We’ve made it to perhaps the biggest release days of the year. I’m sure I’ve said that already in 2022 and will probably say it again, but today is a BIG one. The most anticipated hip-hop record of the past five years is out today as Kendrick Lamar, the biggest and best rapper on the planet, releases his long-gestating and much-hyped fourth LP, Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers. The album comes five years after his Pulitzer Prize winning record DAMN. and it’s a double album to boot. The hype might be nearly impossible to match at this point, but given the fire of his one-off single from last weekend, we know that if there is anyone who can deliver under pressure, it’s Kendrick. “We Cry Together” is a monumental standout and “Auntie Diaries” also feels like a watershed moment for K.Dot. There’s also a track that features Beth Gibbons of Portishead and Thundercat.
The Smile (the new band featuring Thom Yorke and Johnny Greenwood of Radiohead as you’ve most likely remembered by now) have finally released their debut album after announcing their existence nearly a year ago. It’s the best album by any Radiohead members and could easily fit into the band’s stellar discography which should come as no surprise. Dabbling in electronics, jazz, and calling back to their alt-rock past, the record should have something for anyone who has ever been interested in Radiohead at any point in their career.
Florence + The Machine are back this week as well with another album of arena-ready pop monsters that are sure to sound best across festival fields and while soaring to the rafters of arenas. It’s been a while since we last heard from Florence, but given the latest singles, this is sure to be another towering album of epic pop anthems.
The Black Keys, one of the biggest names in rock, strike back this week as well with their latest studio album. If you’re looking for big bluesy riffs and all thrills no frills rock and roll, this is the one for you.
Ethel Cain, the stage name of Hayden Silas Anhedönia, dropped her new album on Thursday, but it’s the dark horse of the week. Taking bits of everything from dreamy pop numbers, to shoegaze, moving piano ballads, to death metal blackness, this album covers a lot of ground and is an exquisite statement. While there are certainly extremes here, it’s not hard to picture her rising to an upper echelon much like Grimes or the Weeknd before her, appearing from the ether, shrouded in mystery, only to become a beacon of pop music for the decade ahead. A truly stunning debut record.
Elsewhere, there’s a new record from Kevin Morby who sits comfortably in his career of relaxed, thoughtful folk music that is just as intriguing as it is approachable. There’s also the new EP from Montreal band TOPS which continues their sound of breezy, dreamy synth-rock.
black midi just released their sophomore record, Cavalcade, last year, but they’re already back with the follow-up. The group announced their new record will be out in July and shared the ripping lead single, “Welcome to Hell.” Bartees Strange is also back, this time with a slow burner from his upcoming album Farm to Table. This one sheds the urgency that permeates some of his other, more immediate tracks in return for something with a quiet, but impressive power.
Danger Mouse and Black Thought are teaming up for a new album which is out this summer, but you can check out the lead single, “No Gold Teeth,” while you wait. There’s also another new one from Boldy James and Real Bad Man ahead of their record which is due next week.
Fime, the former backing band of Jay Som, announced their debut record and released the indie rock and emo-esque track “White Collar Gold,” which is more reminiscent of the mid-west scene of the ‘90s than the pop-punk aftermath it inspired. Think Built to Spill if they had signed to Vagrant Records. Viagra Boys also dropped a new tune, “Troglodyte,” which captures some of the spirit of Death From Above 1979’s early work.
Wilco’s new record is out next month and the second single sounds more like classic Wilco. It’s a light, breezy number with some twang that finds them further embracing the country side of their sound. Cave In are also prepping for their new album and their latest single is more on the ballad side (for them) and recalls classic metal and grunge vibes, complete with hand claps and a chugging guitar riff.
A new record from Stella Donnelly arrives this summer and the lead single, “Lungs,” is a wonderful treat full of gleeful piano, punching rhythms, and her floating vocals. Julia Jacklin also has a new one on the horizon and her latest single is more indie pop pleasure.
Albums:
Kendrick Lamar | Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers
The Smile | A Light for Attracting Attention
Florence + The Machine | Dance Fever
The Black Keys | Dropout Boogie
Kevin Morby | This Is a Photograph
Ethel Cain | Preacher’s Daughter
Moderat | MORE D4TA
Mallrat | Butterfly Blue
TOPS | Empty Seats EP
Songs:
black midi | “Welcome to Hell”
Bartees Strange | “Hold the Line”
Danger Mouse / Black Thought | “No Gold Teeth”
Boldy James / Real Bad Man | “Open Door”
Fime | “White Collar Gold”
Viagra Boys | “Troglodyte”
Wilco | “Tired of Taking It Out On You”
Julia Jacklin | “Lydia Wears a Cross”
Stella Donnelly | “Lungs”
Cave In | “Reckoning”
Horse Jumper of Love | “The Natural Part”
If you’re a Spotify user, you can listen to these songs (and more from 2022) here!