Posted in: Articles | Playlists
Our top picks of the latest albums to listen to every month, from pop to rap to rock. Our top choices this month will be a great addition to anyone’s record collection.
We have picked out our favourite songs from the albums below. Check out our August Songs of the Month playlist.
Unreal Unearth
Hozier | Universal-Island Records
Unreal Unearth is Irish musician Hozier’s third studio album. Inspired by philosopher John Moriarty, Unreal Unearth features lyrics in the Irish language for the first time. Focusing on loss and isolation, the framework for each of the 16 tracks was inspired by a 14th-century poem - narrating Dante Alighieri's Inferno and his journey through Hell. Despite the dark subject matter, its a collection of songs with soft acoustic ballads and rousing choruses. With a further "eight or 10 songs" on the way, we won’t have to wait long for a follow up.
Listen on: Spotify Tidal Apple Music Qobuz
Portraits
Birdy | Warner Music UK
English singer Birdy finds her true voice on Portaits, her fifth studio album. Well known for releasing beautiful cover versions that made her a household name - Portraits introduces a new chapter. Delving into the world of soft pop, each track offers a feel-good vibe, offering big climactic moments. With strong influences from Kate Bush and David Bowie, it’s a departure from her signature sound. Birdy’s delicate vocals sound different on her latest outing. Still as bold and joyful as ever, it’s clear that she has evolved as an artist and lyricist.
Listen on: Spotify Tidal Apple Music Qobuz
Doom Singer
Chris Farren | Polyvinyl Records
After making his name with Floridian band Fake Problems, singer Chris Farren introduces Doom Singer, his most ambitious solo album yet, which is genuine, empathetic, and funny. The album theme is inspired by films like TÁR, with Farren saying the album communicates an “optimistic nihilism”. After admitting feeling miserable when piecing together previous records, Farren’s new outlook has improved his creative process. The LA songwriters fifth entry has found the perfect medium, releasing a record full of charisma and charm.
Listen on: Spotify Tidal Apple Music Qobuz
The Death of Randy Fitzsimmons
The Hives | Disques Hives
The Death of Randy Fitzsimmons is the rapid-fire sixth studio album by Swedish rock band The Hives. In a style in the same vein as buddies Arctic Monkeys, the band stay true to their infectious signature sound and make up for lost time. Lead Pelle Almqvist reflected on the record, saying, "Rock'n'roll can't grow up, it is a perpetual teenager and this album feels exactly like that.” Bigger and louder than before, their first release in 11 years is worth the wait. For the fans sake, let’s hope we’re not made to wait so long in future.
Listen on: Spotify Tidal Apple Music Qobuz
STRUGGLER
Genesis Owusu | Label
One of the most promising newcomers, STRUGGLER is the second studio album by musician Genesis Owusu. Bold, engaging and interesting, the Ghanaian-Australian rapper offers a charismatic performance, with kaleidoscopic sounds and thundering baselines. Interestingly, he's managed to incorporate various elements of R&B, soul, punk to drum and bass. Labelling his sophomore album as “an imminent exploration of the chaos”, it’s an ambitious step forward and is a testament to how Owusu has progressed as an artist.
Listen on: Spotify Tidal Apple Music Qobuz
Check out more of our favourites
