New This Week: Harry Styles, Dreamcar, Paramore, and More

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 Harry Styles, Dreamcar, Paramore, and more. Check back every Friday for a fresh list of albums to help fuel your weekend playlists.

Harry Styles: Harry Styles (Columbia). Out of all the One Direction lads, Harry Styles’s solo debut has arguably been the most anticipated — or, at the very least, neck and neck with Zayn Malik’s. However, unlike Malik, who expanded on an expected pop direction, Styles burst out of the gate with a nearly 6-minute glam rock-influenced lead single. It was clear he was bent on exploring his personal musical loves — and that remains clear throughout his debut, which pays homage to a variety of vintage influences.

Dreamcar: Dreamcar (PLOF, LLC / Columbia). Although it’s tempting to classify Dreamcar as “No Doubt minus Gwen Stefani,” the band (which indeed consists of three members of No Doubt, plus AFI’s Davey Havok on vocals) is firmly in its own sonic territory. Buoyed on an ’80s revivalist, new wave vibe, the album is further distingushed by a guitar-heavy approach and Havok’s slightly sinister/dark delivery — which he also shows off in his role as frontman for AFI, but somehow refreshes in a unique way here.

Paramore: After Laughter (Fueled By Ramen). Paramore’s latest, recorded at Nashville’s historic RCA Studio B, marks their first time recording in their hometown. Adding to the homey vibes, original member Zac Farro has returned back to the band.

Todd Rundgren: White Knight (Cleopatra). Legendary songwriter Rundgren decided to get a little help from his friends on his latest collection, a grab bag of various styles that lends itself to different interpretations. Guest appearances include Donald Fagen, Trent Reznor, Daryl Hall, Joe Walsh, Bettye LaVette, Joe Satriani, Moe Berg, and more.

PWR BTTM: Pageant (Polyvinyl). Although they’ve been under fire this week due to some fairly serious allegations, this duo is unquestionably moving the needle forward artistically, bearing a striking, theatrical presentation to go along with their glam-punk sound. This complete style package is rarer than ever to find these days, so let’s hope they are cleared of their controversy.

Zac Brown Band: Welcome Home (Elektra). The Zac Brown Band’s last release, 2015’s Jekyll + Hyde, mish-mashed up a variety of genres in an experimental vibe. Two years later, they are back to their rootsy, country-rock sound that put them on the map. Vintage ZBB sounds mighty good, especially when it’s served up as straightforward and frills-free as it is here.

Paul Weller: A Kind Revolution (Parlophone). This marks Weller’s 25th studio album (counting his time with The Jam, Style Council and as a solo artist), and he’s as creatively viable and prolific as always on this richly emotional set. Here, he enlists cameos from such artists as Boy George, PP Arnold, Madeleine Bell, Robert Wyatt, and Josh McClorey to help polish his latest fine work.

Juanes: Mis Planes Son Amarte (Universal Music Latino). Colombian superstar Juanes now holds the distinction of releasing the first visual album for a major Latin performer — this set, the title of which translates to “My plans are to love you,” follows in the vein of albums such as Beyoncé’s Lemonade, combining visuals, spoken word, and music to create a cohesive experience.

Machine Gun Kelly: Bloom (Bad Boy/Interscope). Cleveland rapper Machine Gun Kelly has plenty on his plate in the past five years, from releasing two critically acclaimed albums and nailing down an acting career. On his third set, he whetted appetites with single “At My Best” featuring Hailee Steinfeld; and follows that up with more guest stars including Camila Cabello, Ty Dolla $ign, James Arthur, Quavo, and DubXX.

LeToya Luckett: Back 2 Life (eOne Music). This is the former original Destiny’s Child member’s first album in eight years. She handles her exploration through love, heartbreak, and other relationship-oriented topics handily on her own, save a fine duet with Ludacris who is the only guest on the record.

Seether: Poison the Parish (Canine Riot/Concord Music Group). This is Seether’s seventh album and first produced entirely by lead singer/songwriter Shaun Morgan. It’s a dense, complex, and heavy piece of work, showing off how the band has managed to both anchor and expand its vibe over the past 15 years of its career.

“Hello, Dolly!” New Broadway Cast Recording (Sony). Bette Midler is winning raves for her portrayal of the classic Dolly Levi in this revival — which is up for 10 Tony Awards — and now fans who aren’t able to make it to New York can hear her at home with this traditional but lighthearted cast recording of the show.