With his third major label album, Jackman, Jack Harlow departs from the supple boast that shaped his groundbreaking 2022 LP, Come Home the Kids Miss You. Instead, he pivots on the issue — specifically, on the opening track, “Common Ground,” that of whiteness. It’s a keen observation of how white participants in hip-hop mask themselves and are there but not often seen (or possibly vice versa). You don’t have to act on it. White rappers rapping about the state of white people in hip-hop are nothing new, and Harlow has addressed these themes on his previous releases. He raps on these topics with a mix of self-awareness and skepticism (though not wholly self-deprecating).But he’s starting to become a bigger mainstream rap star, so he’s no longer shrugging off conversations as if they don’t apply to him.John Caramanica
Jessie Ware “Freak Me Now”
British pop singer Jessie Ware pivoted to disco with her excellent 2020 album ‘What’s Your Pleasure?’, with an ecstatic follow-up ‘That! Feels Good!’ out Friday . The kinetic, house-influenced dancefloor anthem “Freak Me Now” is a highlight, and with its vampire demeanor and attention to sonic detail, Ware is in complete control of her vision. Shine, you’re a jewel, baby,” she purrs the verse. It’s as if an entire gathering of glistening, sweaty party-goers revolves around her confident stillness.Lindsay Zoraz
Four Tet “Three Drums”
Fresh off a raucous gig headlining Coachella once again with pals Skrillex and Fred, Kieran Hebden has released ‘Three Drums’. crowd. But that is the duality of Four Tet. “Three Drums” contrasts the textures of his live percussion with his gradations of otherworldly synths, creating a hypnotic composition that ebbs and flows like an ocean.Zoraz
Miguel “Give It To Me”
Miguel repeats one of his favorite modes in “Give It to Me”: cheating. He has a lot of chatter, like, “I’ll be your doctor, let me operate.” But he surrounds them with a Scoop DeVille-credited production that continues to dissolve and reshape around him, using synths and handclaps, hard rock guitar, and echoing back his voice. It’s like trying out all kinds of seduction strategies all at once.John Pareles
Joy Oradkun “Somebody Like Me”
Joy Oradkun says on ‘Somebody Like Me’ from new album Proof of Life, ‘I’ve seen even my best intentions turn into disaster/I’ve seen everything fall back’ says. It is a plea for comfort and support from friends and God. It is a confession, a rallying cry. “I’ve never been as honest as I’d like to be when I need help,” she adds. Her syncopated beats are steady, but she knows the sentiment is widely shared.pareles
Bebe Rexha & Dolly Parton “Seasons”
The folky “Seasons” is unexpected, because aging, loneliness and despair are not the usual ingredients of Bebe Rexha’s songs. Rexha’s duet with her partner Dolly makes it even more pronounced with her Parton appearance. They sing in close harmony throughout the song, with Lexa adapting her voice to share Parton’s feathery vibrato, while Parton is candid on the bridge. , why won’t anyone warn us?” she sings. “You live alone and you die alone.” Pareles
Three Clubmen “Aviatrix”
Andy Partridge, the often elusive co-founder XTCreappeared as 3 Clubmen with two longtime collaborators, Jen Olive and Stu Row. “Aviatrix” is a warped, meter-shifting, proudly eccentric pop extravaganza. The lyrics touch on historical and contemporary aviation, from “made like a bird out of canvas and sticks” to “your seat is a floating device”, while the music is percussion, flute, Saxophones, vocal harmonies, leads, and more keep piling up. Guitar — All wrapped up in a bouncy acoustic guitar lick that loops all the way through.pareles
Bill Orcutt “The Life of Jesus”
Guitarist Bill Orcutt has recorded in all sorts of configurations, from raucous punk to acoustic ruminations to taut, minimal electric ensembles. His new album Jump On It is back to solo acoustic guitar. “The Life of Jesus” promises stability at first, then steadily plays major chords. But halfway through, a line of ferocious dissonance exploded. When harmony returns, it looks much more fragile.pareles
Rob Moose “I Bend But Never Break” Featuring Brittany Howard
Founder of chamber music group yMusic, violinist Rob Moose has hundreds of credits, including Miley Cyrus, Sufjan Stevens, Bon Iver, Arcade Fire, John Legend, Phoebe Bridgers, and Alabama Shakes. Among them, he is a ubiquitous studio musician and string arranger. Alabama Shakes leader Brittany Howard is returning the favor with her song “I Bend But Never Break,” which will appear on her Moose EP, “Inflorescence,” due out in August. Howard sings about seeking and claiming strength to overcome obstacles and hardships. As her solo testimony gives way to choral affirmation, she’s backed by a lush, cello-rich, harmonically complex string ensemble.pareles
