that website is even more of a dumpster fire than ever before, I don’t do that anymore.

Thankfully, Toni was kind enough to let me hop onto the QSO Media Bluesky (give us a follow, he’s funnier than me), and I gave daily listening updates over there.

Without further ado, here are my daily mini album reviews, unedited, unfiltered, and written just after listening. I hope you enjoy, and hopefully find some other new favourites like I did.

1. FLOWERS for VASES / descansos – Hayley Williams (2021)

Sonically distant from last year’s Ego Death; a leaner, fragile record that’s as devastating as any of Williams’ previous work. Phenomenal stuff that I’ll definitely return to. Fave song: No Use I Just Do

2. Orange – Fishmans (1994)

The only problem with #MWE being in February is some albums feel perfect for summer. Like this album, a timeless listen that’s stunningly produced. Will go platinum in the car come July. Fave song: Wasurechau Hitotoki

3. Niagara – redveil (2022)

Absolutely phenomenal album, dazzled me with how innovative and exhilarating it sounds… and then I learned he made it at 16?! Unreal. Great listen. At once exciting and soothing. Fave song: Campbell

4. Debí Tirar Más Fotos – Bad Bunny (2025)

A worthy Grammy-winner for sure – it’s amazing seeing such a daring, anti-commercial album get its flowers. Beautiful lyrics, fantastic voice, and such a strong artistic world. Fave song: El Clúb

5. Humble as the Sun – Bob Vylan (2024)

Bob Vylan’s evolution is a wonderful thing to witness. Incredibly vital and powerful record that [subverts] what a “punk” album should be and shatters all competition in the genre. Fave song: Humble as the Sun

6. Purple – Baroness (2015)

Heavy as hell with sword-sharp songwriting. I’ve meant to listen to Baroness for years, and this doesn’t disappoint. The atmospheric, almost shoegazey passages are stunning and the performances are breathtaking. Fave song: Chlorine & Wine

7. Intro Bonito – Kero Kero Bonito (2014)

Beneath the joke tracks and skits, there’s a sincere heart. The last three songs in particular stand out as more reflective of the slicker pop auteurs they’d become. Fave song: Small Town

8. Donuts – J Dilla (2004)

One listen and it’s obvious how much of Dilla’s DNA is in uncountable pockets of music I love. An incredible suite of constantly shifting landscapes – I can’t wait to dive back in and see what I discover next. Fave song: Last Donut of the Night

9. Drive Home – Portraits of Tracy (2023)

If there was a Best Cinematography award for albums, this would win. A stunning smorgasbord of ethereal textures and gripping storytelling, truly a one-of-a-kind album. Fave song: The Afterparty

10. White – RAY (2025)

Melodic proggy shoegaze heaven. I love how unpredictable a listen this was, with trance breakdowns and slick hooks hiding around every corner. A must-listen for anyone into guitar music. Fave song: Seizo No Yozora

11. Gaucho – Steely Dan (1980)

It’s hard not to love the Dan. As my second album of theirs, it’s a different beast from Aja for sure: moodier, tenser, more ominous. Some of the guitar work is sensational, and that closing number is haunting. Fave song: Gaucho

12. Romanian Names – John Vanderslice (2009)

Beautifully understated folk, almost proto-Perfume Genius in places. The Garfunkel-esque harmonies did a lot for me, and the title track is so pretty. Fave song: Sunken Union Boat

13. The Apple Tree Under the Sea – Hemlocke Springs (2026)

I love weird pop music so much. A perfect love potion of emo rock and synthpop, equal parts My Chem and Chappell, yet completely unique. I dare you to find anyone doing it like Hemlocke. Fave song: w-w-w-w-w

14. Gay Story – In Love With a Ghost (2018)

Simply stunning music. Ethereal and entrancing while remaining unpredictable in its beautiful arrangements, it may be my favourite of ILWAG’s releases. Fave song: feeling empty because there’s no more spaghetti

15. Gymnastics – Sneaks (2016)

As minimal as a skeleton, the bass lines make me feel like I’ve unearthed an old Breeders demo. Sharp as a razor, over and done with quick enough to leave you wanting more. Will be listening again tomorrow for sure. Fave song: Red

16. Man Bites Dog – Femtanyl (2026)

Chaotic and all-encompassing, it demands your attention, and rewards it withs ome of the most exciting EDM I’ve heard in a while. The opening three songs are especially phenomenal. Fave song: SICK OF IT

17. Haitian Folk Songs – Lolita Cuevas and Frantz Casseus (1953)

An absolutely stunning listen. Cuevas’ voice sounds otherworldly, and Casseus’ guitar is spellbinding. Fave song: Haiti

18. Beloved! Paradise! Jazz?! – McKinley Dixon (2023)

Unreal album. One listen wasn’t enough, I’m blown away. Truly one of the most exciting artists there is right now. Listen to this. Fave song: Live! From the Kitchen Table

19. StarX Lover – Dreamer Isioma (2025)

A constantly-shifting avant-garde pop enigma. Incredible songwriting and production, with visceral lyrics and a cinematic scope. Amazing album cover, too. Fave song: Dream Chasing

20. Flower Moth Tarot – Trees & Flowers and Pure Mothman (2024)

A pristine album. Beautifully constructed art-pop with harmonies that Brian Wilson would have been proud of. FFO lushly arranged lofi instant classics. Fave song: The Devil

21. Dance Arts Center Presents – Dance Arts Center (2025)

Theatrical house music? Don’t mind if I do. Incredibly intimate, catchy as hell, and perhaps above all, absolutely bangs. Fave song: phone games

22. Queen of Hearts – Zolita (2024)

Reminiscent of some of the best bits of Chappell and Rina, yet her own beast – pop with a punch that draws you in with the sticky hooks only to hit you with an emotional dropkick in the last two songs. Fave song: Grown Up

23. Megan – Megan Thee Stallion (2024)

Being independent suits her. A sprawling work that dips into various waters, with occasionally perfect results. Her voice and lyrics remain as impeccable as ever through it all. Fave song: Hiss

24. My Ghosts Go Ghost – By Storm (2026)

Uncompromising, unstoppable, disorienting, disarming, and absolutely gripping. Some of the most truly out-there production and arrangements I’ve heard in a long time, and crushing lyrics. Will continue to haunt me. Fave song: Dead Weight

25. Earth to Ursa Major – Jordaan Mason (2018)

In a word: devastating. In a few more: one of the most emotionally raw albums I’ve heard in a long time. Unlike anything else. Listening is like drifting into space untethered. Fave song: it does not get better (reprise)

26. Lost Corner – Kenshi Yonezu (2024)

One of the most incredible pop songwriters about, Lost Corner acts as a portfolio of sorts for his talents. He can do it all, blending UK garage with vocal group balladry, and makes it look easy. Fave song: Kick Back

27. Fear of the Black Doll – Chloe Hotline (2025)

Not a single second is wasted in this mixtape. A whirlwind of bounce, rap, and anthemic choruses that ends leaving you wanting more. Bring on the album that’s coming this year. Fave song: Fallbaque

28. Nothing’s About to Happen to Me – Mitski (2026)

A natural evolution from her last album, yet a different, darker beast. As beautiful as you’d expect from her, with some truly mesmerising moments that stop you in your tracks. Fave song: In A Lake

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AC is the Head of Written Content at QSO Media. Read more of their articles here.

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