Imaginal Disk – Magdalena Bay (Synth-Pop)
Magdalena Bay’s music feels like the cure for a society ravaged by the inescapable plague of nostalgia. The music is nothing entirely new, yet you’d be hard-pressed to find another band quite like them.
It’s avant-garde, catchy, accessible, confusing, and fantastical, all in the best ways. “Imaginal Disk” is a fine portrait of creative freedom from two auteurs that have no trouble creating absurd, imaginary, and deeply innovative worlds.
This album will be the next generation’s reason as to why they were born in the wrong generation.
The New Sound – Geordie Greep (Jazz-Rock)
“The New Sound” draws its power from its ability to juggle multiple balls in the air. But while the album aims large in every way imaginable, beneath its enormous sound lies the unmistakable sorrow of a man crying alone.
This album is the most wiry, tangled and intense jazz rock you can imagine, set to the manic inner monologues of a man with a very overactive imagination and libido. If you printed the lyrics of this album out and handed them over to some of the world’s top psychologists, they would have to compile them into a new disorder for the DSM.
Across “The New Sound”, his characters chatter their way through a pub mix of choppy salsa, mid century showtunes, smooth jazz, Isley Brothers guitar disco, big-budget samba, and a cover of Frank Sinatra’s “If Are You But A Dream” to top it off.
It’s messy, it’s audacious, and it’s utterly, gloriously a new sound.
Brat – Charli XCX (Pop)
It’s the era of the relatable pop star, where the A-list hustlers of the music industry write songs about being as unlucky and confused as you and I. Charli XCX actually executes this well, with an album so transparent, meaningful, and carefree.
The brilliance of “Brat” is in the lyrics. Charli writes about the stress of potential motherhood, losing a friend at a young age, and the trials of female friendship.
Not to mention the unique and diverse instrumentals, bumping club bangers, traditional pop hits, and remixes galore are all used as a vessel for her most ambitious and artist-defining album yet.
With this reinvention of her former self, Charli may have made the best album of her career.
I LAY DOWN MY LIFE FOR YOU – JPEGMAFIA (Industrial Hip-Hop)
“I LAY DOWN MY LIFE FOR YOU” is one of the most interesting and captivating albums of the year. Combining elements of industrial rock and experimental rap, the album is full of absurd beats unique only to Peggy.
It’s crowded, confusing, chronically online, ridiculous music, but despite its abrasive sounds, the album’s renegade production and impressive performances make it more exciting than off-putting
It’s a breath of fresh air for hip-hop fans who find themselves bored by a genre that has found itself in a spot not promoting many new ideas.
A Dream Is All We Know – The Lemon Twigs (Power-Pop)
The Lemon Twigs sound like your favorite 60’s band, or maybe your grandma’s favorite. This pair of time-traveling brothers go back to the 60’s and bring back all of The Beatles B-Sides with them.
Reminiscent of music from The Beatles and The Beach Boys, “A Dream Is All We Know” is that beautiful moment where you’re ultimately happy. It’s a beautiful place full of colorful imagery, heartfelt storytelling, and expertly delivered performances.
This album is a multi-layered nostalgic pop record with immaculate summer vibes, a blissful ode to the past by two extremely talented brothers.
Charm – Clairo (Soft-Rock)
“Charm” is an anthology of ’70s-inspired grooves, seamlessly transitioning between jazz, psychedelic folk, and soul. The album is a testament to Clairo’s ability to imbue her music with emotive, understated beauty.
This album is a whispering breath of fresh air. Soulful with grooves that keep you interested in her personally longing lyrics. Using a fleeting moment of attraction as its organizing concept, “Charm” surveys the damage love affairs, both long-lasting and short-lived, can inflict.
“Charm” is a celebration of Clairo knowing her strengths and embracing them fully to make her most mature and artist-defining album.
CHROMAKOPIA – Tyler, The Creator (Hip-Hop)
Masks are a huge part of “Chromakopia”, whether it is Tyler himself masking for other people in his life, or him criticizing himself and others for wearing masks. He might be wearing a mask on the album artwork, but Tyler spends the album’s 53 minutes doing everything in his power to take it off.
“Chromakopia” is a kaleidoscope of chaos, with each song reflecting his evolving mind from new angles with every twist. Blending electronic, jazz, soul, and acoustic elements with hip-hop, Tyler crafts each track like a shard in a mirror: bold and reflective.
This album solidifies Tyler as one of the greatest artists of his generation. His creative output is unmatched, and each of his works conveys a deeply resonating message.
No Hands – Joey Valence and Brae (Boom-Bap Hip-Hop)
“No Hands” is a bombastic record that is rooted in classic hip hop but with a modern twist in its hyper-energetic bravado and comedic nostalgia. There’s simply no other way to sell it other than that it is a complete blast.
You’ll notice near instantly that this album exudes nothing but vivaciousness and spunk. With a rebellious attitude reminiscent of the Beastie Boys, the overall cheekiness and diversity in instrumentals akin to BROCKHAMPTON, and buttery smooth, direct vocal delivery like RUN-DMC, not having fun with this record would be inhuman.
The musical execution coupled with the unwavering confidence makes for an utterly entertaining experience that can instantly whip almost anyone out of a bad mood.
Bright Future – Adrianne Lenker (Country/Folk)
The direction of Bright Future –as compared to previous Lenker releases with her band “Big Thief”– is clear, a lean towards country music. Hmmm, it’s as if the huge cowboy hat on the album cover was trying to tell us something
“Bright Future” is a beast of beauty, incorporating the best of Lenker: intricate guitar picking, intimate lyricism, and an ability to create imagery that lingers past the music. The album is a refreshingly unfiltered and authentic sound that shows off the very best of both her ability to invoke familiar yet unique emotion and unparalleled songwriting.
“Bright Future” is a sneak peak into the future of country. Country isn’t all honky-tonks and pickup trucks. It’s also a deep appreciation for the land, and themes of loneliness and heartbreak, and Bright Future excels at all of that.
You Won’t Go Before You’re Supposed To – Knocked Loose (Metalcore)
Knocked Loose live up to their name: you’ll be dazed and disoriented in the best way when this awesome beast of an album is done. This album offers up highlight after highlight as it bobs and weaves through its many equally chaotic and primally groovy soundscapes.
The Kentucky natives accordingly brought out their Sluggers on this one. “You Won’t Go…” is a visceral, dizzying and unabashed half-hour romp. Every chord hits like a sledgehammer, with no chance to really grasp for air or recalibrate. It’s despondent, cynical and jaded.
From end to end, this is a confident display of the band’s most chaotic and forward-thinking music to date, all contained in a tight and unwavering package of ferocity and violence.
