Wednesday Roundups #67: 18 Albums/EPs You Should Listen to In Your Spare Time
Wednesday Roundups #67: 18 Albums/EPs You Should Listen to In Your Spare Time
Stream releases from LARA', Eric Benét, Vanessa Williams, Karen Clark Sheard, Heems, PlayThatBoiZay, Jourden, Felix Ames, The Harlem Gospel Travelers, Thee Heart Tones, X-Raided, 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 LARA’, Eric Benét, Vanessa Williams, Karen Clark Sheard, Heems, PlayThatBoiZay, Jourden, Felix Ames, The Harlem Gospel Travelers, Thee Heart Tones, X-Raided, Avery*Sunshine, Planet Asia, Xavier Omär & Elhae, Forest Claudette, Hamzaa, NanaBcool, and Leslie Perez.
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.
LARA’: Luvology (R&B)
The artist, known off-stage as Eimaral Sol, brings a unique blend of influences from legendary figures like Erykah Badu, Amy Winehouse, and Ella Fitzgerald, which is evident in her eclectic style. Luvology consists of 15 tracks showcasing LARA’s ability to tie in narratives around love, self-acceptance, and societal progression through her music, produced by BLK ODYSSY.
[Listen]
Eric Benét: Duets - EP (R&B)
The release of Duets has been anticipated as Eric Benét’s first project since his 2016 self-titled album, filling a gap of nearly eight years without new music from the artist. This EP not only serves as a treat for fans but also sets the stage for a full-length album expected in early 2025, which will expand on the duet concept with even more tracks. The production of the EP involves notable names like Laney Stewart and mentions of Tricky Stewart, who helped facilitate the collaboration with Tamar Braxton, Ledisi, Chanté Moore, LaTacha, and Corinne Bailey Rae, indicating a high caliber of musical craftsmanship behind the scenes.
[Listen]
Vanessa Williams: Survivor (Pop/Dance/R&B)
Vanessa Williams returns with Survivor, which includes 14 tracks that traverse through various genres, reflecting Williams’s versatility as an artist. The album features collaborations with artists like Trixie Mattel and even includes contributions from her daughter, Jillian Hervey (as LION BABE), illustrating a blend of legacy and modernity.
[Listen]
Karen Clark Sheard: Still Karen (Gospel)
Karen Clark Sheard is back after 14 years since her last studio album. Still, Karen bridges her essential works, Finally Karen and Second Chance, by blending worship, urban contemporary music, and powerful ballads into a fresh yet nostalgic sound. She brings together a roster of notable producers and artists from Karen’s past and present. Key figures like Mano Hanes, J Moss, J Drew Sheard II, and Donald Lawrence have contributed, ensuring the album retains the essence of Sheard’s signature style while introducing new sounds from the likes of Anthony Brown, Anita Wilson, Charles Jenkins, and her daughter Kierra Sheard. Notably, Pharrell Williams, a 13-time Grammy Award winner, steps in as one of the executive producers, adding a contemporary edge to the album.
[Listen]
Heems: Veena (Hip-Hop)
Named after his mother, Veena is Heems’ second album of the year, following Lafandar, tackling themes of diaspora, identity, and the intergenerational impacts of partition, particularly evident in “Manto” featuring Vijay Iyer. This album sees him collaborating with a range of artists, including Navz-47, who features on the track “Flowers,” marking her as the first signee to Heems’ Veena label. The production on Veena is handled by Sid Vashi, except for one track, bringing a cohesive yet diverse sonic palette that ranges from traditional South Asian sounds to contemporary hip-hop beats, embodying the fusion that Heems has become known for.
[Listen]
PlayThatBoiZay: VIP (Hip-Hop)
PlayThatBoiZay’s ability to blend high-energy rage rap with more nuanced, agile, lyrical performances is evident on VIP. Featuring collaborations with notable artists like Denzel Curry, A$AP Rocky, JPEGMAFIA, Kenny Mason, and Mike Dimes, this project offers everything from ethereal soundscapes to heavy, pulsating beats.
[Listen]
Jourden: Straight, No Chase - EP (Hip-Hop/R&B)
This debut project from Jourden introduces us to a blend of sounds, showcasing Jourden’s versatility in music production and her lyrical agility. The EP features tracks that oscillate between ethereal soundscapes and more robust, pulsating beats, highlighting her ability to navigate different musical styles effectively.
[Listen]
Felix Ames: Feel the Past, See the Future - EP (R&B)
Felix Ames’ latest EP, which follows his debut album JENA, continues to explore themes reminiscent of 70s soul music, aiming to connect listeners with nostalgia and forward-thinking vibes.
[Listen]
The Harlem Gospel Travelers: Rhapsody (Soul)
The Harlem Gospel Travelers is here for the soul. This LP marks a continuation of the group’s discography into gospel music, infusing it with elements from soul and funk, reflecting an era where gospel began to blend with more secular sounds. The album, which follows their well-received 2021 release Look Up!, dives into a collection of tracks that reinterpret gospel funk from the Numero Group catalog, showcasing the group’s ability to put a fresh spin on these classics.
[Listen]
Thee Heart Tones: Forever & Ever (Soul)
This debut album from the Hawthorne, California-based group, released under Big Crown Records, brings a fresh yet nostalgic take on Chicano Soul. The album’s tracks range from energetic beats to soulful ballads, showcasing the band’s versatility and commitment to the genre. “Forever & Ever” and “Don’t Take Me as a Fool” have been noted for their impactful vocals and rhythmic intensity, while covers including “Sabor a Mi” demonstrate the band’s ability to pay homage to classic sounds while making them their own.
[Listen]
X-Raided: A Sin In Heaven (Hip-Hop)
X-Raided’s continued career in the music industry after his significant life changes, including his release from prison and signing with Strange Music on A Sin In Heaven. The album, which features collaborations with artists like Tech N9ne, KXNG Crooked, and others, explores themes of redemption, struggle, and personal evolution.
[Listen]
Avery*Sunshine: So Glad to Know You (R&B)
This collection of twelve tracks, clocking in at just under forty minutes, showcases a blend of styles that reflect Avery*Sunshine’s personal growth and artistic evolution.
[Listen]
Planet Asia: Trust the Chain II (Hip-Hop)
Trust the Chain II showcases Planet Asia’s consistent lyrical ability paired with 38 Spesh’s rich and varied production. The album kicks off with “Checking Traps,” setting a tone of success and prosperity, and “Inertia” offers a more reflective take on life’s purpose.
[Listen]
Xavier Omär & Elhae: Truth Be Told - EP (R&B)
The EP includes the track “Luv 4 U,” which follows their previous successful collaboration, “Favourite,” indicating their continued themes centered around love and relationships.
[Listen]
Forest Claudette: & Stone Between - EP (Alternative)
This three-track collection includes the singles “Moonlight,” “2AM,” and “Press On Me,” each offering a different facet of Claudette’s artistry.
[Listen]
Hamzaa: 25! - EP (R&B)
Hamzaa is back with a three-piece appetizer that is full of treats.
[Listen]
NanaBcool: Birds (Long Distance) - EP [R&B]
With Birds (Long Distance), NYC’s own NanaBcool takes listeners on a dance-infused Alt-R&B adventure. After gaining recognition through support shows for Wale and Aminé and endorsements from platforms such as Soulection, he presents a polished blend of R&B, hip hop, and soul that pays homage to his Ghanaian heritage. The project highlights his seamless transitions between rap and melody, showcasing his control over tempo in every song.
[Listen]
Leslie Perez: Echo - EP (R&B)
Leslie Perez released her Echo EP following a successful Kickstarter crowdfunding. If you’re down for some Christian R&B, give this a spin.
[Listen]