Wednesday Roundups #31: 9 Albums/EPs You Should Listen to In Your Spare Time
Stream releases from Black Pumas, Leela James, Mayer Hawthorne, DESTIN CONRAD, Domo Genesis & Graymatter, Brandon Williams, SIPHO, Erykah Officer, and Radamiz.
Welcome back to Shatter the Standards!
The thirty-first outing of Wednesday Roundups!
It might be challenging to prioritize your music listening when so much new music is available. Shatter the Standards provides a weekly summary of newsworthy releases on streaming platforms. Black Pumas, Leela James, Mayer Hawthorne, DESTIN CONRAD, Domo Genesis & Graymatter, Brandon Williams, SIPHO, Erykah Officer, and Radamiz 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!
Black Pumas — Chronicles of a Diamond (Soul) [Listen]
Black Pumas’ new album, Chronicles of a Diamond, is a grounded and expansive record showcasing the best 21st-century soul music. The duo, consisting of Eric Burton and Adrian Quseada, has created a fusion of rock’n’roll, jazz, hip-hop, and soulful vibes that surpasses their debut album. Burton’s increased involvement in songwriting and recording has allowed him to showcase his artistic growth and confidence. The album features anthemic tracks like ‘More Than a Love Song’ and heartfelt songs like ‘Mrs Postman,’ demonstrating Black Pumas’ ability to deliver authentic and honest compositions. With this album, Black Pumas solidified their position as leaders in the soul revival movement.
Leela James — Thought U Knew (R&B) [Listen]
Leela James’ new album Thought U Knew features nine tracks and was released through She Sangz Music/BMG. The album includes a notable single, “Right Back In It,” which was well-received, landing in the top 10 of Billboard’s Adult R&B Airplay chart. The album’s title track was released as a second single with an accompanying video inspired by a 1996 cult classic. The album explores self-reflection, love, and infidelity through tracks like “Good On Me” and “If I Was Your Woman.” Thought U Knew follows James’ successful 2021 album See Me. Leela James is promoting the album on a global tour, extending her performances in North America post-October, with additional shows planned for winter 2024.
Mayer Hawthorne — For All Time (Soul) [Listen]
In his fifth studio effort, For All Time, Mayer Hawthorne extensively explores the human heart’s diverse intricacies, mainly focusing on the multi-faceted nature of love and the raw, unfiltered emotions it evokes. The album isn’t merely a collection of tracks; it’s an expedition into the core of heartfelt sentiments. Each melody resembles a hallway leading to the extensive chambers of love’s sensations, with Hawthorne as the discerning guide. His ambiance is atmospherically potent, drawing listeners into a smoky, art deco jazz club ambiance that is as evocative as sultry.
DESTIN CONRAD — SUBMISSIVE (R&B) [Listen]
DESTIN CONRAD’s new album SUBMISSIVE comprises nine tracks with notable songs like “Switch,” “Outta Control,” and “Luv n Devotion,” and features artists Masego and Jordan Conrad. The album begins with “Mariposa,” illustrating a complex relationship. In “Low Tide,” CONRAD explores deep thoughts triggered by hallucinogens. The album, transcending mere sensual interpretations of submissiveness, reflects on embracing change and personal growth. This album follows his 2022 project, Satin, and his 2021 debut, Colorway.
Domo Genesis & Graymatter — What You Don’t Get?! (Hip-Hop) [Listen]
What You Don’t Get?! is the third album from Inglewood rapper Domo Genesis. The album features production from Graymatter and showcases Domo’s pen skills. The tracks vary in sound, from drumless flute-tinged openers to jazzy beats. Domo touches on topics like not believing bullshit, staying true to himself, and keeping enemies close. The album closes on a heartfelt note, expressing gratitude for his journey.
Brandon Williams — The Lover’s Suite (Jazz) [Listen]
Brandon Williams returns with The Lovers Suite. He follows up with the prequel to 2019’s The Love Factor, which is severely underrated. The album features guests, including Robert Gasper, Taylor Eigisti, Matt Cusson, Joe Poré, Perry Hughes, and Brian McKnight, Jr.
SIPHO — PRAYERS & PARANOIA (R&B) [Listen]
SIPHO’s debut album, PRAYERS & PARANOIA, is a hauntingly beautiful and fierce work of art. It combines foreboding strings, iridescent vocals, and powerful drums to create a unique sound. The album explores ego, vulnerability, and self-worth themes, making it universally relatable. The emotional and technical range displayed in the album is awe-inspiring. Sharp rock riffs and piercing vocals convey raw emotion, while uplifting moments add a sense of fun. PRAYERS & PARANOIA solidifies SIPHO as a dynamic and exciting voice in music today.
Erykah Officer — Ery’s Diary (R&B) [Listen]
In the first revelation through Ery’s Diary, Erykah Officer, the distinguished singer from Queens, unveils a collection of nine reflective tracks, like it’s taken from pages straight out of a journal. The cozy ambiance of the production and the raw honesty in her lyrics allow for a genuine peek into her inner musings, displaying a level of vulnerability that resonates deeply. Despite its brevity, this piece solidifies Erykah’s place as a refreshing new voice, breaking the silence that once enveloped such critical discussions and allowing unguarded discourse to flourish.
Radamiz — El Duende! (Hip-Hop) [Listen]
With a nod of approval from Eminem and a remarkable appearance at Gypsy Sport’s Los Angeles Fashion Week show, Brooklyn’s own Radamiz reveals his newest musical creation, El Duende! This collection of nine tunes ventures into the realm of “Duende,” a notion brought to light by Federico Garcia Lorca about a hundred years ago, holding a significant position in the arts. The album includes the earlier shared tracks “The Monk’s Ferrari” and a joint venture with ICECOLDBISHOP, “Ffiirree.”