This week, we've got some blasts from the past as well as some newer voices who will easily be heavy rotations on your playlist. Jamiroquai is back with their first album in years with Automation, while British Sea Power prove that their indie rock will never go out of style with Dancers Inherit the Party. Nelly Furtado has also returned with her new collection of dance-worthy tunes called Ride. Meanwhile Charlotte OC wears her heart on her sleeve with Careless People. And finally, Lydia Ainsworth blends haunting vocals and textured pop melodies on Darling of the Afterglow.
Find out more about this week's album picks below.
'Automation' - Jamiroquai
When we thought we'd never see Jay Kay, his dance moves and signature attire again, the Jamiroquai frontman and his crew are back with their first album in seven years, Automation.
While keeping that same soul and funk vibe they have always been known for, the album plays with more modern technology. The first two songs, "Shake It On" and the title track, sound like the London band have been taking some notes from groups like Kraftwerk and Daft Punk. However, as you make your way through the record, they go back to their roots with bass-soaked lines and hip-shaking tempos. The closing tune, "Carla," "Summer Girl" and "Cloud 9" have that throwback feel and will be regular plays at dance parties. Meanwhile, "Superfresh" is that track that can appeal to all generations and will be the best energy pickup for any soiree that's starting to lag. It may have taken Jamiroquai to come back with a new record. But after this one, taking their time was definitely the best course of action toward making new material.
'Ride' - Nelly Furtado
It's been some time since we've heard from Nelly Furtado — five years in fact! But in that time, it seems she's going into some new sonic territory.
While we first heard her pop folky tunes on Whoa Nelly! in 2000 and then her hip-hop swag on 2006's Loose, she's venturing into the more techie textures on her new album, The Ride.
MORE: Nelly Furtado is Now an Indie Artist, and You're Going to Love Her New Material
From the moment you hear the LP opener, "Cold Hard Truth," a number of songs on the record combine some electronic elements. It continues into songs like "Live" and "Sticks and Stones." But this doesn't mean she's walked away from sexy and vibey tunes like "Paris Sun" and the toe-tapping "Right Road." Although Nelly started off the track with a bang, she closes "The Ride" with the emotional and ethereal "Phoenix."
'Dancers Inherit the Party' - British Sea Power
British Sea Power have been bringing indie rock fans all over the globe some great records for over a decade, and now they're back with their 10th full-length album, Dancers Inherit the Party.
Filled with rolling guitars and heavy drums, there are number of anthems on this record including "The Voice of Ivy Lee" and noisy "Saint Jerome." While they lent themselves to the more soundtrack, atmospheric sounds on past records, the UK band wanted to get back to their roots by focusing on the songwriting. And with what's been recently happening in the world, they took the current social and political climate to pen tunes that still have that orchestral, epic feel but still ground themselves in strong lyrics that express the band's stance on a number of issues, which you hear on songs like "Praise for Whatever" and "International Space Station." But don't think that Dancers Inherit the Party are just a bunch of sound bangers. Tracks like "Alone Piano" and "Want to Be Free" will be nice breaks in between all the energy through the album.
'Careless People' - Charlotte OC
Charlotte OC doesn't sound like a bright-eyed newbie artist. After listening to her debut album, Careless People, the UK artist showcases a nice balance between youthful curiosity and seasoned wisdom.
A little Stevie Nicks mixed with some Bat for Lashes, she will not only make you listen to the trials and tribulations she's been through but also make you feel it to.
MORE: Charlotte OC Aims for Honesty on 'Careless People'
There's "Darkest Hour," which starts off sounding like Lana Del Rey but then builds into something much bigger. She then flexes her pop chops with "River" and the disco-esque "Running Back to You." Charlotte really pulls out all her big moves on this record, which explains why she wanted to take the two years to perfect Careless People. And she shows the sonic variety successfully. While this is her first full-length, it could easily be the third in her music catalog.
'Darling of the Afterglow' - Lydia Ainsworth
Following her 2014 debut album, Right From Real, Lydia Ainsworth is back with a new set of songs that will have you floating on air by the end of it.
Entitled Darling of the Afterglow, the composer, producer and songwriter brings us another album that brings together orchestral soundscapes and pop lyrics. Opening with "The Road," the dark melody makes you think it would nicely into the upcoming season of Game of Thrones while "Afterglow" is soaked in supple sounds that turn up the heat. "What Is It?" has a carnival-like quirk to it with piano-led melodies, and "Spinning" has hints of Spanish guitar and sounds like a tightly choreographed dance for your imagination to play with. The record ends with "Nighttime Watching," which is laden with sound effects and add a mechanical yet whimsical feel to the song.
Darling of the Afterglow has a cornucopia of musical tastes that show the Toronto musician's artistry and how far she's willing to take sound.
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