Top 5 Album Releases of the Week

While some people want to get lit and party it up on the weekend, this week's New Music Friday picks prove that you don't have to go hard with your musical selections. Each of the new records push for fluid melodies, buttery vocals and songs that will ease you into a relaxing state. Tennis return with their fourth album, Yours Conditionally, while Valerie June drops her new record, Just in Time. The cast of Nashville prove that they're more than actors who can sing on The Music of Nashville: Season 5, Volume 1. And finally both Knox Hamilton and Jay Som release their debut LPs, The Heights and Everybody Works.

Find out more about this week's pics for Top 5 Album Releases of the Week below.

 

'Yours Conditionally' - Tennis

With International Women's Day just a few days ago, it seems Tennis' new record, Love Conditionally may be the right music to soundtrack the times.

Starting off their single, "Ladies Don't Play Guitar," Patrick Riley and Alaina Moore created a tongue-in-cheek tune that points out what women can do but embedded into a grooving mid-tempo rock beat. And it's that sound that runs as a theme throughout the record. While that has become a signature for the husband-and-wife duo, Love Conditionally has a lot to say lyrically. However between Alaina's delicate vocals and the 70s-esque melodies you're being schooled while relaxing with a refreshing drink. This is also really evident on "Modern Woman," "Don't Ruin This for Me" and "My Emotions Are Blinding." Tennis also throws in a sweet and romantic tune in "Matrimony." And if you're looking for some help with your vows, give these lyrics a listen. Perfect for unwinding, Love Conditionally is sonic perfection, and Tennis has another hit with this one.

 

'The Music of Nashville: Season 5, Volume 1' - The Cast of 'Nashville'

After ABC cancelled Nashville following its fourth season, the show's fans were not only shocked but completely saddened by the fact. However, a month later, CMT picked up the show and premiered its fifth season in December 2016. And now that the mid-season finale has just aired, the show naturally released its latest collection of songs from the last 11 episodes called The Music of Nashville: Season 5, Volume 1. While it's easy to say that the music on here is a solid body of work, the duets on the album prove why country music has such a big impact on people. The blending of voices on songs like "On My Way" by Hayden Panettiere and Jonathan Jackson or Clare Bowen and Sam Palladio's "All of Me" will show you what musical harmony is really like.

Connie Britton's final recording as Rayna James is on this record. Singing with Charles Esten, who plays her husband, Deacon Claybourne, perform the sweet and romantic ballad, "My Favorite Hurricane." And be sure to get your tissues ready for the heartbreaking "Sanctuary" sung by Charles and Lennon & Maisy, which is a tribute to Rayna, who died this season. Rhiannon Giddens, who has a guest starring role on this season's episode, also has a song on the record. As someone who isn't always in the front row at a country music gig, The Music of Nashville: Season 5, Volume 1 is a great album for anyone who's a fan of the show, wants an intro to the genre or just wants a new selection of good music.

 

'The Heights' - Knox Hamilton

While I promised a set of "easy listening" this week, you might be wondering why Knox Hamilton got thrown into the mix. While they are more of the pop-rock variety, their debut album, The Heights, is very hard to ignore.

With rolling guitars on their LP opener, "We Get Back" and "Work It Out," the Arkansas band knows how to combine rock music that, at times, can be anthemic with seamless harmonies. Then there's the quick-paced and harder "Sight for Sore Eyes" that will liven up the room every time it's played. But it's not all necessarily just big sounding epic songs, "Barely Missed You" and the album closer, "The Heights," show their softer sides. And yes, they are bittersweet tracks, but they are still nonetheless beautiful.

 

'Everybody Works' - Jay Som

Jay Som has been making waves for some time now with her EP, Turn Into, and has toured with the likes of Peter, Bjorn & John and Mitski. Now she's back with a new collections of songs that will make you feel like growing up won't be that bad.

Everybody Works takes us into this transitions through the eyes of the 22-year-old from Oakland, CA. While "1 Billion Dogs" is frenetic and a bit of a rager, most of the record showcases more of her airy vocals and lyrical honesty. Her single, "Babybee," is a great mix of guitar riffs and '90s pop nostalgia. And from the video above, it can also be a nice way to get to the mountains. If there's one song that seems to encompass what Jay Som wanted to accomplish on the record, it's the title track. Starting off with the lyrics, "I'm a good kid..." you hear her give us the low down of what we all are trying to do to survive in this crazy world.

 

'Just in Time' - Valerie June

Valerie June brought roots music to American and European ears with her hit album, Pushin' Against the Stone in 2013. And now she's finally back with her follow up to that record with Just in Time.

Utilizing a variety of instruments, making for somewhat of an orchestral ear explosion, you'll quickly move those sound layers away and focus on Valerie's vocals and what she has to say. With every song she penned for this record, Valerie creates a vehicle for us to look into ourselves and really think about the ideas we have and the life we've lived, especially on "Front Door" and "Slip Slide on By." She also goes into doing it with others on "With You." Listening to Just in Time is more than just a good time, but it can easily be a spiritual experience.

 

Get your new music fix any day of the week by visiting out New Music Friday page.

from Myspace - Editorial http://ift.tt/2nlyayl