Mosaic Whispers was founded in 1991 after an informal group of students gathered together to sing at a carnival. Enjoying the experience of performing for the carnival-goers, they regrouped the following year as an official a cappella group. Over the years, Mosaic Whispers has released 10 studio albums (the previous one was released in 2016), with their latest, “Oasis,” being the 11th.

Junior Ben Milan-Polisar describes the album-making process as “really exciting and a little bit stressful, with a lot of long hours spent both in the studio and after [the recording was finished] to make sure the album was exactly how we wanted it.”

The songs on the album are chosen via a combination of “the top-voted songs from [their] repertoire, input from the group as to which songs they wanted to perform along with music director input,” says Milan-Polisar. His three favorites are “Toxic/Fever,” “Yeah!” and “Purple;” so, make sure to give those three a listen.

Freshman Madelyne Quiroz says that, as a new member singing the new songs on the album, “it’s incredible hearing the parts [and arrangements] they know and listening to them professionally recorded on the album.” The freshmen voices of Mosaic Whispers are not heard on the album since it was recorded in the spring.

The album, “Oasis,” released Oct. 24, includes nine songs and features the vocals of the members for the 2016-2017 and 2017-2018 academic years. The majority of the songs on this album are vocally led by female voices—and I must say that these ladies slay. Mosaic Whispers’ new album is on Spotify, Apple Music and Google Play. Here are my initial thoughts as I listened to this one-of-a-kind album by Wash. U.’s own Mosaic Whispers:

“Toxic/Fever”: This has made me realize that I don’t need Britney Spears anymore. Really, what was the point of the Britney comeback if Mosaic Whispers was just going to do this and slay us all? Do you remember the “Glee” performance of “Toxic” with “Umbrella”? Well, this is better. Mashing up this Britney classic with “Fever” makes this the sultry, sexy a cappella dance track my life needed.

“White Flag”: This song reminds me of the entire “Waitress” album, and I’m not complaining. It has pop and folk elements, and the blend is fabulous. The accompanying vocals and harmonies make this the a cappella power-ballad that will rock your world. I listen to this song, and I jam out, but I cry a little bit. The beat is a little faster-paced than expected before you dive headfirst into the song, but it works. This is the a cappella power-ballad you need in your life.

“Yeah!”: Usher wishes he sang this bop, and he did, but Mosaic Whispers did it better.

“Purple”: I get chills listening to this song. Do you want to cry because of how beautiful this is? The harmonies will transport you to another realm where everything is purple and mystifying, and when the beat drops during the last minute, I can honestly say that I feel tears well up in my eyes.

“Out of My Head”: The haunting lyrics accompanied by the equally haunting vocal accompaniment makes for a truly bone-chilling experience. Please listen to this one; listen to all of them, but this one especially.

“Shape of You/One Dance”: This is my new “jam in my room” song. It’s just a fun arrangement that makes you smile when you listen. “Shape of You” is upbeat; so, coupling it with the slightly slower tempo of one dance makes it the perfect medley. It’s like salty and sweet—you can’t have one without the other.

“Love So Soft”: I have three words to describe this: female empowerment anthem.

“Lay Me Down”: Because this song is female-led vocally, it’s a much gentler and warmer sound than the original Sam Smith track. Listening to this is like sinking into a warm bath surrounded by candles.

“Retrograde”: The beat-boxing at the beginning left me shook. I wish I could beat-box; alas, I can not, and I am stuck listening to this talented and mind-blowing Mosaic Whispers member. Listening to this song, the soloist makes me feel like I’m falling slowly into an R&B pillow, and if you can’t do that for me with your music, I don’t want to hear it (I actually do, I’m being dramatic because this song is fantastic).

Be sure to listen to Mosaic Whispers’ new album “Oasis” on your streaming service of choice.

https://open.spotify.com/album/1VpHqAIW8Pu343GJa0UpRQ?si=Boq0XYQpRUCsYJxvFqxZaA