Looking Back: 

Barbie The Album by various artists

The blockbuster movie of the summer brought along an equally iconic soundtrack full of pizzazz and personality served on a pink platter. To say this album features a long list of heavy hitters would be an understatement, with astounding performances from Dua Lipa, Tame Impala, Khalid and many more. The project spreads far across genres, jumping from Ice Spice and Nicki Minaj’s “Barbie Girl” trap remix “Barbie World” to Billie Eilish’s somber ballad “What Was I Made For?” Surprisingly cohesive despite the genre switches, each song harnesses Barbie’s aura with flair and fierceness. Full of groovy pop hits, Barbie’s soundtrack serves the world’s favorite artists in honor of the world’s favorite doll.  

Space Heavy by King Krule

The prince of melancholy returns, delivering one of the most lyrically and sonically potent albums of the year. The British jazz rock extraordinaire experiments sonically throughout the album with deep guitar riffs, sporadic bursts of saxophone and complex drum patterns that aid Krule’s signature despondent vocal delivery. Lyrically, Krule explores the ways in which he and others distance themselves from the world around them and how that empty space can be debilitating. The title track “Space Heavy” exemplifies this as Krule laments on his detachment from an ex-lover, culminating with a climactic guitar solo that should’ve been much longer. This makes for the perfect album to contemplate while introspectively smoking a cigarette and watching the sunset.

The Age of Pleasure by Janelle Monáe

Summer vibes officially flew off the charts when Grammy-nominated R&B superstar Janelle Monáe dropped her newest project since 2018. With layered harmonies and vibrant tropical undertones, Monáe’s gorgeous voice embarks on a Caribbean joyride of passion and pleasure. Focusing on themes of love, sex and celebration, Monáe embraces a life of pleasure and oozes with confidence and moxie. “Champagne Shit” stands out as the best example of this as Monáe reflects on her past struggles to reach her current status, realizing she deserves to be on her “champagne shit” over a gorgeous looping melody and multi-brass instrumental. The Age of Pleasure makes for the perfect album to enjoy on the beach tanning with a tropical drink in hand. 

Like..? (Deluxe) by Ice Spice

Racking up countless hits with audacious bars and addictive beats by Riot USA, Ice Spice began dominating the mainstream not even a year after her first hit “Munch (Feelin’ U).” The deluxe offers a delightful extension of Spice’s debut album, full of danceable bangers with fast paced trap drums and deep 808s. Spice embodies an unmatched confidence and realness in her flows, full of viral taglines backed by sporadic ad libs. Even exploring beyond her Bronx drill sound, “How High?” makes a refreshing addition to the deluxe album with a beautifully melodic performance over a textured beat full of reverb. 

Looking Forward:

everything is alive by Slowdive

Their first album in six years, shoegaze group Slowdive will return Sept. 1 with their fifth studio album, “everything is alive.” The project will include two singles already available to stream, titled “skin in the game” and “kisses.”

The Land Is Inhospitable and So Are We by Mitski

Off the heels of her acclaimed 2022 album Laurel Hell, indie singer-songwriter Mitski announced her seventh studio album in July. Though the album does not currently have a release date, the album’s melancholic lead single “Bug Like an Angel” introduced the album earlier this summer. 

softscars by yeule

Ambient-pop artist yeule will release their third studio album Sept. 22. The Singaporean producer will also take the stage at this year’s Levitation festival in October.