Wednesday Roundups #53: 23 Albums/EPs You Should Listen to In Your Spare Time
Stream releases from Rapsody, Mach-Hommy, Beth Gibbons, John Oates, musclecars, Vanilla Is Black, Léa Mondo, Chara Kai-Le, Tendavillage, Struggle Mike, The Luvmenauts, and more.
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 Rapsody, Mach-Hommy, Beth Gibbons, John Oates, musclecars, Vanilla Is Black, Léa Mondo, Chara Kai-Le, Tendavillage, Struggle Mike, The Luvmenauts, Mumu Fresh, The Supersoul Brothers, Mopiano, BADBADNOTGOOD, Raz Fresco & Daniel Son, Kirk Whalum, Leonie Gray, Mutant Academy, Courtney Bell & Royce da 5’9”, Mike Shabb, Heem, and Toucan.
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.
Rapsody: Please Don’t Cry (Hip-Hop)
On her eminent fourth work, Please Don’t Cry, Rapsody—a Grammy nominee—illuminates her evolution and openness through a memorable album for its authenticity and musical distinction. This 22-track effort from the North Carolina lyricist amalgamates a variety of personal tales into an audibly striking collection. Esteemed collaborators such as Nicole Bus, Lil Wayne, Baby Tate, Alex Isley, Phylicia Rashad, and Keznamdi grace the album, enriching its allure. Preceding the album’s release, Rapsody offered a glimpse with the singles “Asteroids” accompanied by Hit-Boy, “Stand Tall,” and “3:AM” featuring the iconic Erykah Badu.
[Listen]
Mach-Hommy: #RICHAXXHAITIAN (Hip-Hop)
Mach-Hommy released his anticipated opus #RICHAXXHAITIAN on the advent of Haitian Flag Day, marking the culmination of a noteworthy series he initiated in 2016 with HBO (Haitian Body Odor). This conclusive piece is fortified by a cadre of distinguished guest artists, including Black Thought, Roc Marciano, Your Old Droog, Tha God Fahim, 03 Greedo, HEPHZIBAH, and Big Cheeko. The LP is further enhanced by contributions from producers like Conductor Williams, Kaytranada, Quelle Chris, and Sadhu Gold, among others, succeeding his 2021 chapters Pray for Haiti and Balens Cho (Hot Candles).
[Listen]
Beth Gibbons: Lives Outgrown (Alternative)
Beth Gibbons’ long-awaited debut album, Lives Outgrown, arrives as a collection of ten exquisitely crafted songs. This oeuvre, meticulously recorded across a decade, benefits from the collaborative genius of James Ford and Beth Gibbons, with Lee Harris of Talk Talk enriching the project through additional production efforts. At the heart of this album lies an unguarded authenticity, a reflection of Gibbons’ profound introspection and transformative life phases during its creation. The synthesis of her reflections with Ford and Harris’ production expertise has culminated in a work transcending mere pleasure, inviting a deep, reflective engagement from its audience. Herein, Gibbons has distilled a decade of personal metamorphosis into a musical form, offering listeners a window into her innermost musings and evolutions.
[Listen]
John Oates: Reunion (Folk)
John Oates is experiencing a moment of complete return to his roots with the release of his sixth solo album, Reunion. This album is a musical gathering and a personal homage to the dreams he harbored before fame. In the 1980s, Oates, alongside Daryl Hall, soared to the top of the charts by skillfully blending new wave and soul, achieving multi-platinum success. Unlike many artists from that era who merely repeat their greatest hits, Oates opts for a refreshing dive back into the music that initially fueled his passion, offering something both old and new fans can appreciate.
[Listen]
musclecars: Sugar Honey Iced Tea! (Dance)
musclecars, the electronic duo renowned for their vibrant club scene presence, from their own Coloring Lessons events to a residency at Nowadays in NYC, stand poised to reveal their painstakingly curated new world through Sugar Honey Iced Tea! This collection, encompassing 13 pieces, audibly shapes a profound narrative of the Afro-American experience, addressing emotions from happiness to sorrow, closeness, despair, and unwavering determination, with a diverse range of feelings in between. From the inaugural melody, musclecars introduces an exploration of Afro-dystopia that guides the audience throughout the album, conjuring imagined futures forged from the necessity of self-preservation and the quest for self-discovery.
[Listen]
Vanilla Is Black: U.Aint.Neva.Lied! (R&B)
A collective channeling the spirited funk of Parliament fused with the experimental space reminiscent of the Gorillaz, Vanilla Is Black seeks to dismantle indifference, inspire rhythmic movement, and transform the industry by embracing its roots and propelling it into new dimensions. The ensemble, featuring Chuck Inglish, Kevin Roosevelt, and Kenneth Wright, may be familiar names individually, but together, they form a unique, unified presence. Their sound, a mosaic that defies genre classification, is a homemade soul concoction crafted for the masses. With the release of their initial EP, U.Aint.Neva.Lied!, the trio approaches the evolving industry with fresh eyes and curiosity, drawing on their accumulated wisdom and, above all, trusting their instincts.
[Listen]
Léa Mondo: Rising Woman - EP (R&B)
Léa Mondo, a young singer-songwriter and guitarist with origins in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and who has journeyed through Manchester before settling in North London, relishes in an array of eclectic musical influences. Her Rising Woman EP compiles a series of compositions penned between 2018 and 2023, encapsulating themes of revival and growth after being scorched by life’s challenges, the shedding of old layers, and embracing one’s truth.
[Listen]
Chara Kai-Le: KINTSUGI (Grief) [Indie Pop]
Chara Kai-Le, an indie art pop artist, presents an EP with “Part 1 - Grief”, the initial segment of a two-part cinematic conception album named KINTSUGI, which portrays the process of loss and subsequent healing through the lens of the Japanese philosophy of kintsugi. This concept invites appreciation for the inherent beauty in imperfection and a transformative view of what constitutes “brokenness” or “failure.”
[Listen]
Tendavillage: The Tenda Dimension (Funk)
Hailing from Canada, Tendavillage weaves a unique sound that bridges indie, R&B, and funk. Their latest extended play, The Tenda Dimension, is marked by Kate Melvina’s lead vocals and takes inspiration from diverse sources, including video games, personal heartaches, and the notion of The Simpsons’ Ralph Wiggum. Their music, both emotional and rhythmically engaging, promises an experience that’s as touching as it is danceable.
[Listen]
Struggle Mike: Honor (Hip-Hop)
A music producer, curator, record executive, and audio engineer from Buffalo, New York, Struggle Mike made his impactful debut at the end of 2019 with his first full-length album. He continued to build his reputation for consistency and eventually signed with Black Soprano Family Records, where he also took on the role of an A&R. His ninth studio album, Honor, features artists like Benny the Butcher, Planet Asia, Jeru the Damaja, and Rick Hyde. The album showcases a strong boom-bap influence typical of the label, with a touch of drumless tracks, primarily featuring in-house artists while also including a few well-known veterans and collaborators from previous projects.
[Listen]
The Luvmenauts: Ephemera (Funk)
The esteemed Canadian collective, The Luvmenauts, is poised to unveil their most recent opus, Ephemera, to a global audience. This oeuvre signifies a pivotal juncture in their musical journey, masterfully fusing unanticipated guitar motifs with elements of post-rock and synth-infused arrangements.
[Listen]
Mumu Fresh: The Healing (Hip-Hop/R&B)
The widely praised Afro-Indigenous singer, MC, songwriter, activist, workshop facilitator, and audio engineer Mumu Fresh has released her much-anticipated album titled The Healing. The album presents a diverse mix that includes a bit of hip-hop, R&B, and funk. It’s designed for listening and thorough enjoyment, addressing various facets of life as a Black woman, including love, relationships, and respect. Each track on the album offers a different vibe, ensuring that the music reaches a broad audience while still conveying profound themes.
[Listen]
The Supersoul Brothers: By the Way (Blues)
The Supersoul Brothers’ latest release, By the Way, introduces a distinct change in musical direction. From Pau, their sound is rich with melodic brilliance that invites comparisons to soul legends like Otis Redding and Lee Fields. Their new album showcases a fresh, delicate, and irresistibly danceable take on the R&B and Blues genre.
[Listen]
Mopiano: Lesson Learned (R&B)
Stockholm-based Mopiano, with roots in Gambia, has cultivated a sound that incorporates influences from Childish Gambino to Ludwig Göransson. His album Lesson Learned mixes pop, rock, indie, hip-hop, and R&B into a narrative about growth and the lessons gleaned from past mistakes. Songs such as “Wow” and “Love Is a Trap” showcase his eclectic approach to music-making before the album’s release.
[Listen]
BADBADNOTGOOD: Mid Spiral: Chaos (Jazz)
In a remarkable display of productivity this year, BADBADNOTGOOD has continued to press forward with their musical projects, culminating in their latest offering, Mid Spiral: Chaos. This project made available through XL Recordings and Innovative Leisure, marks a departure from their typical collaborative efforts as it is primarily an instrumental showcase. The group, known for their jazz-infused soundscapes, forgoes featured vocal accompaniments, a decision exemplified by their prior partnership with Baby Rose on Slow Burn, wherein her vocals complemented their music. This six-piece collection reaffirms the band’s ability to command an audience’s attention without the need for outside contributions.
[Listen]
Raz Fresco & Daniel Son: Northside (Hip-Hop)
The rapper-producer team of Daniel Son and Raz Fresco presents a new collaborative effort, Northside. This hip-hop album, consisting of ten meticulously crafted tracks, offers a combination of introspective lyrics, vivid storytelling, and unbridled vigor, making it a quintessential addition to the collections of genre enthusiasts.
[Listen]
Kirk Whalum: Epic Cool (Smooth Jazz)
Saxophone legend Kirk Whalum unveils Epic Cool, a dynamic album filled with original compositions. Collaborating with renowned producer Greg Manning, Whalum puts a spotlight on his songwriting, presenting an album that vibrates with passion and spirit. This release demonstrates Whalum’s unique ability to blend monumental energy with his signature soulful style.
[Listen]
Léonie Gray: Self ish (Pop/R&B)
In her latest offering, Self ish, Leonie Gray establishes herself as a force in the soul and R&B genre. While her voice is undeniably enchanting, there are moments throughout the album where her originality seems to echo rather than fully define itself. Gray’s work clearly showcases her admiration for notable artists such as Amy Winehouse and Duffy, and she manages to integrate their influence into her sound with a certain finesse. Though not groundbreaking, the album presents itself as a stable addition for any soul and R&B music collection and underscores Gray’s ability to evolve and carve out a distinct space for herself in the future.
[Listen]
Mutant Academy: Talk Soon - EP (Hip-Hop)
Originating from Richmond, Virginia, the rap group Mutant Academy has just unveiled their latest EP titled Talk Soon. The collective, initially formed by Fly Anakin and Henny L.O., now boasts a vibrant ensemble including Big Kahuna OG, Ohbliv, Graymatter, Foisey, ewonee, Sycho Sid, and Unlucky Bastards. This team brings to the table a distinct sound reminiscent of the ‘90s, blending soulful musical compositions with East Coast rap flows. Despite containing only four tracks, the EP impresses with its quality, ensuring each piece contributes to a fulfilling musical experience without any unnecessary additions.
[Listen]
Courtney Bell & Royce da 5’9”: Microdose (Hip-Hop)
Detroit native Courtney Bell, under the guidance of Royce da 5’9”, has evolved his musical perspective with Microdose. After focusing on his mental health, Bell returns with this album to share a fresh outlook on life and music. His previous works, including a debut album and mixtape, along with a notable collaboration, set the stage for this introspective and potentially life-affirming record.
[Listen]
Mike Shabb: Sewaside III (Hip-Hop)
Mike Shabb of Montréal, Québec, Canada, is set to complete his Sewaside trilogy by releasing his third mixtape. His signature drumless, jazzy beats are complemented by a selection of guests, creating a vivid depiction of Montréal’s street life.
[Listen]
Heem: Bars & Noble (Hip-Hop)
Buffalo, New York’s Heem, a protégé of Benny the Butcher, showcases his skills on Bars & Noble, his latest LP. Celebrating one year since his debut, Heem returns with a project grounded in boom-bap production, featuring a select group of collaborators who aid in paying homage to his earliest supporters.
[Listen]
Toucan: Don’t Understand Why - EP (R&B)
Irish soul sensation Conor Clancy, performing under the moniker Toucan, hails from Tramore in County Waterford. His latest four-track EP, Don’t Understand Why, beautifully highlights his exceptional vocal ability, tailor-made for soul music. This EP blends classic soul with a contemporary pop flair, creating a light, summery vibe that’s perfect for enjoying with a chilled beverage during a warm afternoon. It’s a refreshing listen that soul and pop music fans that should not miss.
[Listen]