Searching for something to listen to this weekend? Yahoo Music has you covered with a rundown of some of this week’s biggest and buzzing releases, including Jay-Z, TLC, Calvin Harris, and more. Check back every Friday for a fresh list of albums to help fuel your weekend playlists.
Jay-Z: 4:44 (Roc Nation). This album, the rapper’s 13th, contains a startling amount of personal revelations — ranging from infidelity confessions, to taking on the Prince estate, to announcing that his mother is a lesbian. It’s safe to say that between this and his wife Beyonce’s equally confessional Lemonade, everything has been said that could possibly be expressed. The album is available solely through his Tidal service, a further personal touch that some fans may find inconvenient.
TLC: TLC (852 Musiq). The famed duo – which of course was for most of its duration a trio – has not put out a record in 15 years. This effort is the first for the group to not include any input from the late Lisa “Left Eye” Lopes, who died in a car accident in 2002. That said, remaining members Chilli and T-Boz handle the brand with care, taking listeners on a nostalgic sonic trip with this release, which features a fun collaboration with Snoop Dogg.
Calvin Harris: Funk Wav Bounces Vol. 1 (Columbia). Producer/songwriter/DJ Harris has pretty laid claim to the song of Summer 2017 with his bouncy, sing-songy “Feels,” but that’s certainly not all his fifth album has to recommend it. With a guest list comprising Frank Ocean, Pharrell Williams, Katy Perry, Ariana Grande, John Legend, Snoop Dogg, Nicki Minaj, Travis Scott, Kehlani, Future, Big Sean, Khalid, Migos, Schoolboy Q, Young Thug, D.R.A.M., Lil Yachty, and Jessie Reyez, there’s enough talent here to reach way into Fall and beyond.
Superfruit: Future Friends Part One (RCA). Mitch Grassi and Scott Hoying of a capella sensations Pentatonix decided to pursue a side project in late 2016, allowing them to focus on other genres besides the category that made them famous. Here, they indulge in a thoroughly infectious, groove-heavy vibe (with, of course, fantastic vocals as always). This is the first installment of music; another will drop in mid-September.
Stone Sour: Hydrograd (Roadrunner). Hard rockers Stone Sour are generally known for their rage more than their reflective sides; however, on their sixth studio album, things take a turn towards a slightly cooler, more introspective vibe — a bit unusual, but works well, especially since there is still a fair amount of their trademark intensity to keep things moving smoothly.
Washed Out: Mister Mellow (Stones Throw). Chillwave pioneer Ernest Greene puts together a “visual album” multimedia set that leads fans through the basic concept of exploring boredom, dissatisfaction with life, ennui — choose your term. It’s all smoothly and hypnotically delivered to help take the edges off of an uncomplicated but unsatisfactory day-to-day existence.
LANY: LANY (Side Street Entertainment/Interscope). The L.A.-based electro-pop trio’s debut full length is a dreamy, effervescent dive into synth pop, new-wave electronica, and musical references from the ’80s and early ’90s. It’s hard to explain why this formula is so lovable overall, but it certainly sticks in one’s head.
ZZ Ward: The Storm (Hollywood). Los Angeles vocalist/multi-instrumentalist Ward chose to exlore some of her earliest inspirations for her second album; some of these including Howlin Wolf, Robert Johnson, Vera Ward Hall, Big Mama Thornton. The result is bluesy and funky for days.
Public Enemy: Nothing Is Quick in the Desert. The beloved upstarts released their new album a week early, much to the delight of fans. If that weren’t enough, frontman Chuck D announced it would be available as a free download via the outfit’s Bandcamp (better hurry though, it’s only free through July 4). Guest appearances include Ice-T, PMD of EPMD, Easy Mo Bee, and more.
Jim Lauderdale: London Southern (Sky Crunch). Multi-Grammy award winner Jim Lauderdale co-wrote with a variety of names on this release, including Dan Penn, Joan Oates, Odie Blackmon, and Kendell Marvell. There’s also six of his own originals on here, and true to the name, it was recorded in London.
