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Welcome back my friends - it’s been a while since I’ve dropped some New Music Friday picks. So let’s get into the best of what I’ve liked over the last few weeks.
Albums of the Month:
Blur - The Ballad of Darren
I’ve been a big fan of Blur for a long time - I never chose sides in the Blur vs. Oasis battle. On their ninth album, I’m reminded of how creative the band is and how they can blend uptempo pop tracks with more orchestral songs. The lyrics from Damon Albarn are more mature and focused than in past releases, yet the sound is fresh and modern. Highlights include “St. Charles Square”, “Far Away Island” and my favorite track, “Barbaric”.
Molly Tuttle & Golden Highway - City of Gold
It’s the second album that Tuttle has released with Golden Highway and it’s one of the best roots recordings in years. Tuttle writes about complex and fascinating characters in her songs (with help this time around from Old Crow Medicine Show’s Ketch Secor). There’s a feeling of music from the past in Tuttle’s songs, especially in “El Dorado”, a song about the characters who followed the gold rush. Other highlights include “More Like a River” and my favorite track, “When My Race Is Run”.
Bettye LaVette - LaVette!
The latest from the soul legend is full of covers of songs from singer-songwriter Randall Bramblett. LaVette’s touch on every song is earnest, soulful and personal. She’s a singer who has continuously captured the classic R&B sound in modern times, still sounding new and fresh. The guests are an A-list including Steve Winwood, John Mayer, Jon Batiste and Ray Parker Jr. Bramblett’s songs have an edge to them and it’s a perfect set for LaVette, who has had quite the career with so many ups and downs. Highlights include “Hard To Be A Human”, “In The Meantime” and my favorite track “Mess About It”.
Killer Mike - Michael
Killer Mike has done great work with Run the Jewels and has released a bold release diving back into his roots from the south, taking inspiration from gospel to trap. His rapping is powerful and his lyrics are deep and spiritual. There’s confession and preaching both from Killer Mike, it’s a great step for him, away from the group that helped raise his star, yet an opportunity for his singular star to shine. Highlights include “Shed Tears”, “Two Days” and my favorite track “Don’t Let The Devil”.
Lauren Spencer Smith - Mirror
I’m so impressed with the 19-year old Canadian singer/songwriter on her debut studio album. She’s got a fantastic voice and while you could compare her to other Gen Z singers, there’s something about Smith’s combination of pop music and the right amount of folk music that makes her music stand out. While the themes might be cliched a bit, her delivery is so powerful. A voice for the future of music. Highlights include “Never Been In Love”, “Fingers Crossed” and my favorite track “Narcissist”.
ANOHNI and the Johnsons - My Back Was a Bridge For You to Cross
Drawing from Marvin Gaye’s 1971 classic, What’s Going On, the first full-length release as a full band in 13 years is emotional and gorgeous. The themes that run throughout the release are of loss, alienation and inequality, but how we can transform our way of thinking about issues affecting all of us. This is clearly in the running for best of 2023 for me. Highlights include “It’s Not My Fault”, “Can’t” and my favorite track “It Must Change”.
IDMAN - Risk
An introduction of sorts for IDMAN, the Somali-Canadian musician. She’s got an amazing voice that exudes the emotion of each note and each song. There’s truthful storytelling over some sweet beats and tight production. With praise coming in from multiple publications, it’s only a matter of time until IDMAN is found by the mainstream music world - and they’ll certainly love her as much as I do. Highlights include “Good Life”, “Still” and my favorite track “Hate”.
Other great releases recently include:
Dominic Fike - Sunburn
Brian Blade & The Fellowship Band - Kings Highway
Julie Byrne - The Greater Wings
Alice Phoebe Lou - Shelter
Kelly Clarkson - Chemistry
Amanda Shires and Bobbie Nelson - Loving You
Queens of the Stone Age - In Times New Roman
Lukas Nelson and Promise of the Real - Wrong House
Andrew Bird - Outside Problems
Guided by Voices - Welshpool Frillies
Greta Van Fleet - Starcatcher
Kool & The Gang - People Just Wanna Have Fun
Alana Springsteen - Twenty Something: Figuring It Out