Wednesday Roundups #27: 10 Albums/EPs You Should Listen to In Your Spare Time

Stream releases from Armand Hammer, Cleo Sol, Kenyon Dixon, Kamaal Williams, Rome Streetz, Maxo, Grace Weber, Jorja Smith, Beverley Knight, and MOONGA K.

Oct 04, 2023

Welcome back to Shatter the Standards!

The twenty-seventh outing of Wednesday Roundups!

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. Armand Hammer, Cleo Sol, Kenyon Dixon, Kamaal Williams, Rome Streetz, Maxo, Grace Weber, Jorja Smith, Beverley Knight, and MOONGA K. were 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!

Armand Hammer — We Buy Diabetic Test Strips (Hip-Hop) [Listen]

billy woods and ELUCID haven’t released a new album as Armand Hammer since their Alchemist-produced Haram dropped two and a half years ago. However, their output has remained incredibly prolific. ELUCID released I Told Bessie last year, while woods has released two albums since Haram: Aethiopes and Church in 2022 and Maps, produced by Kenny Segal, this year. Despite their constant release schedule, they always retain their creative momentum. Each project feels like a vital piece of the puzzle, and We Buy Diabetic Test Strips is no different. The album boasts an array of producers and guests, including familiar faces and new collaborators. Notable guests on Test Strips include Soul Glo’s Pierce Jordan (as Moneynicca), Junglepussy, Moor Mother, Pink Siifu, Curly Castro, and Cavalier. The diverse range of producers involved in the project includes JPEGMAFIA, El-P, Kenny Segal, DJ Haram, Black Noi$e, Preservation, Steel Tipped Dove, August Fanon, Child Actor, and Sebb Bash.

Cleo Sol — Gold (R&B) [Listen]

Cleo Sol has released her second album of the year, Gold, following up on her previous LP, Heaven. The 10-track album features soulful genre fusions and showcases Sol’s captivating vocals. The album includes cuts like “Things Will Get Better,” which features jazzy drums and Sol’s beautiful lyrics that can be sultry or soaring. Fans of R&B and soul should not overlook Cleo Sol’s music.

Kenyon Dixon — The R&B You Love (R&B) [Listen]

Kenyon Dixon is known for championing the genre and promoting rising R&B talents. His latest album, The R&B You Love, is a 17-song tribute to the genre, featuring tracks that explore love’s highs and lows. The album includes previously released songs and collaborates with artists such as Kincy, Tiffany Gouché, and RL of Next. Dixon’s mission is to raise expectations for modern R&B, hoping his album rekindles listeners’ love for the genre.

Kamaal Williams — Stings (Jazz) [Listen]

Kamaal Williams released his third solo album, Stings on Black Focus. The album features eleven tracks that blend the South London jazz scene with elements of Claude Debussy’s impressionist symphonies, futuristic hip-hop, and electronic beats. The project was born out of isolation, reflection, and spirituality during the pandemic when Kamaal purchased an upright piano and became fully independent without any label or booking agent. The album’s title refers to the strings that vibrate throughout the album and the struggles that have shaped Williams’ identity.

Rome Streetz — Noise Kandy 5 (Hip-Hop) [Listen]

Rome Streetz returns with the final installment of his Noise Kandy series, featuring Joey Bada$$ and other guests. He has released numerous projects, including his Griselda debut album (Kiss the Ring) and a recent collaboration with Big Ghost Ltd (Wasn’t Built In a Day).

Maxo — Debbie’s Son (Hip-Hop) [Listen]

Maxo released his debut album after four years, followed by his next album, Debbie’s Son, just a few months later. The album features ten songs, one guest, and experimental production from various artists. Maxo’s music is reminiscent of Shabazz Palaces, with jazz, psychedelia, and stream-of-consciousness elements. Despite sounding like a veteran on his debut album at a young age, Maxo takes his music in pleasantly surprising new directions on this album.

Grace Weber — Paperflower (R&B) [Listen]

Grace Weber has made a name for herself with her exceptional songwriting. Her career took off after writing “All We Got” for Chance the Rapper, earning her a Grammy. Her 2017 single “More Than Friends” also gained commercial success and recognition from elite songwriter John Mayer. Her latest album, Paperflower, offers an intimate look into her life and showcases her songwriting prowess, particularly in tracks like “Super Good” featuring TOBi. The album’s comforting R&B production complements Weber’s elegant songwriting style.

Jorja Smith — falling or flying (R&B) [Listen]

Jorja Smith is back with her sophomore album, falling or flying. Made with production duo DAMEDAME*, the album has a diverse backdrop of skittering electronics, jazzy instrumentation, ambient textures, Afrobeats, R&B, and a brief dose of alt-rock. Jorja’s powerful, soulful voice takes center stage. The album features two guest vocalists—UK rapper J Hus and Jamaican reggae singer Lila Iké. Every move on this album feels carefully made, all in service of achieving a remarkable vision.

Beverley Knight — The Fifth Chapter (Pop/R&B) [Listen]

Beverley Knight has impressed audiences with her gospel-powered soul vocals since the 90s. She has had Top 10 hits, gold and platinum albums, and has won three Olivier Awards for her work in musical theatre. To celebrate turning 50, she has released a new studio album that showcases the “kaleidoscope” of her soul influences, featuring tracks ranging from 80s-inspired pop-funk to big ballads and northern soul. The album is an intelligent mix of her influences, all delivered with class and style. The eleven new songs showcase the creative powers of the songwriters and producers she worked with.

MOONGA K. — GARDEN (R&B) [Listen]

MOONGA K.’s second studio album, GARDEN, features a diverse blend of futuristic funk, jazz, pop, soul, grunge, afrobeat, Latin, hip-hop, and electronic elements. The album showcases MOONGA K.’s confidence in his vocal performance and songwriting. It is an ode to fostering personal power through finding freedom, falling in love, and owning who you are. Produced by quietmoneymusic and FDeeZus, the album includes a collaboration with childhood friend Nkosilathi and background vocals from artists Sio and Amarafleur.

Wednesday Roundups #27: 10 Albums/EPs You Should Listen to In Your Spare Time

Stream releases from Armand Hammer, Cleo Sol, Kenyon Dixon, Kamaal Williams, Rome Streetz, Maxo, Grace Weber, Jorja Smith, Beverley Knight, and MOONGA K.

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