Crack-Up
Fleet Foxes
Released: June 16, 2017 | Nonesuch Records Inc.
If Pecknold taught us anything on Crack-Up (the band's first release in six years) it’s that being alone is okay in some circumstances, but sharing life’s beauty with friends is better than experiencing it alone. (REVIEW)
GENRE: FOLK
From a Room, Vol. 1
Chris Stapleton
Released: May 5, 2017 | Mercury Records
From a Room, Vol. 1 finds Stapleton crooning some of the soulful strains we’ve come to know and love, but also sees the singer expanding his sonic palette. (REVIEW)
GENRE: COUNTRY
No Shape
Perfume Genius
Released: May 5, 2017 | Matador Records
On No Shape, Perfume Genius exchanges the relentlessly agonizing for a finely-tuned balance of passion — all while maintaining an incredible sense of honesty. (REVIEW)
GENRE: POP
DAMN.
Kendrick Lamar
Released: April 14, 2017 | Top Dawg / Aftermath / Interscope
DAMN. is the album Kendrick needed, where he takes the popular world by storm and forces the radio and clubs to listen to important issues instead of superficial songs about fake love or drug usage. (REVIEW)
GENRE: HIP-HOP
More Life
Drake
Released: March 17, 2017 | Republic Records
Ultimately, More Life does a terrific job creating a mood with its dancehall-flecked, atmospheric production, and points to a fascinating fork in the road moment for the world’s biggest rapper. (REVIEW)
GENRE: HIP-HOP
I See You
The xx
Released: January 13, 2017 | Young Turks
On The xx’s third project I See You, the group has added another great piece to what’s becoming an impressive catalog of music. (REVIEW)
GENRE: ELECTRONIC
Run The Jewels 3
Run The Jewels
Released: December 24, 2016 | Run The Jewels, Inc.
Run The Jewels 3 is the duo’s pinnacle release; while the album may seem on first listen to lack the bombast and animosity of RTJ2, it still hits just as hard — and even hits smarter. (REVIEW)
GENRE: HIP-HOP
"Awaken, My Love!"
Childish Gambino
Released: December 2, 2016 | Glassnote Records
In the face of 2016, Childish Gambino delivered a vulnerable, Funkadelic-inspired take on navigating his fears and romantic musings as a father, lover and friends on his new funk-filled opus. (REVIEW)
GENRE: FUNK
Starboy
The Weeknd
Released: November 25, 2016 | XO / Republic Records
The Dark Knight of pop makes his return with a Ben Affleck performance; extremely overhyped, plenty of flashy moments without any substance, and entirely too long to actually enjoy. (REVIEW)
GENRE: POP
We got it from Here... Thank You 4 Your service
A Tribe Called Quest
Released: November 11, 2016 | Epic Records
Backed by lyrical content that has never been more potent and relevant, We got it from Here... Thank You 4 Your service is proof that A Tribe Called Quest never really left. (REVIEW)
GENRE: HIP-HOP
You Want It Darker
Leonard Cohen
Released: October 21, 2016 | Columbia Records
You Want It Darker is not a casual invitation into the final moments of the revered songwriter’s life, but a plea to stay, to take up residence, and to fully explore the intricacies of each and every track. (REVIEW)
GENRE: FOLK
Yes, Lawd!
NxWorries
Released: October 21, 2016 | Stones Throw Records
At times, Yes, Lawd! feels like a victory lap for .Paak, especially after this year’s star-making Malibu, but calling it that would be an absolute disservice to what is an incredible standalone project. (REVIEW)
GENRE: R&B
WALLS
Kings of Leon
Released: October 14, 2016 | RCA
WALLS sounds safe and comfortable. The songs coast along with a mellow fluidity that serves to establish a decidedly more mature — if complacent — sound. (REVIEW)
GENRE: ROCK
Revolution Radio
Green Day
Released: October 7, 2016 | Reprise Records
All things considered, Revolution Radio is somewhat of a return to form. There is nothing groundbreaking, but there is much to be admired in the simplicity of Green Day’s return. (REVIEW)
GENRE: ROCK
A Seat at the Table
Solange
Released: September 30, 2016 | Saint Records / Columbia
Solange made the pro-black, coming-of-age piece of art this generation needed; it’s so refreshing to see an artist who is making the songs we need to hear instead of the songs we want to hear. (REVIEW)
GENRE: R&B
