Wednesday Roundups #13: 6 Albums/EPs You Should Listen to In Your Spare Time

Stream releases from Jessie Ware, Baby Rose, Smokey Robinson, Amaria, KAMAUU, and Aaron Taylor.

Welcome back to Shatter the Standards!

The thirteenth outing of Wednesday Roundups returns.

It might be challenging to prioritize your music listening when so much new music is available. Shatter the Standards provide a weekly summary of newsworthy releases on streaming platforms. Jessie Ware, Baby Rose, Smokey Robinson, Amaria, KAMAUU, and Aaron Taylor were among the artists with new albums or projects last week. Watch for weekly music drops every Wednesday for suggestions of lesser-known albums.

Here are your roundups for today!

Jessie Ware — That! Feels Good! (Pop) [Listen]

That! Feels Good! by Jessie Ware is praised for its lush, modern, and playful sound, which draws inspiration from disco, R&B, and pop music. Ware's distinctive voice is highlighted as a critical factor in the album's success, as she effortlessly blends sultry, soulful tones with dance-pop anthems. The album is noted for its cohesive sound, thanks to Ware's collaboration with producers James Ford and Shungudzo.

Baby Rose — Through and Through (R&B) [Listen]

Through and Through is a testament to the artist's unique and captivating sound, as she combines elements of soul, jazz, and R&B with her rich and smoky voice. Baby Rose's deeply personal and introspective lyrics are a highlight as she delves into love, loss, and self-discovery themes. The album's production, led by Baby Rose, John Scherer, Tim Maxey, and others, is lauded for its blend of contemporary and timeless elements.

Smokey Robinson — GASMS (R&B) [Listen]

The legendary singer-songwriter Smokey Robinson has released a new album titled GASMS. At 83, Robinson has once again demonstrated his musical prowess, blending his silky smooth voice with a mix of R&B, soul, and pop genres. The single How You Make Me Feel exemplifies the album's captivating sound, showcasing the timeless appeal of Robinson's music.

Amaria — All for You (R&B) [Listen]

The prodigiously skilled Los Angeles singer-songwriter, Amaria, has presented a dazzling new endeavor, All for You. This astonishing composition encompasses several tracks, incorporating the previously launched eponymous track alongside DESTIN CONRAD, Secrets, and Get Away. Supported by meandering rhythms, ethereal melodies, and fervidly emotive strings, her melodic voice cascades into the auditory canals like liquefied gold glistening in the sunlight.

KAMAUU — LACUNA In the House of Mirrors (R&B) [Listen]

Discombobulating amidst the kaleidoscope of reflections, LACUNA In the House of Mirrors reverberates as a cacophonic symphony, inscribing a labyrinthine odyssey of introspective resonances. KAMAUU unveils a raw, authentic self-portraiture through a kaleidoscopic lens, etching vivid impressions upon the shimmering canvas of reflective surfaces. This enigmatic tableau invites us to fathom the perplexing discord between KAMAUU's internal gaze and the impartial integrity of mirrored reflections. The auditory collage boasts a motley assortment of pre-echoed harmonies, including the melodic concoctions antidote with Kojey Radical and Siimbiie Lakew and the vibrant flings.

Aaron Taylor — HAVE A NICE DAY! - EP (R&B) [Listen]

Aaron Taylor unleashes his fourth EP entitled, HAVE A NICE DAY! Recorded during the lockdown, it features five songs produced by Aaron and James Wyatt, Toby Hulbert, and Charlie Morton. The short project features Coffee in the Morning and Patience with Madison Ryann Ward.

Bonus: Lonnie Liston Smith, Adrian Younge & Ali Shaheed Muhammad — JID017 (Jazz) [Listen]

Collaborating with Adrian Younge and Ali Shaheed Muhammad, the 81-year-old jazz-funk pioneer Lonnie Liston Smith showcases his talent for blending genres and creating a mesmerizing atmosphere. The album's nine tracks take listeners on a journey through time and space, with the legendary musician proving that his innovative spirit is still alive and well.