In a world full of red flags, we need to remember to take the time to appreciate the green ones—especially in our playlists. These queer albums don’t just slap sonically; they radiate emotional intelligence, self-awareness, joy, and vulnerability—the kind of energy you want in your life and your relationships. Here are seven of our favourite queer albums that pass the vibe check and then some.
1. ‘Crying, Laughing, Loving, Lying’ by Labi Siffre (1972)
You’re probably already vaguely familiar with Siffre’s melodic voice, even if the name doesn’t ring a bell. One of Siffre’s most popular songs, ‘My Song’ was sampled by K*nye W*st on his song ‘I Wonder’ — which he never explicitly sought permission to use by the way (now there’s a RED flag). Labi Siffre’s green flag legacy has been guaranteed, not only by his lifelong embracement of his homosexuality and polyamory, but also by his many accomplishments, including winning the Ivor Novello Award for his anti-apartheid song ‘Something Inside (So Strong)’. This album is best listened on a lazy Sunday afternoon while holding the hand(s) of your lover(s), or perhaps a joint —whatever takes your fancy. Start with ‘My Song’ and ‘It Must Be Love’. JR.
2. ‘Black Kemble’ by Mantaraybryn (2022)
There’s something about Mantaraybryn that feels like wandering into a cathedral of glitter and secrets. Black Kemble is a lush, layered ode to queer boyhood, intimacy, and the strange tenderness of becoming. Bryn’s voice flutters between confession and confrontation, asking big questions in between bedroom beats and poetry. The album’s title references a Welsh mountain, grounding it in queer rurality—a rare and beautiful thing. A proud queer artist of Welsh and Zimbabwean heritage, Mantaraybryn weaves mythology, sexuality, and a little bit of mischief into every track. Green flag energy comes not just from the lyricism, but from the deliberate softness that underpins it all. This is for the queer loners, the witches, the tender boys in eyeliner. Play it at dusk while painting your nails or tracing your lover’s collarbone. Start with ‘Metaphorical Girl’ and ‘Warm Guns’. BS.
3. ‘Life In Cartoon Motion’ by Mika (2007)
While any Mika album is a certified green flag, there’s nothing quite like the original. The Lebanese-French artist completed his first album at 24 years old, which explores a journey from boyhood to adulthood, with themes such as infidelity, body positivity and finding authenticity and happiness, while simultaneously being the most cheery-sounding, skip-inducing, inner child-resurrecting pop album you have ever heard. But it wouldn’t be a coming of age album without a few profoundly heart-wrenching ballads, which are sparse, yet effective. The now 41 year old singer, songwriter, producer, actor, designer and frequent talent show judge, also follows philanthropic pursuits in his spare time, such as insisting on charity partnerships for brand deals and fundraising performances. Start with songs ‘Love Today’ and ‘Ring Ring’, both perfect for shameless break dancing in the privacy of your bedroom. JR.
4. ‘Pony’ by Orville Peck (2019)
Orville Peck is the masked cowboy responsible for single-handedly queering and camping up country music (I know there are other queer country artists, but do they wear bedazzled cowboy hats and sing about the tragic love between truckers?? I don’t think so, honey). With a wealth of high profile collaborations under his belt — Willie Nelson, The Wiggles, a spot on the Euphoria soundtrack — Orville Peck’s five year career is already star studded, and established him as ‘that gay cowboy with the frilly mask’. Most suited to listening while riding on horseback into the sunset, running away from society with your forbidden lover. ‘Queen of the Rodeo’ and ‘Roses Are Falling’ will aid with your imagination if you’re lacking a horse or someone to love. JR.
5. ‘Saves The World’ by MUNA (2019)
If queer people had national anthems, MUNA would be tasked with writing the lot of them. Saves The World is the band’s second album, and it’s a masterclass in emotional vulnerability, bisexual yearning, and that particular kind of healing that only comes from dancing your guts out in a dimly lit sharehouse kitchen. MUNA—self-described as “queer joy, queer rage, and queer complexity”—delivers a record that isn’t just heartbreak therapy, it’s what you play after the crying, when you’re sweeping up the wreckage and deciding you deserve a little more. This album is green flag through and through, from the band’s refusal to hide their queerness to their fierce, funny commitment to each other as chosen family. Best listened to while power-walking through your breakup era, or making out with someone who makes you laugh mid-kiss. Start with ‘Number One Fan’ and ‘Stayaway’. BS.
6. ‘Manners’ by Passion Pit (2009)
If Manners feels like it soundtracked your entire queer adolescence, that’s because it probably did. Michael Angelakos, the brain behind Passion Pit, came out publicly in 2015, but Manners was already pulsing with an unspoken queer euphoria. The album is all glittery synths and ecstatic, slightly desperate energy—like being kissed and slapped by serotonin at the same time. What makes this a green flag isn’t just the music (though, yes, it’s iconic), it’s the journey. Angelakos has been open about his mental health struggles, the constraints of masculinity, and his own complicated coming out. That vulnerability, paired with the fact that ‘Sleepyhead’ still bangs like it did in 2009, seals the deal. Listen while rollerskating under disco lights, or making art you’ll never show anyone. Start with ‘Moth’s Wings’ and ‘Little Secrets’. BS.
7. ‘Things Take Time, Take Time’ by Courtney Barnett (2021)
Not only is it a crime against queer culture to not know who lesbian icon Courtney Barnett is, but also a crime against the Australian indie music scene. You can still save yourself from immediate social ostracisation if you give this feel good album a good hard listen. Barnett is revered for her queer-inclusive record label, Milk!, which she co-founded with fellow musician and long term partner, Jen Cloher; the two served as a great musical inspirations for each other. This stripped-back, melodic album is quite possibly Barnett’s least appreciated album, and requires a sensitive ear and an open heart. So, take advantage of the incoming cold weather, rug up with a cup of something warm, and find a comfortable spot to sit, preferably outside or near a window, so you can adequately ponder the sweet suffering of life. Start with ‘Write a List of Things To Look Forward To’ and ‘Here’s The Thing’. JR.