What We’re Listening To
Here’s a quick rundown of the latest albums that we have on repeat.
“Quantum Baby” by Tinashe
The seventh full-length album of singer/songwriter Tinashe comes after her viral single “Nasty” had the whole world moving this summer.
“Quantum Baby” is part two of a three-album trilogy, offering another versatile glimpse inside of Tinashe’s mind. Upbeat singles such as “Getting No Sleep” and “No Broke Boys” are fun tracks for partying while more emotional ballads such as “Cross That Line” depict the desire for true love and companionship that pretty much all of us have deep down inside.
With a follow-up tour set to begin in October, it’s safe to say that Tinashe is having a (much deserved) good year.
“Alligator Bites Never Heal” by Doechii
Top Dawg Entertainment signee Doechii has garnered a solid fanbase with her cocky lyricism and the fresh energy she’s brought to the world of female rap.
After keeping fans fed throughout the summer with her weekly “Swamp Sessions,” 19-track-long “Alligator Bites Never Heal” is like a long-awaited reward. Tracks such as “DENIAL IS A RIVER” are an ode to the inner monologues that first captured people’s attention, while songs like “BOOM BAP” and “DEATH ROLL” are high energy and almost Kendrick Lamar-coded.
“Alligator Bites Never Heal” has received generally positive reviews, with some even declaring it the rap album of the year.
“Imaginal Disk” by Magdalena Bay
Miami-native pop duo Magdelena Bay has become known for their otherworldly hyper pop music.
“Imaginal Disk” is their second studio album, with the title referencing the insect larvae structures that form their adult bodies (imaginal discs). Their mastery of producing indie-pop shines through in this product, with tracks such as “She Looked Like Me!” and “Death & Romance” including their typical eclectic touch but with more depth and complexity.
“Imaginal Disk” has received universal acclaim from critics, with Matthew Kim of The Line Best Fit describing it as “the product of a band intensely honing what they want to sound like and ending up with a style so unique that it’s barely possible to describe.”
“Bird’s Eye” by Ravyn Lenae
“Bird’s Eye” is the second studio album of singer/songwriter Ravyn Lenae, with themes such as trust, self-reassessment and not always having all of the answers being driving forces of her lyricism.
The singles “Dream Girl” featuring Ty Dolla Sign and “One Wish” featuring Childish Gambino were released this summer, leaving fans eager to hear the rest of the project. Fusions of soul, blues and rock are prominent throughout this project, with songs containing what Lenae likes to refer to as “Prince drums.”
This project is a solid follow-up to her debut album “Hypnos,” with a supporting tour kicking off next month. Sadly, she isn’t coming to Louisiana; trust me I looked.
“Lungu Boy” by Asake
Nigerian singer and rapper Asake aims to shy away from his typical feel-good sound with “Lungu Boy,” his third studio album.
As Asake navigates life and matures, his approach to making music morphs right with him, with tracks such as “Dull” and “Great Guy” detailing the reality of his life and everything that comes with fame. Though some were disappointed by this narrational approach and claimed the project was “holey,” others appreciate this effort to unpack how his journey to global stardom has affected him.
Regardless of how you see it, Asake’s newfound awareness is evident in “Lungu Boy,” and he’s sure to solidify his direction with experience and time.