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 May Songs of the Month playlist.
What A Devastating Turn of Events
Rachel Chinouriri | Parlophone UK
What A Devastating Turn Of Events is the debut album from English singer-songwriter, Rachel Chinouriri. Through a culmination of the experiences, challenges and joys of Chinouriri’s life so far, it takes inspiration from the noughties era, from the likes of The Libertines and Oasis. On the albums title, Chinouriri states “You’ve been hit with something and it forces you to change your perception on things.” Writing through her own traumas the Londoner’s raw emotion and shift in tone is masterful. Full of creativity, it’s an exceptional indie pop record.
Listen on: Spotify Tidal Apple Music Qobuz
Fearless Movement
Kamasi Washington | Young
An exploration of life on earth, American jazz saxophonist Kamasi Washington introduces Fearless Movement, his fifth studio album. The Californian saxophonist enlisted lifelong friends and collaborators from the likes of George Clinton and André 3000 for this dynamic record. On the albums theme, Washington says “Dance is movement and expression, and in a way it’s the same thing as music—expressing your spirit through your body. That’s what this album is pushing.” Wonderfully curated, Washington is charming, funky and versatile, full of intensity and expression.
Listen on: Spotify Tidal Apple Music Qobuz
Hex
Jon McKiel | You've Changed Records
In his long-awaited follow-up to his 2020 classic Bobby Joe Hope!, Canadian musician Jon McKiel presents Hex. Speaking about the title track, McKiel said "Sometimes observing systems and people on the brink of collapse, it feels as though there is a hex on all of us - a self imposed one given that the game was so long ago fixed." With themes of fate, doom, family, love and distrust in the digital age, McKiel’s expansive sound, is both calming and disorienting at times. Multi-layered, with hypnotic dreamscapes that provide a relaxed ambience, its a compelling record.
Listen on: Spotify Tidal Apple Music Qobuz
Here in the Pitch
Jessica Pratt | City Slang
Here in the Pitch is the fourth studio album by American singer-songwriter Jessica Pratt. The album is inspired by the "hippie era" of Los Angeles, and talking about what what her music can be, Pratt said of her vision “The process this time was less about exploration of a new tool and more about taking what I learned and going further.” The west coast folk artist is heavily influenced by ’60s pop, and over a short 27-minutes, her unique voice and style matched with a multitude of instrumentation is entrancing. Intimate and ambitious, the album moves at a slow pace, but immediately captures your attention.
Listen on: Spotify Tidal Apple Music Qobuz
A Dream Is All We Know
The Lemon Twigs | A Dream Is All We Know
The D'Addario brothers return for the Lemon Twigs fifth studio album A Dream Is All We Know. Drawing sonic inspiration from late-60s progressive rock, Michael D'Addario said “The album’s aiming for something timeless”. Since recording their debut album, Do Hollywood, nearly a decade ago, they’ve established themselves as one of the best live bands around. Self-produced by the Long Island rockers, its a rare album that feels so familiar, yet so new, with funky jazz chords, bold melodies and stunning vocal performances - it’s a masterpiece.
Listen on: Spotify Tidal Apple Music Qobuz
Check out more of our favourites
