Blood Orange – Essex Honey
English musician, singer-songwriter, and director Devonté Hynes returns as Blood Orange after a six-year break with Essex Honey, a glamorous, eclectic mix of R&B, electronic, UK garage, and alternative music. Released on August 29, Hynes reflects on grief and his upbringing in Essex. Songs seamlessly transition from groove-heavy to airy and transparent, representing the trauma from his mother’s death in 2023. Essex Honey is an album that rewards both casual listening and deep dives, yet is still uniquely Blood Orange.
Kevin Abstract – Blush
Kevin Abstract, the founder of now-defunct hip-hop collective Brockhampton, rebuilds his confidence from the ground up with his second solo album Blush, aiming to bounce back from the rigidity that ultimately broke the group up. Abstract took a more fluid approach with making Blush, taking inspiration from artist and producer Andy Warhol. Its hip-hop, R&B, and alternative influences make it a beautifully vulnerable listen. With that in mind, Blush introduces a lot of new-school ideas to the table, with not only a sound unique to Abstract himself, but a method to the creative process that very few have touched on before.
Laufey – A Matter of Time
Icelandic singer and musician Laufey released A Matter of Time on August 22, her first album since her second, Bewitched, swept her up to social media stardom. The album reintroduces jazz into the pop conversation, being filled with lush string arrangements and piano ballads. However, Laufey’s voice rings through all of it, with deeply emotional performances filled with longing, anxiety, and heartbreak. Overall, A Matter of Time stood out for its elegance and timelessness, bridging the gap between the old and the new.
Ethel Cain – Willoughby Tucker, I’ll Always Love You
On August 8, singer-songwriter Hayden Anhedönia released her second studio album Willoughby Tucker, I’ll Always Love You. Her music centers around a fictional character named Ethel Cain, a small-town girl raised in a strict religious household. The album discusses Cain’s past lover, the titular Willoughby Tucker, and serves as a prequel to Anhedönia’s debut, Preacher’s Daughter. Willoughby Tucker is calming but suspenseful; You may find something you like, and you may not, but there is no chance of discovery without even an attempt to listen. It features ethereal, Americana-inspired ballads and ambient soundscapes that reflect the story’s haunting Southern environment.
Alex G – Headlights
Known for his lo-fi sound, indie musician and Philadelphia native Alex G dropped his tenth album Headlights on July 18, offering introspection and vulnerability in his signature off-kilter style. Inspired by his new perspective on life as a father, the album explores the inevitable roller coaster of fatherhood, and how the experience can leave you shellshocked and speechless, almost like a deer in headlights. Overall, Headlights serves as an update to the life and times of the elusive artist, as well as a worthwhile addition to his lengthy discography.
Tyler, the Creator – Don’t Tap the Glass
In the midst of his Chromakopia tour, rapper and producer Tyler, the Creator surprised the music world on July 21 with a 28-minute record full of punchy, rhythmic beats combined with his distinct delivery and vocal inflections. Playful and dance-inspired, Tyler Okonma masterfully blended elements of hip-hop, disco, funk, and house music. Through its carefree nature and interesting genre blending, Don’t Tap the Glass debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 200 charts, captivating those who look for vibrance and movement.
Dijon – Baby
For a while now, R&B musician Dijon has been quietly building his reputation behind the scenes, working on songwriting and production with the likes of Justin Bieber, Charli XCX, Bon Iver, and more. Released on August 15, his second album Baby further displays his talents. Centered around love and fatherhood, the album resembled an intimate late-night jam session rather than a polished studio album. Dijon mixed experimental production choices with fun, poppy melodies, creating a listening experience unlike most. All in all, Baby allowed Dijon to be considered more as a full-fledged artist, potentially earning himself a space in the spotlight amongst his collaborators.
Freddie Gibbs & The Alchemist – Alfredo 2
On July 25, Freddie Gibbs and The Alchemist returned for round two of Alfredo with a sharp vision, which has yet to be dulled since the previous installment became a Grammy-nominated rap classic. This time, the rapper-and-producer duo doubled down on their repertoire of cinematic beats and witty bars. The dense lyricism, smooth production make Alfredo 2 a surprisingly accessible experience and marks yet another stepping stone for both Gibbs and The Alchemist.
