Run the Jewels – RTJ 3
After surprising fans on Christmas Eve with the release of
RTJ 3, it took supporters of hip-hops most dynamic duo in years to digest the
heaviness of what the third part of their album trilogy featured. RTJ 3 does
not hit you in the face the way its predecessor did but instead, it makes you
feel the weight of the dense content even more than anything Killer Mike and
El-P have done before. With contributions from Zach de la Rocha, Danny Brown,
Kamasi Washington, Tunde Adebimpe and others, this record is a samurai slicing
up the word of music, politics, and social issues.
FINAL GRADE: A+
The xx – I See You
The third record from the British electronic and ambient
trio hears them getting funky. I See You is the most fun-sounding xx record and
an album that makes them change direction while sticking to their original
ethos.
FINAL GRADE: A
Nine Inch Nails – Not The Actual Events EP
An EP of brand new NIN material came as 2016 was coming to
an end but with it, it helped bring a touch of aggression and passion into the
new year.
FINAL GRADE: A
David Bowie – No Plans EP
On what would have been his 70th birthday, David
Bowie’s estate released the final three songs he ever recorded along with his
song “Lazarus” in an EP. The music was featured in the Lazarus musical he
penned and is his final parting gift to fans.
FINAL GRADE: A
The Flaming Lips – Oczy Mlody
The most inspiring psychedelic band America has
ever-exported returns with a record that makes listeners feel as if they are
touching the furthest layers of the sun. It is lush, cinematic , and their best
record in years. The fearless freaks are back and it seems as if they are
charting new territory.
FINAL GRADE: A-
Childish Gambino – Awaken, My Love
Take everything you know of Childish Gambino and throw it
out the window. The Atlanta rapper is back but this time takes more inspiration
from Prince and George Clinton than he does the dirty south and indie rock.
This is without a doubt his musical masterpiece and proves to the doubters he
is serious about what he is doing
FINAL GRADE: A-
J. Cole – 4 Your Eyes Only
People ragged on Cole for once again putting out an album of
no features – but the Queens via North Carolina rapper is out to prove he
doesn’t give a fuck what you think. Producing, writing, and rapping his own
pen, Cole tells the story of what it is like for black youth in America in the
age of Donald Trump as president. It is impactful, powerful, and should be
celebrated.
FINAL GRADE: A-
Pete Rock / Smoke DZA – Don’t Smoke Rock
If today’s generation wants to know if the old school have
still got it – send them the collab album of Pete Rock and Smoke DZA. The 90s
glory days feel is one that will have you playing this over and over again.
FINAL GRADE: A-
Priests – Nothing Feels Natural
The Washington, D.C. indie rockers are leaving their mark
with their brilliant debut. The punks give the feel of the Pixies, Sonic Youth,
and Breeders all in one as their female empowerment songs resonate more than
ever in this day and age as the orange one will become president.
FINAL GRADE: A-
Bonobo – Migration
After years of becoming a club and crowd favorite, Bonobo
releases his more realized record to date. Migration is a focused and appeals
to his hardcore fans, casual listeners, and new audience.
FINAL GRADE: B+
The Lox – Filthy America… It’s Beautiful
The Lox return after a 16 year hiatus and pick up where they
left off. Their latest is a throwback to late 90s gangsta rap that helped
launch the Ruff Ryders, The Firm, and early RocaFella.
FINAL GRADE: B+
Kid Cudi – Passion, Pain and Demon Slayin
After the tumultuous year that Cudi had in 2016, checking
into a mental health facility, a public battle with Kanye West, and trying to
help himself – Cudi came back with his finest album. His latest features a slew
of artists including Andre 3000, Pharrell, Willow Smith, and others but it is
his personal stories and accounts that make the record shine.
FINAL GRADE: B
Austra – Future Politics
The third album from the Canadian indie rockers hears them sticking
to their roots. As nothing new comes out of this, in terms of style, longtime
fans will eat it up.
FINAL GRADE: B
Frank Carter and the Rattlesnakes – Modern Ruin
The former Gallows frontman returns with his second
sophomore album and Modern Ruin is a straight up, rip-roaring rock and roll
record in an era when we need them the most.
FINAL GRADE: B
Cloud Nothings – Life Without Sound
The Ohio indie rock outfit returns with their third record
and still brings the noise as there garage sound adds more fuzz, fuss, and
funk.
FINAL GRADE: B
Bash and Pop – Anything Can Happen
Over 20 years since Tommy Stinson has brought Bash and Pop
out of the back door of his mind and into the forefront, he and the band return
with a record of catchy rock riffs and singalong songs – would you expect
anything else?
FINAL GRADE: B-
Foxygen – Hang
The California indie rock stars return with their biggest
sounding record to date. Trading the slacker sound they have been accustomed
to, they went for big and powerful. With the help of Flaming Lips' Steven
Drozd, Matthew E. White, the Lemon Twigs, a 40-plus-piece symphony orchestra,
Foxygen are making a statement.
FINAL GRADE: B-
Major Lazer – Music is the Weapon
Diplo and his team of Caribbean counterparts get the party
started again with a slew of more radio ready tracks and good vibes.
FINAL GRADE: B-
AFI – (The Blood Album)
AFI are still going strong and still creating fantastic live
performances. As they need an excuse to hit the road, they released (The Blood
Album), which like almost all of their records since Crash Love, takes itself
too serious and doesn’t live up to the full potential that they are capable of
cranking out. That being said, it is still a decent record but longtime fans of
the band are going to be disappointed, as the new wave of listeners will be
impressed.
FINAL GRADE: C+