A guide to Spotify’s Release Radar: some of our favorite up-and-coming artists and long awaited albums across every genre
“Hallucinogenics” Matt Maeson and Lana Del Rey
Though we’re waiting anxiously for Lana Del Rey’s new album, Chemtrails over the Country Club, this new single was just the thing we needed to hold us over.
Refreshingly upbeat and catchy, I challenge you to listen without bopping your head back and forth. Both the artists are known for mastering the moody, alternative vibe and the single takes their distinct sounds and marries them with a new, folk-like style. It’s perfect hanging with friends, commuting to work or settling down at night.
“Chip Chrome & The Mono-Tones” The Neighbourhood
My personal favorite, The Neighbourhood, always manages to blow us away (come on — “Cry Baby,” “Afraid,” “Sweater Weather,” must I go on?).
The new album takes you through a rollercoaster of thoughts and feelings. Some of the songs make you want to slow dance in the kitchen, others make you feel like you’re at an ‘80s Spring Fling and some make you want to hop into a convertible and head to the beach ASAP.
“Shore” Fleet Foxes
If you could hear the sun rising, this is what it would sound like.
Voted best new album by Pitchfork, “Shore” is a graceful exploration of deep messages that aren’t overwhelming thanks to gentle guitar, serene cover art and a light sound that makes you want to drink coffee on the porch in the morning.
Fleet Foxes is known for their ability to portray folk music in an experimental way that’s always growing with every new album they produce. Lying in bed at night pondering the universe or catching up with a friend over pancakes often require two completely different playlists; but “Shore” is an album that would be an amazing addition to both.
“Daughter” Lydia Loveless
Though electric guitar riffs and country music don’t usually coexist, Lydia Loveless has found a way to seamlessly combine them.
Her newest album, “Daughter,” sounds like something that came straight out of a jukebox, delivering a timeless essence that makes you feel like you’re the main character in a movie wherever you are. Whether you’re a die-hard country music fan or usually hit skip when Luke Bryan comes on, there’s no doubt Loveless will leave you pleasantly surprised. Prepare yourself for some soul-filled tunes that’ll make you want to dance around the living room with your best friend like you don’t have a care in the world.
“Tickets to My Downfall” Machine Gun Kelly
The rap genius has done it again. The song, “I Think I’m OKAY, ”from his 2019 album, “Hotel Diablo,” became one of the key soundtracks for the summer, and there’s no doubt his newest album “Tickets to My Downfall” is going to leave a lasting impression on 2020.
Whether you’re looking to get ready for a great party (on Zoom), blare something new in the car or headbang after a long week of work, this album is the remedy you need for any low mood or pesky stress. The album takes us back to the golden days of pop-punk in the early 2000s (from the edgy sound to the neon pink guitar displayed on the album cover). It’ll make you feel like you’re at the closest thing to a concert (considering we are in a pandemic).
“The Ascension” Sufjan Stevens
Techno-funk meets dreamy folk in an album that’ll make you feel like you’re in a technicolor daydream. With experimental techno beats and a reverberating melody that’ll leave you in a trance, Sufjan Stevens steps away from the traditional folk style he’s known for. He steps into something unlike anything he’s done before. All thanks to Stevens’ ability to find a perfect balance of rhythm and experimental layering, this album takes your mind on a journey no matter what you’re doing.