Wednesday Roundups #70: 25 Albums/EPs You Should Listen to In Your Spare Time
Wednesday Roundups #70: 25 Albums/EPs You Should Listen to In Your Spare Time
Stream releases from Yolanda Adams, Jordin Sparks, Fousheé, Talib Kweli/J. Rawls, Terrace Martin, Bathe, Lou Val, Alex Jean, Nilüfer Yanya, Joba, Pia Mia, Hulvey, A-Reece, Wakai, ALANA HIL, 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 Yolanda Adams, Jordin Sparks, Fousheé, Talib Kweli/J. Rawls, Terrace Martin, Bathe, Lou Val, Alex Jean, Nilüfer Yanya, Joba, Pia Mia, Hulvey, A-Reece, Wakai, ALANA HIL, Lady Blackbird, Phiik/Lungs, Toi, The Lasso/The Go Rounds, Old City, Jay Worthy/MadeInTYO, Jamal Gasol/Sayzee, Reuben Aziz, Allysha Joy, and Aaron Thomas.
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.
Yolanda Adams: Sunny Days (Gospel)
After a 13-year hiatus, iconic gospel singer Yolanda Adams has returned with a powerful new single called “Church Doors.” The track serves as the lead offering from her forthcoming album, Sunny Days, which is heavily produced by the legendary duo Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis. The four-time Grammy winner’s robust vocals shine against a lively backdrop of spirited handclaps and harmonious choir accompaniment, delivering a message of gratitude and praise.
[Listen]
Jordin Sparks: No Restrictions (Pop/R&B)
Jordin Sparks is confidently striding towards the unveiling of her latest full-length record, titled No Restrictions. “Remember,” the lead single from the upcoming album, has already paved the way for this exciting new chapter in Sparks’ musical career. Sparks acknowledged the unwavering support of her dedicated fanbase, recognizing that they have grown together throughout her musical journey. The album boasts exciting collaborations with esteemed artists such as T-Pain, Stonebwoy, and Shawn Stockman, adding an extra layer of magic to select tracks.
[Listen]
Fousheé: Pointy Heights (Alternative)
The LP Pointy Heights draws its name from the land her grandfather acquired in Jamaica. Fousheé envisions a place where her entire family could construct homes and reside together. With this album, Fousheé veers away from the high-energy R&B-punk style of her acclaimed previous work, softCORE, crafting an entirely fresh sonic palette. Pointy Heights represents a dramatic shift by an artist who renders genres obsolete, offering an adventurous and melodically fascinating record. The album pulses with vibrant basslines, shimmering guitar riffs, and dynamic, crisp drum sounds, all anchored by Fousheé’s underrated songwriting, a hallmark since her debut project, Time Machine, released three years prior.
[Listen]
Talib Kweli & J. Rawls: The Confidence of Knowing (Hip-Hop)
Talib Kweli and J. Rawls released their collaborative album, The Confidence of Knowing, through the distribution of Javotti Media and Fat Beats. The record boasts an impressive lineup of guest features, including appearances by Blu, Jimetta Rose, TriState, Coast Contra, Buckshot, Skyzoo, Ras Kass, IDK, Planet Asia, Phil the Agony, Georgia Anne Muldrow, Diani, NIKO IS, Solene, and Middle Child across its 13 tracks.
[Listen]
Terrace Martin: Nintindo Soul (R&B)
Multi-instrumentalist Terrace Martin releases his latest album, Nintindo Soul, building upon last year’s I Left My Heart in Ladera. The album incorporates beats and includes contributions from artists like Cautious Clay. Leveraging his broad background in jazz and hip-hop, Martin delivers a diverse range of sounds in this release.
[Listen]
Bathe: Inside Voice(s): Side A [R&B]
The duo behind I’ll Miss You and Bicoastal return after three years.
[Listen]
Lou Val: Pivot// (R&B)
Lou Val follows up 2022’s Goûter with a diverse LP.
[Listen]
Alex Jean: More Than Gold - EP (Christian Hip-Hop)
More Than Gold represents a continuation of Alex Jean’s journey in the music industry, particularly within the Christian rap genre (often mixing Afropop). This EP includes contributions from other artists like Caleb Gordon, indicating a collaborative spirit usually appreciated in music projects for adding diverse vocal textures and lyrical perspectives.
[Listen]
Nilüfer Yanya: My Method Actor (Alternative)
Nilüfer Yanya’s third album, My Method Actor, elevates her status as one of the most commanding forces in British rock today. Building upon the brooding intensity of her previous release, Painless, Yanya’s latest work showcases growth in her songwriting, richer arrangements, and more impactful vocals. Recorded in an insulated environment with collaborator Wilma Archer, the album’s focused production allows for a more intimate and meticulously crafted sound that rewards repeated listens.
[Listen]
Joba: Russell Boring (Alternative)
Joba has finally unveiled his highly anticipated full-length solo debut, Russell Boring. As a founding member of the now-defunct collective BROCKHAMPTON, Joba’s musical capabilities were briefly showcased in his 2015 debut single, “Sad Saturdays.” Throughout the 9-track, 30-minute album, his production seamlessly fuses elements of art pop, art rock, piano rock, progressive pop, and baroque pop.
[Listen]
Pia Mia: Anti Romantica (Pop/R&B)
With nearly a decade of chart-topping hits and billions of streams under her belt, Anti Romantica from Pia Mia presents a long-awaited debut album as she steps into the spotlight as a solo artist, unveiling her authentic self on her terms. Produced by the Grammy-nominated duo The Futuristics (known for their work with Lady Gaga, Halsey, and Selena Gomez), it promises to present Pia Mia in a new light—radiant, fearless, and overflowing with unadulterated genuineness.
[Listen]
Hulvey: Cry (Christian Hip-Hop)
Hulvey’s sophomore album, Cry, offers 17 tracks encouraging embracing vulnerability as a sacred path to deepening one’s relationship with God. The album’s acronym, ‘Communion, Reflection, and Yearning,’ represents the overall message conveyed throughout the project. Hulvey hopes that listeners find comfort in these songs, recognizing that their tears are a powerful expression of their spiritual journey and that God knows, loves, and desires to walk with them.
[Listen]
A-Reece: Kill the King: The Mixtape (Hip-Hop)
A-Reece decides to let his bars speak for themselves with his latest mixtape.
[Listen]
Wakai: They Ain’t Want Us - EP (Hip-Hop)
Wakai releases an appetizer before a full-course meal for his fans.
[Listen]
ALANA HIL: Me. (R&B)
ALANA HIL releases a soulful monster with her debut record.
[Listen]
Lady Blackbird: Slang Spirituals (Jazz/Soul)
A standout figure in the jazz scene, Lady Blackbird unveils her second studio album, showcasing primarily her original pieces. Following the praise garnered by her debut album, Black Acid Soul, this new release is set to solidify her position as an emerging talent in modern jazz.
[Listen]
Phiik & Lungs: Carrot Season (Hip-Hop)
Phiik and Lungs released their album Carrot Season through POW Recordings. This album features 20 tracks, showcasing a collaboration where Phiik’s and Lung’s lyrical styles merge with production entirely handled by OLASEGUN. The album includes contributions from various artists from the East Coast underground hip-hop scene, such as YL, AKAI SOLO, Wavy Bagels, Michael Christmas, Lord Jah-Monte Ogbon, Homeboy Sandman, and Fatboi Sharif.
[Listen]
Toi: Waves (R&B)
Toi’s new album, Waves, showcases the band’s creative growth and willingness to embrace fresh musical directions. Honest and heartfelt, the songs reflect the band’s experiences and life lessons learned over the years since their early days. From the infectious groove of “Get to Know You” to the introspective reminders in “Slow Down” and “Fly On,” the album offers a mix of Toi’s signature modern soul sound infused with old-school funk and R&B while also venturing into unexplored sonic territories.
[Listen]
The Lasso & The Go Rounds: Petal Steel (R&B)
The Lasso teams up with the Go Rounds to deliver Pedal Steel. We felt the same way if you think the collaboration feels weird on paper, but it surprisingly works.
[Listen]
Old City: S/T (Hip-Hop)
Old City’s self-titled debut album fearlessly shatters genre conventions, fusing punk rock grit with hip-hop’s timeless lyricism. Producer Justin Mayer and MC/lyricist Tr38cho (pronounced Tre-Ocho) meticulously craft a collage of hundreds of punk samples, drawing comparisons to trailblazers like Run The Jewels, DJ Shadow, and The Avalanches. This innovative fusion forges a unique musical identity that blends skatepunk, hardcore, jazz, and classical elements.
[Listen]
Jay Worthy & MadeInTYO: Time After Time (Hip-Hop)
Jay Worthy joins forces with rapper, singer, and producer MadeInTYO for their newly released collaborative project, Time After Time. MadeInTYO’s production leans heavily into jazz influences and often forgoes drums, creating a distinct atmosphere. Lyrically, he and Worthy exhibit an engaging chemistry throughout the concise 24-minute runtime of Time After Time.
[Listen]
Jamal Gasol & Sayzee: Smoke Wave (Hip-Hop)
Jamal Gasol and Sayzee delivered eleven songs worth of Grade-A hip-hop.
[Listen]
Reuben Aziz: How Did We End Up Here? (R&B)
Reuben Aziz has unveiled his highly anticipated debut mixtape, How Did We End Up Here? The project is a deeply personal reflection on the past six or seven years of his life, chronicling his journey from his hometown of Southampton to pursuing his musical dreams in London. Throughout the mixtape, Aziz grapples with themes of love, loneliness, and the challenges of chasing success while staying true to oneself.
[Listen]
Allysha Joy: The Making of Silk (R&B)
Allysha Joy has released her self-produced album, The Making of Silk, on First Word Records. The Australian vocalist’s latest offering epitomizes her hometown’s eclectic musical approach, seamlessly fusing elements of soul, jazz, R&B, and club music. This impressive collection of songs revolves around the central theme of love in various forms. Through her music, Joy advocates for a love rooted in compassion, open communication, and attentive listening—a love that thrives in pursuing social change and encouraging personal growth.
[Listen]
Aaron Thomas: Him (R&B)
Aaron Thomas released a ten-track solid R&B project.
[Listen]
Bonus: Skip Waiters: The Human Experience (Hip-Hop)
Skip Waiters released a banger with The Human Experience. Unafraid of vulnerability, he candidly shares past experiences and uses his voice to address pressing issues like mental health and racial injustice. Skip’s wordplay subverts conventional hip-hop tropes in a musical environment saturated with trap and melodic rap, offering a refreshing perspective featuring Faiza, ICECOLDBISHOP, and WESTSIDE BOOGIE.
[Listen]
Bonus: Khaliyah X: What’s My Name? (R&B)
Over a six-month period, Chicago-born artist Khaliyah X devoted herself to the studio, crafting her debut mixtape, What’s My Name? and channeling raw emotion and spontaneity into the music. Reflecting on her personal experiences from 2022 to 2023, the project blends elements of timeless R&B, pop, and soul. Through this mixtape, Khaliyah expresses her healing, growth, and self-discovery.
[Listen]
Bonus: JSWISS: You Never Really Know (Hip-Hop)
Five years after his last solo project, rapper JSWISS returns with a new album that features an impressive roster of collaborators. Renowned for his insightful lyrics and ability to blend different musical styles, this 13-track collection is already attracting attention within the hip-hop community.
[Listen]