New Music Friday - 6/18/21

It’s New Music Friday – Time for the Picks of the Week – a song and an album that have caught my attention and something I think you’ll want to listen to this weekend. So let’s get to it…

Today’s featured single is “the angel of 8th ave.” by Gang of Youths.

The Aussie band returns after a four year absence with a track off of their upcoming album. The song, about falling in love and exploring a new city with that person (the band relocated to London in 2017) blends early New Order with Bleachers. It’s a driving force of a song that finds the band exploring a new “rock” sound, quite different from their previous albums. Roll the windows down as you drive through your city of choice.

Today’s featured album is Back of My Mind from H.E.R.

The 23-year old’s first true album follows a wildly successful few years of great singles and inspiring live performances. The 21-track release is full of great R&B touching on love, politics and more. It’s thought provoking but fun and her voice is the true star of the album. She’s totally in control (with the occasional guest appearances) and sets the stage for a huge future of incredible music. She’s one of the most important voices out there today – this is the 2021 version of “The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill”. The neo-soul sounds and the emotions she pours into the songs will resonate for years to come. Check out my favorite track “Bloody Waters”.