North West is the twelve year old daughter of the erratic hip-hop musician, Kanye West (currently going by "Ye") and the media personality-turned-entrepreneur, Kim Kardashian. And it's not really much of a surprise that she has been dabbling in professionally performing and making music since she was ten. Now, West has just debuted her first EP as a solo artist, "N0rth4evr". She was fully hands on in the production and songwriting of this recording with the six tracks featuring an intriguing blend of rap, goth rock and hyperpop. Most of the songs are under two minutes but I have to say that this album is a solid collection, twisting sounds and beats to inventively blast out her Gen Alpha angst. With "N0rth4evr", West reveals she has much in common with her father, credibly displaying that she does have the essential qualities to potentially become a major musical artist.
MAYA HAWKE
The actor and musician, Maya Hawke has released her fourth studio album with "Maitreya Corso". The title represents a fictional "magical misfit" persona that allows Hawke to boldly explore themes of ego, ambition, and reinvention. The songs possess an other-worldly vibe, transporting us through with eclectic sounds, understated arrangements and whimsical thoughts. The twenty-seven year old offspring of actors, Ethan Hawke and Uma Thurman has crafted an indie-pop record that also pays tribute to her community of fellow musicians in the New York scene, collaborating with local performers like Benjamin Lazar Davis, Will Graefe, and Michael Riddleberger.
"Lux", the fourth studio album from the Spanish performer, Rosalía, is clearly the true definition of world music. This collection of orchestral pop, which took almost three years to complete, boldly expresses ideas involving feminine transformation and spirituality through a variety of languages and musical styles. In the process, Rosalía has crafted an album that is cutting edge and rhythmically complex.
Before she even really began this project, Rosalía spent an extensive period of time learning how to properly sing in various dialects before using Google to help translate her lyrics into each of the fourteen specific languages while also utilizing professional translators. The eighteen tracks on "Lux" (which means "light" in Latin) are separated by four musical movements with many songs inspired by a female Saint.
Recorded in London, Barcelona, Seville, Saint-Rémy, Miami and Los Angeles while featuring production assistance from some of the current top producers working in pop music today like Caroline Shaw, Dylan Wiggins, Noah Goldstein, Pablo "El Guincho" Díaz-Reixa and Pharrell Williams, "Lux" is truly a transcendent work of art. In this era of largely disposable, facile pop music, what Rosalía accomplished with this progressive album through dedicated innovation and incredible endurance is an impressive feat, proving she is an artist on a completely different playing field.
The first single, "Berghain" (which contains lyrics in German, Spanish and English) is about losing one's self to a lover's toxic behavior and features the Icelandic pop artist, Björk and American musician, Yves Tumor. The song was well received, charting high on the pop charts throughout Europe and even appearing on the US chart.
Rosalía has recently announced the Lux Tour which will begin in March and will have her traveling across the globe through September to promote the album.
I have just became aware that the British alt-r&b artist, Corinne Bailey Rae had released her fourth studio album, "Black Rainbows" last September. I consider myself a fan since her debut back in 2006 but had lost touch of the performer largely because there has been such significant gaps between new material and Rae's subsequent music didn't receive nearly enough promotion on this side of the Atlantic.
What brought my attention to this music was Rae's latest single and video for the song, "He Will Follow You With His Eyes" which examines the complicated beauty standards that Black women are expected to endure in order to attract a mate. For this album (which is her first in seven years), Rae was inspired by a visit to a museum exhibition on Black history at the Stony Island Arts Bank in Chicago. The songs came together from there with her thoughtfully offering her examination on the Black experience and the music ranges wildly from experimental jazz, garage rock and futuristic soul. "Black Rainbows" is a fascinating and insightful collection and worth a listen.
TORI KELLY
Tori Kelly has been making music professionally for a while, since her debut album, "Unbreakable Smile" back in 2015. After failing to get far during her time competing on "American Idol" almost fourteen years ago, Kelly took that opportunity to work on her craft, independently releasing music before signing to a major label and recording three studio albums, to impressively become an amazing musician.
Now just signed to a new label, Epic Records, Kelly is embarking on a new era with her image and sound. Gone is the bottle blonde tresses, now appearing with something closer to her natural color and Kelly has shifted her new music to honor the Y2K r&b and pop she listened to while growing up. With her fifth album simply titled, "Tori", the thirty-one year old performer takes us on a nostalgic trip back to the time of bucket hats, biker shorts (without a bike in sight), grunge rock and hip-hop flavored pop sung by boy bands were all the rage. The new single from the album, "Thing U Do" (which features a sample of Suzanne Vega's 1990 hit, "Tom's Diner") is a smooth throwback that still sounds fresh and modern.
And Dua Lipa is inching closer to releasing her next music collection. This latest single, "Illusion" released arrived with the announcement that her third album, "Radical Optimism" will be available on May 3rd. "Illusion" is another classic dance song from the artist that features French house music elements. The video was shot in Barcelona at the Piscina Municipal de Montjuïc, the same venue used for swimming during the 1992 Summer Olympics. And be sure to check out "Saturday Night Live" on May 4th when Lipa will be the host and musical guest on the comedy skit program
With her ninth studio album, "Visions", Norah Jones dives deeper into the soulful side of her music. Teaming with Leon Michels, a musician and producer who played with several soul bands that includes being a founding member of Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings as well as touring with the alt-rock band, the Black Keys, Jones, now a forty-four year old wife to musician, Pete Remm and mother to their two children, has gotten looser and funkier with her sound. Yet fear not, long time jazz era fans of Jones, there are still elements of her smooth musical style on this record that first brought her fame twenty-two years ago.
Some new music I'm feeling right now is the latest single from Tyla with the South African singer's self titled debut has also just been released; the Irish rocker, Hoizer has dropped an EP with a track enjoying Tik Tok popularity; another single from Colombian performer, Shakira has her teaming up with hip-hop artist, Cardi B.; the new single by the reunited '90's boy-band,New Kids on the Block who are now middle-aged men and Lorde's contribution for a tribute album to Talking Heads which celebrates the re-release of the band's amazing 1984 feature film, "Stop Making Sense" which will be released through the movie studio, A24's music label.
Kim Gordon first found success as one of the founding members of the influential alternative rock band, Sonic Youth. After spending thirty years with this experimental band, Gordon parted ways not only with this musical group but with her husband and fellow band member, Thurston Moore in 2011. She has since spent her time creating art, working on a fashion line, doing a little acting and producing for other musical artists.
Gordon had little interest in recording as a solo artist yet when she met producer, Justin Raisen in 2015, he convinced her to forge ahead. Their first project together was "No Home Record" four years later which was well received. This musical duo set about working together again and their latest collaboration has been released. "The Collective", with the title inspired by Jennifer Egan's novel, "The Candy House", is vigorous blending of thrashing guitars and hip-hop beats. The Tik Tok generation has embraced the seventy year old Gordon and a track from the album, "Bye Bye", which describes a list of items she will pack for a trip enhanced by pulsating, noisy beats.
Kacey Musgraves explored the end of her marriage and the painful healing process with her last album, "Star-Crossed". And with that collection, the country singer had distanced herself somewhat musically from the genre, diving deeper into pop, folk and rock textures. Now with her sixth studio album, "Deeper Well", Musgraves has returned closer to her musical roots. Since we last heard from her, she has done some work on herself, getting rid of bad habits that were a distraction in her life and moving into a new phase emotionally and spiritually. This is revealed musically on this record with Musgraves sharing her new life discoveries yet with her rebellious spirit still firmly intact. Beginning in April, Musgraves will be spending the rest of the year on a world tour to support the album.
LEDISI
With her eleventh studio album out now, "Good Life", Ledisi has released more of her stylish classic soul that spotlights her gloriously rousing voice. Following the already charting songs, "I Need to Know" and "Sell Me No Dreams", the latest single is "Perfect Stranger", a sensual ballad that features a duet with fellow crooner, Kenny Latimore. Ledisi is currently on the road for the Good Life tour with a twenty-seven US city stop.
ST. VINCENT
Annie Clark, known to the world as St Vincent, is on the verge of delivering a new collection of music. "All Born Screaming" will be the eclectic artist's seventh album and due out in April. Not only will it be released on Clark's own label, Total Pleasure but it is the first time she has self-produced her own music. This album also moves in an unexpected direction with St. Vincent stating she wanted to go even further with darker and edgier sounds. The first single, "Broken Man" is an eerie track filled with throbbing beats and thrashing guitars. Cate Lebron of the alt-band, Drinks and Dave Grohl of Foo Fighters make contributions and there is a musical tribute to the late Scottish electronic musician, Sophie with the song, "Sweetest Fruit".
After being named the season six winner of "American Idol", Jordin Sparks began a whirlwind of a pop music career at only the age of seventeen. It started with a self-titled debut album in 2007, which sold over a million copies and featured two top-ten singles; "Tattoo" and "No Air", a duet with Chris Brown, to appearing on stage (co-starring in the Broadway musical, "In the Heights") and screen (making her film debut in "Sparkle", the 2012 musical remake that features Whitney Houston in her final film role).
Now at the age of thirty-three, Sparks is married and a mother of a five-year-old son. Her career might have cooled down a bit but she's certainly not out of the game. A new single has been released, "Call My Name" which is a mature, intimate r&b ballad, far removed from the sweet pop-soul from her early days. And the music video features a more sensual side of Sparks (who appears with her husband, Dana Isaiah in the steamy clip) than we have previously seen from the singer. This is the first preview of music from her upcoming fifth album which is due out early next year.
Here is some new music to put a spotlight on from social media personality, Jessie Woo; queer electro-pop artist, Bronze Avery; the legendary soul-hip-hip queen, Mary J. Blige; dance-pop star, Dua Lipa and a charity single from Björk featuring Rosalía with proceeds going to combat open-pen fish farming in Iceland.
It's been about eight years sinceGossip, the indie rock band made up of Nathan Hondeshell, Hannah Blue and Beth Ditto, called it quits. But time can change perspectives and the trio reunited to do a tour to celebrate the tenth anniversary of their 2009 breakthrough album, "Music for Men". From that gathering on the road, Gossip began to explore the idea of working together again as a band. Enlisting their "Music for Men" producer, Rick Rubin, who encouraged the reunion, they went to on record from thirty to forty songs together. This has led to their sixth album, "Real Power" due out in March. The first single, "Crazy Again" picks up where Gossip left off, with a quirky, electro-pop ballad enhanced by Ditto's unusually muted yet controlled vocals.
And I'm sad to announce that Jean Knight, best known for the sassy, 1971 hit, "Mr. Big Stuff", passed away from natural causes on November 26th at the age of eighty. The New Orleans native began her career finding some local success with several recordings before attracting the attention of producer Wardell Quezergue in 1970. Knight recorded several songs (which included "Big Stuff") with him, but no major labels were initially interested in releasing these demos. But when King Floyd's song, "Groove Me" (also recorded during those sessions with Quezergue) became a number one soul hit in early 1971, a producer at Stax Records remembered another song that Knight had recorded from that time. "Mr. Big Stuff" also went to number one on the r&b chart and reached number two on the pop chart. The song sold over two million copies and Knight went on to receive a Grammy nomination for Best R&B Feamle Vocal Performance. Knight would record several well received albums following this success, but "Big Stuff" would remain the biggest hit of her career.
André Benjamin, best known to the world as André 3000, began his musical career as part of the hip-hop duo, Outkast with his high school friend, Antwan "Big Boi" Patton. With their fourth album, "Stankonia", the Atlanta natives first broke out with "Ms Jackson", a song based on his failed relationship with neo-soul songstress, Erykah Badu, offering an apology to her and her mother, that went to the top of the Billboard Hot 100 chart in 2000. Following their next album, "Speakerboxxx/The Love Below" which became a monster smash in 2003, selling over thirteen million copies worldwide and winning the Grammy for Album of the Year, Outkast went their separate ways four years later.
Since then, Benjamin had spent his time pursing other interests like fashion design, acting (including a lead role as rock legend, Jimi Hendrix in "All Is by My Side") and occasionally making guest appearances on recordings by other musicians.
But now after seventeen years, André 3000 has released his very first solo album, "New Blue Sun". However you may be disappointed to find that this is not a rap record. He had tried for a number of years to create new music, working with producers of various generations, yet he was never happy with the end results, unable to feel as connected to hip-hop since he had gotten older and convinced that what he was creating was inauthentic.
But during this time, Benjamin had taken up the flute, going everywhere with the woodwind instrument. This is when he began to become inspired, working with a handful of session musicians (which included jazz musician, Carlos Niño who co-produced the album with Benjamin) that improvised together during the moment in the recording studio. "New Blue Sun" was developed from these jam sessions, with no vocals or catchy hooks involved, creating a collection of new-age, experimental jazz sounds. There is no doubt that this is one of the more original pop music releases of the year.
In December 1983, the art-rock band, Talking Heads were on tour to promote their latest album, "Speaking in Tongues". Reuniting after a three-year hiatus to create their fifth studio record and enjoying commercial success with their first (and ultimately only) US top-ten hit with "Burning Down the House", the Heads, made up of Jerry Harrison on keyboards and guitar; Tina Weymouth on bass guitar; her husband, Chris Frantz on drums and lead vocalist and songwriter, David Bryne, decided to film their concert for a feature film. Shot over four nights at the Pantages Theatre in Hollywood and enlisting relatively new filmmaker, Jonathan Demme to direct, "Stop Making Sense" was created to highlight the band in live performance and its unique sound that merged new-wave, punk, soul and world music.
Now, almost forty years later, "Stop Making Sense" returns to theaters newly restored in 4K and in IMAX. The Heads had sadly disbanded by 1991 but all members reunited for a special screening and conversation with Spike Lee during the premiere at this year's Toronto Film Festival last month for the first time since their induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2002.
Now I didn't have the opportunity to see "Stop Making Sense" when it was first released as I was a young man living in the suburbs in Michigan at the time and it did not play anywhere near me. Over the years that followed, I just never had a chance to catch this film, so I was determined to finally see it on the big screen.
And I can now say that all the praise that has been heaped upon "Stop Making Sense" as one of the greatest concert films ever made is no exaggeration. From the beginning with Bryne coming out solo with a guitar and boombox to perform "Psycho Killer" to the entire sweat-drenched band together on the final song, "Crosseyed and Painless", the film presents, at a brisk eighty-eight minutes, a wild, thrilling ride of a show that you truly do not want to see end.
With impressive backing musicians, keyboardist Bernie Worrell, Alex Weir on guitar, percussionist Steve Scales and back-up vocalists Lynn Mabry and Ednah Holt on board to help enhance their sound, Talking Heads deliver a lively, highly energetic production with unfussy yet inventive staging that effectively brings fresh vitality to the live versions of their quirky pop songs. There is even a brief moment when Weymouth and Franz's side project, Tom Tom Club get a chance to do their funky hit single from 1981, "Genius of Love" (which has been sampled to death ever since) before Bryne returns to the stage in the infamous big suit while performing "Girlfriend Is Better". Inspired by Kabuki, Bryne has later stated that the point of his wearing this oversized outfit was to make his head look smaller although I'm still not sure why he wanted to do that.
But what I do know is that the response from a new generation of viewers to "Stop Making Sense" has been quite remarkable, with people actually dancing in the aisles at some screenings. Whether you saw the film when it first came out or are a curious, young music lover, do yourself a favor and catch Talking Heads in a movie theater on the biggest screen possible.
Sinéad O'Connor, the gifted yet troubled Irish musician, has sadly passed away on July 26th at the age of fifty-six. No details have emerged to date on the cause of death. She was an amazing artist who was a true force of nature with a voice that could go from a soothing, gentle whisper to a raucous roar that could shake you to your core.
Born in Dublin, O'Connor suffered from emotional trauma and physical abuse since she was a child, largely from her mother, who suffered from mental illness, and from church clergy. As a teen, she was heading towards a destructive path with her involved in petty criminal acts and truancy. In an attempt to redirect her, O'Connor was sent to a Magdalene asylum where she developed her writing skills yet also suffered more abuse.
Her life turned more positive when she met musician, Colm Farrelly who formed a band with her called Ton Ton Macoute with O'Connor becoming the lead vocalist. This lead to her attracting the attention of music labels, eventually being signed as a solo performer by Ensign Records. O'Connor had always had a rebellious streak, which had gotten her into trouble in her youth, and when record executives wanted her looking like your standard female pop star with flowing hair and wearing mini-skirts, she pushed back by shaving her head while performing in t-shirts and torn denim.
With the release of her 1987 debut, "The Lion and the Cobra" (which she wrote or co-wrote all songs), it was clear that O'Connor had no interest in being an average pop musician but an independent-minded artist. The album was a collection of angsty songs with themes involving religion, race, sexuality and social oppression. "The Lion and the Cobra" brought O'Connor critical acclaim and an expanding fan following but it would be her 1990 follow-up album, "I Do Not Want What I Haven't Got" that would turn her into a pop music sensation. Her cover of Prince's "Nothing Compares 2 U" would become an international smash hit, being named the year's top world single according to Billboard.
O'Connor had difficulty handing this sudden fame, pushing back against the public scrutiny with erratic behavior which included the infamous moment in 1992 while promoting her new album, "Am I Not Your Girl?" on "Saturday Night Live" when after performing a version of Bob Marley's "War", she tore up a photo of Pope John Paul II to protest against the Church's silence on the child sexual abuse occurring there. Mocked and severely ridiculed at the time, it would not be until twenty years later before the Church would finally publicly acknowledge what was happening and what O'Connor did would be viewed as a courageous act.
Following this televised incident, O'Connor's career would never fully recover but she continued to make music on her own terms, releasing a total of ten studio albums with her final release, "I'm Not Bossy, I'm the Boss" in 2014. She was sadly never fully appreciated in her lifetime for her artistry, largely because she refused to play the pop music game. As a survivor of abuse, O'Connor became a vocal activist, demanding that the world pay attention to the suffering of the marginalized, using her voice and music in an attempt to make a positive change.
"Unholy" is a new release that features the inspired pairing of Sam Smith and Kim Petras. First teased on TikTok back in August, this hyper-pop dance track (which was co-written by the non-binary performers) is about a family man leaving his comfortable life behind for a brief moment so he can sneak off to secretly get his freak on. "Unholy" just came out a little over a week ago and has already reached number one in four countries including the UK. This is the first single from Smith's upcoming fourth studio album but no release date has been revealed yet.
The New York-based, indie band, Yeah Yeah Yeahs first emerged during the turn of the 21st century, at a time when alt-rock was still a major presence in the pop music scene. The single, "Maps" from their 2003 debut, "Fever To Tell" brought worldwide attention to the band, receiving rapturous praise and award recognition. It has been almost ten years since their last album, "Mosquito" and the trio that makes up the band: Nick Zimmer on guitar, Brian Chase on drums and lead vocalist, Karen O, had not planned on taking such a long break but the starting of families, other artistic pursuits and the pandemic created an unexpected delay in coming back together.
But the wait is over and Yeah Yeah Yeahs are back with"Cool It Down". While the band has certainly matured (with the members all now in their 40's), they have lost none of their edge. This bold yet brief collection (running a little over thirty minutes) is filled with offbeat, punky electro-pop, taking on themes involving the global climate crisis and concern for future generations. The singles, "Spitting Off the Edge of the World" (featuring art-pop performer, Perfume Genius) and "Burning" are both accompanied by stunningly vivid music videos.
Here are some new songs that are enhanced by visually exciting music videos:
And I am sad to report the passing of Coolio, the rapper who was one of the early winners of the Grammy for Best Rap Solo Performance for his 1995 single, "Gangsta's Paradise", on September 28th at the age of fifty-nine. Born Artis Leon Ivey Jr. and raised in Compton, CA, he began making music after working a variety of odd jobs. Making connections in the local rap scene in Los Angeles, Coolio recorded a few singles and later became part of the group, WC and the Maad Circle in 1991. He was signed as a solo artist to Tommy Boy Records and released his debut album, "It Takes a Thief" in 1994. The single, "Fantastic Voyage" became Coolio's first hit, reaching number three on the Billboard Hot 100.
Sampling Stevie Wonder's 1976 song, "Pastime Paradise", "Gangsta's Paradise" was part of the soundtrack for the Michelle Pfeiffer-lead, 1995 movie, "Dangerous Minds" and became an incredible worldwide success, reaching number one in nineteen countries and selling over six million copies. Coolio's follow-up album, also called "Gangsta's Paradise", featured two other hits, "1, 2, 3, 4 (Sumpin' New)" and "Too Hot".
After five years, the brash, melodious voice of Björk has returned to captivate us with new music. "Atopos", which is a Greek word for "strange", is the first release from the Icelandic singer's forthcoming tenth album, "Fossora" due out on September 30th. As to be expected from her previous idiosyncratic work, this intriguing song is a strange jumble of sounds and thoughts. With an experimental techno beat disrupted by violent bursts of six bass clarinets, "Atopos" loosely interprets the concept of atopy which is trying to describe emotions that are inexpressible in words. The music video for "Atopos" is a visual wonder with the expressive performer dazzling us with wacky yet beautifully alluring costumes and make-up.
Largely written while in quarantine during the pandemic back in her native Iceland, Björk has stated that "Fossora" (which is a femininized version of the Latin word for "digger") is a "mushroom album", referring to the new collection as more warm and earthy, far removed from the electro-based dreamscape from her 2017 album, "Utopia", as she copes with transition, with the fifty-six year old artist dealing with the recent loss of her mother and her children growing up and leaving the nest.
Lucius is an indie-pop band founded in 2007 by Jess Wolfe and Holly Laessig whose exquisitely blended harmonies is what makes their sound so seductive. And while the group, which includes guitarist Peter Lalish and drummer Dan Molad (who is now Laessig's former husband), have been releasing albums and touring, Wolfe and Laessig have really made their living by providing background vocals for many acts for recordings and on tours. Some of these notable performers includes Roger Waters, John Legend, Jeff Tweedy, Harry Styles, Jackson Browne, John Prine and Sheryl Crow just to highlight a few. This is how they came into Brandi Carlile's radar and the Grammy-winning Americana artist was determined to help bring more attention to Lucius through their own music.
Carlile with her long-time producing partner, Dave Cobb suggested that the band do a disco-inspired record. Not the most obvious sound for Lucius, whose previous work was more rooted in alt-rock or for Carlile to produce yet everyone was open to the challenge. This lead to "Second Nature", Lucius' fourth studio album with the collection evoking the dance-driven sounds of Bee Gees, Donna Summer and, in particular, ABBA. Yet it's Wolfe and Laessig's bold, richly emotional vocals that makes this remain distinctively a Lucius album. Written and recorded while during the COVID lockdown, the songs focus on isolation and the pain of separation, particularly with the quarantine sadly triggering the end of Laessig's marriage. I really love this album and hope, just like Carlile, that "Second Nature" will bring an even bigger audience to Lucius.
After about five years, Florence + The Machine have finally returned with their latest ethereal anthem. Florence Welch, the voice and face of the band (which includes core members, keyboardist Isabella Summers and Rob Ackroyd on guitar) has teamed-up with the in-demand Jack Antonoff to co-write and produce "King", the first release from their upcoming fifth studio album. The song, starting serene and minimal before building to an orchestral roar, is about a woman's conflict between being an artist and starting a family, demanding to not have to make that choice like a man or "king". The music video is directed by Autumn de Wilde, a photographer and filmmaker who made an impression with her 2020 feature debut with an adaptation of "Emma", with Welch appearing as a floating, celestial being surrounded by "lace monsters" who dance around her in jubilation.
First I will start off with some new music from alt-pop performers with some intriguing music videos:
I have never actually seen "Later with Jools Holland" but I have heard of the BBC Two music program. I grew up watching "American Bandstand", "Soul Train", "Solid Gold", "The Midnight Special" and a proud member of the MTV generation so I actually miss a show dedicated to spotlighting music. Holland, a musician and an original member of the band, Squeeze, has been hosting his late-night show since 1992 and it features a mixture of established and new performers of world and pop music. I have seen clips of several live performances over time on YouTube and I'm looking back to spotlight two distinctive British acts who came to fame in the 1990's; the trip-hop band, Portishead with "Glory Box" and the alt-rock musician, PJ Harvey doing "Down by the Water":
June is Pride month which celebrates the LGBTQI+ communities. Here is some new music from Hayley Kiyoko, Jake Shears, Cynthia Erivo (with the first single from her upcoming debut studio album) and Boys Noize (that features Shears) with music videos that embraces queer themes.
And there is the latest from Todrick Hall with "Rainin' Fellas", his 21st Century spin on the 1982 dance classic, "It's Raining Men" by the Weather Girls. The song is campy fun and proudly queer with a music video that pushes the boundaries (and show us how far we have come) that features wet, naked, dancing men in high heels, drag queens as back-up singers and we even have Lance Bass making a brief appearance. It couldn't possibly get any gayer than this.
After a bit of teasing, an unplanned leak and some surprisingly provocative cover art, Lorde has officially released her new single, "Solar Power". This is the title track for the twenty-four year old New Zealand musician's upcoming third studio album with currently no set release date.
Working again with the busy Jack Antonoff (who co-wrote and produced "Solar Power"), this low-key yet offbeat song feels far more carefree and relaxed than her previous work. The music video takes the summery vibe even further with Lorde, in a bright yellow halter and skirt, dancing around like a manic tour guide at a beach resort.
Usually displaying an image that is dark and intense, she comes across now much lighter and more playful than we have previously seen from the young singer. There's also been some chatter about Lorde's song sounding a little like George Michael’s "Freedom 90". But I don't hear it despite trying really hard to find the similarities. Anyway, this is a very welcome return and can't wait to hear more from Lorde.
One artist I have always found endlessly fascinating is St. Vincent. The musician, born Annie Clark, embodies an adventurous musical spirit, experimenting with classic pop music sounds by twisting and distorting them to create her own unique vibe.
With "Pay Your Way in Pain", the first single off her upcoming seventh studio album, "Daddy's Home", St. Vincent surprises again by delivering her version of 1970's funk-rock. Teaming up with Jack Antonoff to produce the record, this collection was partly inspired by the recent release of her father from prison for a white collar crime and her complicated feelings about the situation.
In the music video for the song, St. Vincent takes on a new persona with a blonde bob and wearing a business casual suit, delivering a Mick Jagger/David Bowie swagger while her vocal gives off a bit of Prince at times on the track. Be on the lookout for "Daddy's Home" in May:
It's been eight years since we last heard from the gifted yet reclusive performer, Fiona Apple but the very long-awaited new album is finally here and I think it's absolutely well worth the wait. "Fetch The Bolt Cutters" (which the title comes from a quote in the British television crime drama, "The Fall") is a fascinating eclectic and eccentric collection of music filled with moods, ruminations, raw emotion and odd sounds that takes us on an inimitable journey inside of the mind of this singular artist. With a very small band of musicians to help execute her ideas, the forty-two year old vocalist felt free to allow herself to wander musically, restructuring and misshaping each song in any way she deemed fit. The timing of this release may have been to benefit her fans who may be looking for some fresh musical stimulation while under the stay-in-place orders due to the pandemic but I'm sure it's also to help Apple avoid having to leave the comfort of her home to promote this album. I love the entire album but here are two of my favorites from the latest by Fiona Apple:
KELLY ROWLAND
After Destiny's Child parted ways, Kelly Rowland has continued her career in music although she has not gotten nearly as much attention as another member of her former group. She has released four studio albums to date with them achieving greater success internationally. Rowland has also dabbled in acting, appearing in a few films including the horror flick, "Freddy vs. Jason", and hosted or participated in several reality television programs with her currently serving as a judge on the Australian version of the singing competition show, "The Voice". But Rowland has returned to music in a big way with her recently dropping a fantastic new single, "Coffee". This seductive song is simply about having a hot cup of java and even hotter intimacy in the morning with a loved one.
And I love, love, LOVE the music video for the song with it's sensual energy and emphasis on all shades of African-American beauty. Please check this clip out for "Coffee":
Sam Smith has decided to delay his forthcoming album (which was due in May and will get new title as it was going to be called, "To Die For") due to the pandemic facing the world. While there had been several singles previously released, these songs may not appear on the new record as Smith has just released what he is calling the first single. "I'm Ready" (co-written and produced by one of the hottest music craftsmen right now, Ilya Salmanzadeh) is throbbing dance track and features a duet with Demi Lovato. This passionate song is about being open to accepting love. For the music video, Smith fully embraces being non-binary and features drag queens, racing in glamorous gowns and heels, in an Olympics-themed clip.
Just in time for LGBTQ Pride month, indie musician, Sufjan Stevens has released an EP that features two songs on the topic of love. "Love Yourself" was actually written by the singer over twenty years ago with the original demo included here as well as a brief instrumental reprise. The other track is "With My Whole Heart" which is Stevens' attempt to compose an upbeat and heartfelt love song. The EP is available on a limited edition 7" vinyl record. Stevens also designed a special pride t-shirt with a portion of the proceeds going to two organizations that offer assistance to homeless queer youth; the Ali Forney Center in New York City and the Ruth Ellis Center in Detroit, Michigan. For more information and to purchase, please click below:
Ezra Miller is best known as an actor and delivering memorable performances in such films as "We Need to Talk About Kevin", "The Perks of Being a Wallflower" and "Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them". But he has also been a part of the indie queer band, Sons of an Illustrious Father since 2011 as a vocalist and drummer. With Lilah Larson and Josh Aubin, the group just dropped a cover of the Pussycat Dolls' hit, "Don't Cha" with Miller providing the vocals to flip the gender perspective. Their version is much darker than the original and, in many ways, far more interesting. Check out the music video of Sons of an Illustrious Father in action:
Lana Del Rey recently dropped some new music with little fanfare. "Doin' Time" is a cover of Sublime's 1997 song which uses a line from the Gershwin classic, "Summertime" in the hook but that is all it has in common with that tune. She brings a decidedly SoCal vibe to the track which makes it all her own. I really love this tune and let's hope we get some more music from Ms Del Rey very soon.
And we have Léon, who was recently in LA to promote her debut self-titled album which came out in March. Born Lotta Lindgren, this twenty-six year old Swedish vocalist comes from a musical family (Her mother is a cellist and her father is a composer and conductor) and has been performing since she was a child. With a great love for classic soul, Léon sang with several r&b and hip-hop groups as a teenager before deciding to become a solo artist. She released her first EP, "Treasure" in 2015 which brought her some attention and released two more in 2017. I have to say I am shocked she hasn't really blown up yet. I realize much of it has to do with luck and timing but I think Léon has what it takes to easily become the next big pop sensation from Sweden. Time will tell but in the meantime, here are the music videos for a couple of her singles, "You and I" and "Baby Don't Talk" to see for yourself:
Following her critically acclaimed 2016 album, "A Seat At The Table", Solange has finally returned with new music that continues her exploration in to thought-provoking, alternative soul. For her fourth studio album, "When I Get Home", the singer focuses on her childhood hometown of Houston, TX by offering short songs, with most under three minutes, that continues to reflect on her feelings of the joy and struggle of being black in this world. The music that accompanies these tracks are jazz-influenced, experimental beats and sounds that enhance each song. This innovative album further pushes the singer out of the shadow of her famous sister and Solange has become an extraordinary and influential artist in her own right.
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