If there's on thing that links all of this week's new album picks, it's that element of soul. Alicia Keys finally returns to the mic and piano with her new album, Here, while Common follows up his 2014 record, Nobody's Smiling, with Black America Again. Nathan Sykes shows his growth — both musically and personally — on Unfinished Business. France's up-and-coming DJ export, Kungs, drops his debut album, Layers. Then finally, Nouvelle Vague blend the old and new on their latest LP, I Could Be Happy.
Find out more about this week's new album release picks below.
'Here' - Alicia Keys
After four years of keeping a low-ish profile, having a child, doing philanthropy work and just living life, Alicia Keys is finally back with her new musical masterpiece, Here. The follow-up to Girl on Fire, Alicia aims to sing about the bigger issues on the new record.
While she's doled out hits like "Superwoman" and "Girl on Fire," which celebrate the amazing abilities of females throughout the world, she continues this conversation as well as touch on other society ills and issues on "Here." Alicia follows the journey of one female from naive girl to grown woman in "She Don’t Really Care_1 Luv." Meanwhile, she reveals the ups and downs of building her family with husband Swizz Beatz in "Blended Family," which features a verse form A$AP Rocky. She explores the evolution of a relationship with "In Common." Then there's "Holy War." With acoustic guitar laying the melodic foundation, you can really listen to Alicia's plea to stop the hate, ignorance and prejudice. And between the powerful tenderness in her vocals, you're moved to start making changes in your own life.
I once heard Clive Davis say, years ago, that you never tell Alicia Keys what to sing, and it's obvious why he and I believe that. Here isn't only Alicia's comeback record, it's also her own way of fighting the good fight for peace and love.
'Black America' - Common
While Common hasn't really stopped making music, his latest album feels like a comeback more than just a follow up to his last LP, 2014's Nobody's Smiling. And it isn't because that record wasn't good, because it is. However, his latest effort, Black America Again, is dropping at the best time it could ever have been released.
With the Presidential Election only days away, Common brings to light everything from police brutality and the overpopulation of prisons to institutionalized racism and the increase of violence in the US against the black community. And since he's considered a master when it comes to lyrics, the 44-year-old Chicago rapper and actor doesn't only have a flow but also delivers in a beautifully eloquent way. The title track relays all America's ills at the moment, while "The Day Women Took Over" celebrates females from all walks of life. And if you thought Common wouldn't take aim at Donald Trump, think again as you listen to "Letter to the Free."
'Unfinished Business' - Nathan Sykes
Nathan Sykes may be new to most. However if you were a big follower of the British pop scene, you'll know that he was 1/5 of The Wanted, which had their own claims to fame in the US and across the pond. But even though he was part of that group, it was pretty obvious early on that he'd be one of those pop singers who could make it on his own. And following The Wanted's hiatus announcement in 2014, here were are in 2016 with Nathan's debut solo effort, Unfinished Business.
The 12-track record is filled with songs that are will make you want to dance, fall in love and potentially tear up. With vocals that are layered with R&B influences, Nathan lets his pipes run wild on the doo-wop ballad "Famous" and wedding-friendly "Over and Over Again," which he did a duet version with ex-girlfriend Ariana Grande. They may no longer be together, but it's clear that they're vocally meant to be. He gets the party started with "Give It Up," his collab with G-Eazy that also samples Blackstreet's 1996 ballad, "Don't Leave Me Girl." What makes Unfinished Business a great debut effort though is the fact that Nathan opened himself to a variety of sonic styles like the horn-heavy "Freedom," the gospel-esque "Good Things Come to Those Who Wait" and flirty big band track, "Kiss Me Quick." Perfect for the teenyboppers looking for a new star to swoon over as well as those who can't help but love a nice feel good hook.
'Layers' - Kungs
Electronic music has hit a point in its lifespan where it's evolving into things that older DJs and producers only used to imagine. And now there's a generation of young and creatively eager EDM artists who are turning their bedrooms into their own studios. One of those artists is Kungs.
Hailing from France, the 19- (soon to be 20-) year-old artist started off as a kid with djembe and now is doing the music fest circuit. And now he's ready to release his repertoire to the masses with Layers. Including his hit, "This Girl, featuring Cookin' On 3 Burners," he blends pop and funk melodies with elements of tropical and deep house. He also brings on some interesting vocalists into the album like Jamie N Commons on his single, "Don't You Know," Luke Pritchard on "Melody" and Grace Kelly on "When You're Gone." Though many of the tracks have a similar flair, Kungs tosses in "Bangalore Streets," which feels like a curve ball, but one you'll be glad you caught.
'I Could Be Happy' - Nouvelle Vague
To some people, Bossa Nova may sound a lot like the music your grandparents listened to or a default ringtone on your smartphone. However, Nouvelle Vague bring this musical style to life on their new album, I Could Be Happy. Following their 2010 album, Couleurs sur Paris, the French group breathe new life into some classic punk and post-punk tunes.
Their slowed down and sassy version of The Ramones' "I Wanna Be Sedated" is a bit of a mind fuck. But once you open yourself up to how unusual it sounds compared to frenetic original, it's a one you won't want to stop listening to. They transform "I Could Be Happy" by Altered Images into a sweet serenade, while The Cure's "All Cats Are Grey" is like an ethereal lullaby. Nouvelle Vauge also include a number of original tunes — sung in French, of course. If you're looking for something quirky, fun and majorly different, I Could Be Happy is the way to go.
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