The Albums You Need to Know About Every Week
A musical icon, a progressive indie folk hero, and two modern day newcomers all release their new works this week. David Bowie makes a return with his twenty-sixth, yes, twenty-sixth record that is both a salute to his classic work and a thematic departure from it. It’s being labeled as “dense” and “mysterious” by critics, though it’s inherently a new classic simply because, come on, it’s David-effing-Bowie. Devendra Banhart’s new one reveals a more mature and cohesive folk sound than the trippy-hippy folk of yesteryear, and the changes make for a substantial, welcoming folk pop sound that you’re going to crush on. Chicago’s Wild Belle are the new kids on the block, bringing a lighthearted mixture of R&B, reggae, and pop to the game for a perfect album to greet spring and bid farewell to winter. Each new record holds a different potency, ranging from heavy to light, but all packing flavors you’re going to want to savor. So, go ahead, pick your poison, ingest, and digest. Feels good.
David Bowie – The Next Day
Devendra Banhart – Mala
Wild Belle – Isles