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It’s been over a month since I’ve written about new music and there’s been so much great stuff that’s come out recently. Time to squeeze it all into one post (HINT: It's a lot). Here’s what I loved lately:
Great Albums:
I’ve Loved You For So Long by The Aces
I love this band. I realize that doesn’t tell you much about them or their new album. So let’s get into that...The third album from the band that hails from Provo, Utah is fantastic. A mature release that combines the gorgeous synth-pop sounds from the 80s with the pop-rock guitar sounds of the 00s. The band is writing songs about relationships and reconnecting with your younger self - In the case of lead singer Cristal Ramierez, that’s a queer teenager held captive in a conservative suburbia. Her voice shimmers right along with the guitars in the title (and first) track. Following is still my favorite, the rockin’ “GIrls Make Me Wanna Die” with its gritty yet sunny sound. Haim comes to mind on the song “Solo” as the harmonizing of the band blends so well with the synth-pop sound. Another highlight and maybe my second favorite song is “Suburban Blues” which sees Ramirez accepting her sexuality growing up under the stern gaze of the Mormon church in Utah. Take a deep dive into this release. It’s a banger!
But Here We Are by Foo Fighters
Grief is, sadly, a fantastic muse for music. When loss happens directly in the band, it drives the knife a little deeper in. For Foo Fighters, the loss of Taylor Hawkins was that knife. And their new album finds them working through the grief. Let’s also not forget Dave Grohl lost not only Hawkins in 2022, but his mom died five months later. Grohl returned to the drum kit for this album and is literally the driving force in so many ways behind this album. Opening with “Rescued”, you’ve got the grief pouring through a song that is meant for arenas full of fist pumping energy. It’s the gift that Grohl and the band have - take something so difficult and explode on stage. “Show Me How” is beautiful as it combines the shimmer of guitar with the dual vocals of Grohl and his daughter Violet. Sneaking in as one of my favorites is “The Teacher” the epic, ten-minute song that rises and falls throughout and focuses on the bond between mother and son. This album is some of the best work the Foos have ever done.
What Matters Most by Ben Folds
What has always made Ben Folds so good is his storytelling and his character development. On his latest, he continues his trend of mixing just the right amount of goof, with pure tender tracks. His voice still sounds excellent and, for me, it’s on the ballads where it really shines. “Clouds With Ellipses” (featuring dodie) is a melancholy shaking of your fist at technology and how it adds to the struggle of connection. “Exhausting Lover” is the kind of quirky tune that Folds has produced throughout his career. Maybe my favorite is “Winslow Garden”, a rumination on middle age.
Beloved! Paradise! Jazz!? by McKinley Dixon
The combo of jazz and rap isn’t new and the new crew picking things up over the last few years have really done a great job combining the two. One of the best is Richmond-based artist McKinley Dixon. There is great urgency and velocity to the tracks (the full release comes in at just under 30 minutes). “Run, Run, Run” is about survival and friendship and is fantastic as it grooves over drums and a flute. “The Story so Far” reminds me of some 1970s funky soul music, like Bobby Womack or Curtis Mayfield. The album title is named after three of Toni Morrison’s most celebrated works and while I can’t compare his writing and lyrics to hers, Dixon certainly has a sharp pen and tongue and throws some wonderfully imaginative and stark lyrics and stories.
Council Skies by Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds
My favorite Gallagher from Oasis has matured. That’s not to say he doesn’t express his disdain for other artists (he recently called The 1975’s Matt Healy a “slack-jawed fuckwit” - I wonder what Taylor thinks about that). His latest isn’t as booming and anthemic as Oasis songs, but we’re four albums into his solo work and he’s written some gems here. “Easy Now” is classic Gallagher with a big chorus, fantastic melodies and sentimental lyrics. The album reminds me of the direction Paul Weller went into after his days in The Jam and The Style Council. It doesn’t mean that Gallagher can’t turn up the amps. Check out “Love Is A Rich Man” with its driving drums and kicked up guitar. Gallagher has created an excellent release that harkens back to some of his best songwriting back in the Oasis days.
My Soft Machine by Arlo Parks
The 2021 debut from Parks, Collapsed in Sunbeam, was a huge favorite of mine (ended up in my top music of 2021) and I’m thrilled with her second release. While her debut was smooth and subtle with some gorgeous melodies, her latest is poppier while still having smooth groove and dealing with many of the same topics (mindfulness, mental well-being). It’s a great step forward for an amazing artist. Highlights are the guitar-driven track “Devotion” and the clubby “Blades” with its head-bopping beats. Her delicate voice (along with backing vocals from Phoebe Bridgers) shines on the track “Pegasus”. Another fantastic outing from Parks.
Where the Light Goes by Matchbox Twenty
I’m not kidding - I really like the new one from Rob Thomas and the guys. What started as some new tracks to play live on tour, ended up as a full album. Gone (not fully) is the sound that you’d associate with the hit makers. In its place is a more Americana, rootsy sound. The band sounds loose and like they’re having a blast playing together. The title track is anthemic without being over the top. That’s not to say they don’t dip their toes back into the late 1990s/early 2000s. The song “No Other Love” is a banger (and has a nice cameo from Amanda Shires). My favorite may be “Queen of New York City”, a piano-driven track that flows gorgeously. This is a welcome comeback.
Gag Order by Kesha
I loved Kesha’s album Rainbow. It was full of self-love and self-determination and a kiss-off to her former producer and mentor Dr. Luke. She’s back (with production help from Rick Rubin) with a much more sparse album of songs that continue her open letter about her life and coming to terms with her past. It’s a trippy, dark release with songs like “Eat the Acid” and “Fine Line”. Soft guitars and electronic beats drive the album. My favorite might be “Hate Me Harder” which allows Kesha’s strong and beautiful voice to shine.
Aperture by Hannah Jadagu
Remember Arlo Parks from a few paragraphs ago? If you like her, you should check out Hannah Jadgu. Characterized by warm, crisp synth production and gorgeous vocals, Jadagu has released one of the best of 2023. Bedroom pop or alt-pop would be the best industry term to describe her album. Check out “What You Did” with its crunchy guitars and big beats. “Dreaming” is a slower groove with some sweet guitar hooks but my favorite might be “Letter to Myself” which could easily fit on Exile in Guyville (from Liz Phair) with its slow build and feedback. Really cool release from Jadagu.
The Answer Is Always Yes by Alex Lahey
Need an album full of hooky, blistering break-up anthems? Alex Lahey has one. The Aussie singer-songwriter writes with fury, very evident on my favorite banger, “You’ll Never Get Your Money Back”. The album cover even gives off the vibe of “I’m finally free”. Her songs remind me of another great artist from down under - The Beths. Check out the kick-ass “On The Way Down” and “Shit Talkin’” - both favorites. This is one I’ll have on repeat for a while.
Brandy Clark by Brandy Clark
She’s written for so many artists in country and rock music, but for too long, her solo work has been forgotten. Maybe her latest will change that. With incredible songs under her belt and fantastic guests (Lucius and Derek Trucks) and produced by the amazing Brandi Carlile, this is the one that hopefully will put her on a larger map. “Buried” is a painfully gorgeous song. “All Over Again” is a painful love song that will resonate with so many and songs become metaphors on “Best Ones” which will make you remember your past as well.
Velveteen by Pony
The Toronto power-pop duo is catchy as fuck. Lead singer Sam Bielanski has sugary sweet vocals over some tight, crunchy guitar driven rock. “Peach” is a fantastic, summery song that glistens and will have you blasting it with the windows down. “Sucker Punch” has a 1980s new-wave vibe to it while “French Class” reminds me of Camera Obscura, with enough retro sound to it. Really cool vibe from a new-to-me band - would love to see them live.
I Hope You Can Forgive Me by Madison McFerrin
The Brooklyn singer (and yes, daughter of Bobby McFerrin) is a beautiful neo-soul release that layers vocal over vocal over ethereal music. There’s a slow burn to songs like “Run” and “OMW”. There’s great maturity in her songs with dynamic rhythm and layered textures. My favorite might be “(Please Don’t) Leave Me Now” with its endless groove. A fantastic release from the second generation singer.
Wait Til I Get Over by Durand Jones
Need a little throwback to classic 1970s R&B/Soul music? Look no further than the very cool Durand Jones on his latest. Channeling Marvin Gaye, Bill Withers and so many more, he’s created a soul masterpiece. Jones writes about it all - messy, but thrilling love and topical social issues. It’s a celebration of rootsy soul and gospel. Check out the lead single “That Feeling” and “Sadie”. The centerpiece of the album (and my favorite track) is a song that harkens back to the classic anthems like “What’s Going On” - “Someday We’ll All Be Free” is breathtaking. Juxtaposed with rapper Skypp, the combination of old-school soul and modern-day rap is perfect.
That! Feels Good! by Jessie Ware
I wish I liked dancing - because this would be my disco soundtrack for 2023. It’s Ware’s most personal release and flexes its muscles around affirmations of self. “Beautiful People” is straight out of the sexual steaminess of the 1970s disco while “Free Yourself” is anthemic with its affirming lyrics and funky piano driven music. “Shake the Bottle” is chic and playful and feels very much like it would fit on an Esquivel release. This will definitely be on my list of dancing in the kitchen music for 2023.
Proof of Life by Joy Oladokun
This very well may fall into my top music of 2023. There, I said it. I love this new album from Oladokun, who shows major growth in her writing from her debut a few years ago. The early DIY approach has been replaced by working with some top talent in the producer and co-songwriting mode (Mike Elizondo, Dan Wilson and others). Her smokey voice delivers song after song starting with the first track “Keeping the Light On” and it doesn’t stop there. Oladokun’s writing is vulnerable and encompasses folk-pop mixed with contemporary R&B. But her Nashville roots shine through with guest Chris Stapleton on the gorgeous “Sweet Symphony” (with a sweet hint of gospel). My two favorites are “You At The Table” (with Manchester Orchestra) and “Pride”. Both songs tear at your heart and make you realize what an amazing talent Joy Oladokun is and how lucky we are to have this album.
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