Wednesday Roundups #35: 10 Albums/EPs You Should Listen to In Your Spare Time
Stream last week's releases from Arrested Development, Nicholas Craven & Boldy James, Bruiser Wolf, Matt Martians, Samaria, Nailah Hunter, Mỹ Anh, JONAS, Vino La Mano, and Mista Sinista.
Welcome back to another issue of Wednesday Roundups!
Diving into the world of music can be overwhelming with the constant influx of albums. That’s where Shatter the Standards steps in, making your musical navigation easier every Wednesday. They slice through the noise, bringing you a curated list of noteworthy new drops accessible on streaming platforms. Just last week, they spotlighted fresh beats from a diverse lineup, including Arrested Development, Nicholas Craven & Boldy James, Bruiser Wolf, Matt Martians, Samaria, Nailah Hunter, Mỹ Anh, JONAS, Vino La Mano, and Mista Sinista.
If you’re struggling to keep up with the ever-evolving music scene, subscribing to the Shatter the Standards newsletter is your ticket to staying in the loop. They don’t just skim the surface with mainstream hits; they dive deep, bringing hidden gems right to your inbox weekly.
In today’s rapid-fire release culture, it’s easy to miss out on some real musical gems. Shatter the Standards does the heavy lifting for you, sifting through the latest releases and handpicking the ones that make a mark. Stay ahead of the curve and discover music that steps outside the mainstream box by joining their newsletter.
Arrested Development: Bullets in the Chamber (Hip-Hop/Rap)
Arrested Development has been setting the bar high since their groundbreaking 1992 debut, 3 Years, 5 Months & 2 Days in the Life Of… Fast forward to the present, and their creative fire is still blazing, with Speech and his team dropping hit after hit. Their recent albums, Don’t Fight Your Demons (2020) and For the FKN Love (2021), are shining examples of their enduring skill and flair. Bullets in the Chamber, their latest offering, is a musical feast lasting over an hour, brimming with uplifting messages and introspective musings. This album showcases Arrested Development’s ongoing relevance, even after decades in the game. The talent roster on this album is nothing short of stellar, featuring hip-hop heavyweights like Chuck D, Canibus, Sa-Roc, Ras Kass, Skyzoo, and Grandmaster Caz. Arrested Development hasn’t lost its touch, blending fresh beats with insightful lyrics. British producer Configa is at the helm of the music production, laying down superb beats that form the perfect canvas for their powerful words and performances.
[Listen]
Nicholas Craven & Boldy James: Penalty of Leadership (Hip-Hop/Rap)
Penalty of Leadership marks yet another chapter in the chemistry of Boldy James and Nicholas Craven. The album, featuring “Brand New Chanel Kicks” and “No Pun Intended,” is a canvas where Boldy James paints vivid pictures of his experiences and emotions, underscored by Nicholas Craven’s striking production. This partnership continues to deliver a unique sound that’s introspective and expressive. In “Brand New Chanel Kicks,” a recent track from Detroit’s own Boldy James, teamed up with producer Nicholas Craven, there’s a raw honesty that grips you. Boldy James spills the beans about his state of mind, reflecting on a car accident he experienced early the previous year.
[Listen]
Bruiser Wolf: My Story Got Stories (Hip-Hop/Rap)
Detroit's own Bruiser Wolf is making waves again in the rap scene with his latest release, My Story Got Stories. This album is a much-anticipated sequel to his 2021 project, Dope Game Stupid. Fans will be thrilled to hear tracks like "Dope Boy," a standout single on the album. What's more, the album is a collaboration paradise featuring the likes of Danny Brown, Zelooperz, Chris Crack, Trinidad James, and Fat Ray. The production talent behind this album is equally impressive. Names like Harry Fraud, Skywlkr, Raphy, and Greg Zola bring their unique styles to the table, ensuring My Story Got Stories is a blend of diverse and dynamic sounds.
[Listen]
Matt Martians: Matt’s Missing (R&B)
Diving into Matt Martians’ latest offering, Matt’s Missing, we’re reminded of the magic that happens when drummers take the reins in songwriting. This fifth studio album from Martians is a treasure trove of rhythms, so seamlessly tucked into the groove they feel like hidden gems. The solo brilliance of Martians, known for his work with The Internet, sets expectations high. It suggests an exciting possibility: if each band member can deliver solo projects of this caliber, the collective potential for a new Internet album is immense. There’s an anticipation building for what they could collectively produce.
[Listen]
Samaria: Even Paradise Rains (R&B)
An up-and-coming talent named Samaria has recently joined the RCA Records family. To mark this new chapter in her career, she’s dropped her latest EP, Even Paradise Rains. This eight-song collection features some of her previously released hits like “tight rope,” “wish you well,” and “serial recluse,” along with her newest track, “best thing for me.” The EP kicks off with “no place (intro),” set in the imaginary Lover Girl Airlines, where a flight attendant’s announcement sets the stage for an emotional journey. Throughout the EP, Samaria navigates a spectrum of feelings, as if walking through an airport terminal of her own life. In “three rings,” she recalls a defiant promise to a contentious lover, asserting they’ll never find anyone quite like her. Yet, as the EP unfolds, she has an epiphany in “best thing for me,” realizing that moving on is indeed what she needs. But, like many of us, Samaria wrestles with doubt in “beating myself up,” questioning if ending things was truly the right call.
[Listen]
Nailah Hunter: Lovegaze (Alternative)
In her debut album on Fat Possum Records, Lovegaze, Nailah Hunter crafts a mesmerizing, liminal soundscape, blending the night-time charm of her harp with the rhythmic sway of synths alongside playful percussion and tunes. This Los Angeles-based multi-talented artist skillfully balances her airy, dreamlike production with a glowing vocal display, extracting the grand from the indescribable. This is particularly notable in her lead single, “Finding Mirrors,” where she showcases her ability to illuminate the mysterious and intangible with her music.
[Listen]
Mỹ Anh: Em (Pop/R&B)
At the young age of 22, Mỹ Anh’s singing echoed a depth and richness as if she had experienced a lifetime. In contrast, she radiates a youthful wonder, still exploring her identity. A creative force, Mỹ Anh contributed to all nine tracks of her first album, Em, showcasing her talent as a musician. The album opens with clarity and uncluttered, leading into “Đánh Cược,” a fusion of R&B and neo-soul. The song delves into the quest for self-discovery and finding one’s place in the world. In Vietnam, she’s recognized as one of the most exciting artists in the R&B scene, being one of the earliest to make a mark in this genre. Mỹ Anh’s approach to R&B, however, is distinctively different. Her music lacks the poetic lyricism and catchy hooks typical of Vietnamese lyrical music, yet it’s captivating, robust, and contemporary.
[Listen]
JONAS: Be the Light (Neo-Soul)
JONAS marks his over 25-year career with an exciting release, Be the Light. He collaborates with various artists, infusing the album with diverse talents and styles. These collaborations include songwriting and performances from some of his favorite fellow musicians. However, JONAS’s personal touch is unmistakable throughout the album, as he shoulders the majority of the songwriting, plays instruments, and handles the programming, production, and mixing. This blend of teamwork and individual skill creates a unique and captivating listening experience.
[Listen]
Vino La Mano: NO QUARTER (Hip-Hop/Rap)
Coming back from a short break, Vino La Mano from Corpus Christi, Texas, part of Benny the Butcher’s Black Soprano Family, drops his latest work, NO QUARTER, crafted by The Soul Monsters. This album, with its slick production and savvy street narratives, might tread familiar territory, but it’s got a certain charm that makes it worth checking out at least once or twice. While it might not break new ground, NO QUARTER has a certain allure with its well-honed beats and real-life rhymes, making it a decent pick for a listen.
[Listen]
Mista Sinista: ReBorn (Hip-Hop/Rap)
In his New York basement, Mista Sinista’s journey as a DJ began, fueled by his dad’s collection of breaks. His album ReBorn is a lively blend, mixing instrumental tracks that showcase his turntablism skills with vocal tracks featuring artists like Vinnie Paz, Ill Bill, UG, El Da Sensei, and Jean Grae. This album is a pure throwback to ‘90s Hip Hop, amplified by the collaboration of iconic DJs such as Rob Swift, DJ Q-Bert, and DJ Eclipse, all joining forces to highlight the art of turntablism in its truest form.
[Listen]
Bonus: Michael J Woodard: MJW1 - EP (R&B)
We close these roundups with a bonus featuring Michael J. Woodard, an emerging R&B artist, and his debut EP, MJW1. This EP, released under Katy Perry’s Unsub Records, showcases a smooth fusion of R&B and pop elements. Woodard’s tracks eloquently explore the complexities of love. Woodard’s passion for music sparked at the tender age of five while growing up in Philadelphia. His early days in the church choir laid the foundation for his understanding of harmonic theory. Weekends were adventure-filled as he and his mother journeyed to New York City for auditions, a testament to their shared dedication to his dream.
His efforts bore fruit early on. At 13, he had the honor of performing at a rally for President Barack Obama in Philadelphia and at the prestigious U.S. Open in New York. His talent shone brightly, leading him to win competitions at Harlem’s renowned Apollo Theater. This was just the beginning of Woodard’s deep dive into the world of music. He sharpened his vocal skills and dabbled in production from his home studio throughout his teenage years. Post high school, Woodard’s pursuit of musical excellence took him to Hollywood, where he studied at the Musicians Institute. MJW1 is a significant step in his musical path, highlighting his natural flair and deep understanding of music.
[Listen]