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 October Songs of the Month playlist.
Everybody Needs A Hero
Orla Gartland | New Friends
Released on her own label New Friends Music Ltd, Irish singer-songwriter Orla Gartland introduces Everybody Needs A Hero, her unmistakable second studio album. The Dublin-born musician’s sophomore LP highlights "the good, the bad and the very ugly" parts of love, as Gartland tracks a single relationship from start to finish. When asked about her idea of love songs within pop music, Gartland said “My experience of relationships is knotty. It’s ‘I love you, BUT…'”. Acknowledging her early work, the record is a testament to her artistic growth, with her signature storytelling, Gartland has now established herself as a hugely talented independent artist.
Listen on: Spotify Tidal Apple Music Qobuz
VANISHING ACT II: ULTIMATE REALITY
Clarence Clarity | Deluxe Pain
VANISHING ACT II: ULTIMATE REALITY is the long-awaited third studio album from English singer, songwriter, producer and musician Clarence Clarity. The record serves as the second instalment in his VANISHING ACT series and is the follow-up to his 2018 sophomore album, THINK: PEACE. Following his "YOUR WRONG" series of mixtapes, this record has some fresh ideas, with some darker tones, but still as dynamic, adventurous and exciting as his previous work. With catchy hooks, colourful tones and some entrancing production, it’s one of the best electronic albums of the year.
Listen on: Spotify Tidal Apple Music Qobuz
Cutouts
the Smile | XL Recordings
English rock band the Smile introduce their third studio album, Cutouts. Alongside drummer Tom Skinner, though it’s a wilder sound than Yorke and Greenwood’s band Radiohead, the Smile’s dystopian themes are very familiar. The albums lyrics address capitalism, climate change denial and sociopolitical dread, and when addressing the state of the world today, frontman Thom Yorke said “Words never get easier, it has always been very hard for me”. Featuring jazz, krautrock and progressive rock influences, Cutouts provides a healthy balance between its various styles, and with their harmonic, intense and hypnotic acoustics, fans will be yearning for more.
Listen on: Spotify Tidal Apple Music Qobuz
REVELATOR
E L U C I D | Fat Possum
Stalwart rap experimentalist ELUCID releases his third studio album REVELATOR. ELUCID's solo debut for Fat Possum follows the triumphant Armand Hammer album, We Buy Diabetic Test Strips, one of the best reviewed albums of 2023. Yonkers native and longtime partner Billy Woods joins up with ELUCID on a couple of tracks, bringing the tension and disorder you would expect from the hip hop superduo. Fearless in his storytelling and experimentation, ELUCID offers a true sensory overload and when discussing the philosophy behind the sound of his latest album, ELUCID said he was inspired by Miles Davis track ‘Rated X’, saying “I just wanted to hit this level of intensity”.
Listen on: Spotify Tidal Apple Music Qobuz
Acadia
Yasmin Williams | Nonesuch
Inventive and gifted, American composer Yasmin Williams presents Acadia, her third studio album. The acoustic lap tapping guitarist from northern Virginia combines modern, percussive finger-style techniques with a laid back compositional style. Talking about how her music has grown, Williams said “I wanted to challenge myself and see if I could write longer tunes and tunes that didn’t rely on such a rigid structure and use different chords and chordal shapes.” Largely instrumental, the tracks were all written and produced by Williams, who expertly incorporates a variety of guest musicians. Williams most ambitious release to date is full of imagination, glowing harmonies and complex rhythms.
Listen on: Spotify Tidal Apple Music Qobuz
Check out more of our favourites
