This past summer, I went to visit my aunt in Wyoming.  I was really excited to 1.) travel alone,  2.) sit in a window seat  and 3.) listen to a fantastic playlist  (in which I had invested a disproportionate amount of time).  As I settled into my seat, awaiting departure, I pulled out my iPhone only to realize I had never downloaded the playlist.  Indulging in disappointment, I ended up listening to angry music as a strange self-inflicted punishment for my forgetfulness. It was a miserable flight.

Take it from me: the next time you’re building your pre-flight checklist, find a place between “toothbrush” and “phone charger” for “good travel music.”

Which brings me to Feist. On Oct. 4, Canadian indie-pop-rock goddess Feist released her first record since her extremely successful breakout album of 2007, The Reminder, which included popular hits like “I Feel It All” and “1234.” The new album, Metals, is a lot darker and more reflective in its lyrics, instrumentation and mood. The light pop gestures take a backseat to comtemplative exploration: it’s unlikely that many of these songs would show up in an iPod commercial.

While not every song is a ready-for-radio earworm, the album is definitely worth a listen, especially if you wish to hear an arrangement of songs in an album with a collective movement and purpose. It’s the perfect travel album; you can listen to Metals in its entirety without the bother of anticipating your next desired tune while the inner music journey reflects the outer.

Whether you find yourself on a car ride home with friends or family or awaiting your departure at the Pasco airport, allow Feist to narrate your travels: and don’t forget to sync your devices beforehand.