May has seen a flood of new releases, including third studio albums from Billie Eilish and Dua Lipa, along with Frank Turner's tenth. Not to be overlooked by debut offerings from Rachel Chinouriri, and new albums from the likes of Ibibio Sound Machine, Kamasi Washington, Kings of Leon, and The Lemon Twigs!
Check out our quick guide to albums you might have missed this past month.
Billie Eilish - Hit Me Hard and Soft
"Hit Me Hard and Soft" is the third studio album by American singer-songwriter Billie Eilish and her brother Finneas, released 17 May, 2024. Marking her first full-length studio album since the 2021 release of "Happier Than Ever." Expanding their signature dark sound, the album is ambitious and honest. Eilish is said to have drawn inspiration from Coldplay's "Viva La Vida" and Vince Staples' "Big Fish Theory." The album delves into falling out of love with a narcissist and experiencing love with a woman for the first time. Tracks like "Skinny" hint at the struggles of fame, while songs like "Lunch" and "Birds of a Feather" stand out for their straightforward approach to sexuality and relationships.
Eilish's storytelling shines in songs like "Wildflower," about complex relationships, and "The Diner," a stalker-themed track with ambiguous undertones. While it explores various genres, the album feels like a familiar, well-crafted, continuation of Eilish and Finneas's work.
Dua Lipa - Radical Optimism
On 3 May, 2024 English-Albanian singer Dua Lipa, released "Radical Optimism", their third studio album. Following on from her 2020 album "Future Nostalgia." The album features intriguing song concepts and is a perfectly good pop album to bop along too. Despite her visibility through various media and brand campaigns, Lipa rarely seems to disclose personal details in her music, giving her a glamorous yet distant persona. Some standout songs, like "French Exit" and "Maria," successfully blend unusual elements, creating elegantly odd and memorable tunes.
Frank Turner - Undefeated
Frank Turner's tenth studio album, was released on 3 May, 2024. Since leaving Million Dead in 2005, Turner has become a top UK live performer, known for hits like "The Road" and "I Still Believe."
Self-produced and recorded, "Undefeated" starts with a defiant ode to critics and features tracks like "Never Mind The Back Problems," a humorous take on aging, and "No Thank You For The Music," a critique of music gatekeepers. The album pays homage to classic punk and rock, with "Girl From The Record Shop" referencing many older tunes. Highlights include the nostalgic "Letters," the reflective "East Finchley," and the heartfelt "On My Way." The album's raw, authentic feel, especially in quieter tracks like "Somewhere Inbetween" and the title track, showcases Turner's emotional depth.
Ibibio Sound Machine - Pull the Rope.
Ibibio Sound Machine's latest album, "Pull the Rope", marks a vibrant yet dark turn in their signature Afrobeat electronica. Released a decade after their debut, the London-based group continues to innovate, merging euphoric dance with industrial tones. The production by Ross Orton, known for his work with The Fall and Arctic Monkeys, adds depth without compromising their dance essence. Eno Williams' powerful vocals shine throughout, particularly on tracks like "Far Away," making the album compelling from start to finish.
Kamasi Washington - Fearless Movement
Kamasi Washington's fifth album released on 3 May, 2024, features members of his collective West Coast Get Down, such as Thundercat and Terrace Martin. Striving to blend gravitas with fun, Washington grapples with lighter tones, despite his reputation for grand productions. Its second half shines with standout tracks like 'Dream State,' featuring André 3000. While Washington's saxophone brilliance is evident in moments of heightened emotion, they are less frequent compared to his previous work. Ultimately, "Fearless Movement" maintains Washington's signature ambitious style.
Kings of Leon - Can We Please Have Fun
The latest album from Kings of Leon is vibrant, marked by a fresh, energized sound. Inspired by personal loss and a renewed sense of purpose, the band enlisted the help of Kid Harpoon, renowned for his work with Harry Styles and Florence and the Machine. His touch revitalizes the band's sound, harking back to their earlier raw energy while exploring new sonic territories. Tracks like "Ballerina Radio" and "Actual Daydream" showcase their signature twangy tension and tight instrumentation, while "Split Screen" delves into mid-life anxieties with poignant lyrics. Though there are moments where the energy dips, particularly on "Hesitation Gen," the album finishes strong with the mesmerizing "Seen," drifting into ambient synth landscapes. Overall, 'Can We Please Have Fun' is a refreshing and enjoyable listen.
Rachel Chinouriri - What a Devastating Turn of Events
In her captivating debut album, South London singer-songwriter Rachel Chinouriri breathes new life into Y2K British alt-pop, blending humour and conviction while delving into themes of heartbreak and loss. Drawing inspiration from Marie Kondo's philosophy of finding joy, Chinouriri metaphorically declutters her emotional landscape, symbolized by the Japanese term "tokimeku." Her music, reminiscent of Sugababes and Lily Allen, carries neo-soul melodies and introspective lyrics, illuminating the Black working-class experience. Tracks like "Never Need Me" bid farewell to toxic relationships, while "What a Devastating Turn of Events" sheds light on the perils of patriarchal ideals, reflecting personal and familial struggles. Chinouriri's artistry provides a poignant glimpse into her journey of self-discovery amidst life's trials.
The Lemon Twigs - A Dream Is All We Know
The Lemon Twigs, fronted by siblings Brian and Michael D’Addario, further refine their rock'n'roll homage in their fifth studio album. Combining Beach Boys harmonies and Beatles-esque melodies with a contemporary twist, they infuse classic influences with a youthful energy and charming innocence. Tracks such as "Golden Years" and "In the Eyes of the Girl" resonate with echoes of legends like The Beach Boys, while "I Should've Known Right From the Start" highlights their innovative streak. "A Dream Is All We Know" signifies the Lemon Twigs' journey towards carving out a distinct musical identity, hinting at a promising future ahead.
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