8 Must-Listen New Albums from Vince Staples, Lenny Kravitz & more

This week, HYFIN highlights eight new must-listen albums. Machinedrum returns with his deeply personal and conceptual album “3FOR82”, while Vince Staples delivers his introspective and reflective “Dark Times.” Shenseea continues to blend genres with her vibrant sophomore album “Never Gets Late Here”, and UK artist Halima showcases her growth with the “EXU EP.”

Rock icon Lenny Kravitz captivates with “Blue Electric Light”, and Los Angeles artist Low Leaf explores celestial themes in her “Red Moon” EP. Seattle producer Sango delves into global sounds with “North Vol. 2”, and Canadian instrumental ensemble BADBADNOTGOOD explores new sonic territories with “Mid Spiral: Order.”

1. Machinedrum – 3FOR82

Travis Stewart, known as Machinedrum, returns with 3FOR82, a deeply personal and conceptual album released via Ninja Tune. Crafted during a creative retreat in Joshua Tree, the album features collaborations with artists such as Tinashe, Mick Jenkins, Jesse Boykins III, and Duckwrth. Revisiting old beats from the late ’90s, Stewart blends R&B, pop, jazz, and drum & bass, creating a tender and punchy soundscape. Tracks like “Oracle” and “Zoom” explore themes of self-reflection and growth.

2. Vince Staples – Dark Times

Long Beach rapper Vince Staples delivers his seventh studio album, Dark Times, marking his final project under Def Jam Recordings. Known for his introspective lyrics and unique sound, Staples delves into themes of survival, personal growth, and urban struggles. With production by LeKen Taylor and contributions from Cardo and Frank Dukes, the album features tracks like “Black & Blue” and “Government Cheese,” juxtaposing personal experiences with broader societal issues. Dark Times is a raw and honest portrayal of Staples’ journey from hardship to success.

3. Shenseea – Never Gets Late Here

Jamaican singer Shenseea continues to blend genres with her sophomore album, Never Gets Late Here. Executive produced by London On Da Track, the 14-track album features collaborations with Masicka, Di Genius, Anitta, Wizkid, and Coi Leray. Tracks like “Hit & Run” and “Die For You” set high expectations, while “Flava” and “Red Flag” highlight Shenseea’s versatility. The album’s vibrant and eclectic nature cements Shenseea’s status as a dynamic and innovative artist in the global music scene.

4. Halima – EXU EP

https://hyfin.org/2024/05/06/halima-redefines-nigerian-artistry-in-music/UK artist Halima showcases her growth with the EXU EP, a collection of tracks that explore themes of self-discovery, empowerment, and resilience. Known for her soulful voice and eclectic sound, Halima blends R&B, electronic, and Afrobeat elements. The EP features standout tracks like “Awakening,” “Eclipse,” and “Phoenix,” each meticulously crafted with lush production and introspective lyrics. EXU EP highlights Halima’s exceptional talent and her ability to push boundaries in contemporary music.

5. Lenny Kravitz – Blue Electric Light

Rock icon Lenny Kravitz captivates with Blue Electric Light, an album that blends classic rock influences with contemporary sounds. Tracks like “Electric Dreams” and “Midnight Blue” showcase Kravitz’s poignant lyrics and signature style. The album features collaborations with Slash and Alicia Keys, adding depth to its rich musicality. Blue Electric Light is a masterful blend of old and new, offering a deeply personal and universally relatable sonic journey.

6. Low Leaf – Red Moon

Los Angeles artist Low Leaf, known for her ethereal blend of electronic, folk, and experimental sounds, releases the Red Moon EP. Red Moon opens with a live rendition of “Blue Nile,” a piece by the late Alice Coltrane, setting a nostalgic tone. Low Leaf’s interpretation wraps listeners in a comforting, familiar embrace. The album continues with two original tracks, “Innersound Oddity” and “How to Open a Portal,” both echoing the familiarity introduced by “Blue Nile.” “Innersound Oddity” features a playful intro and a beat previously used in Fat Beats’ Baker’s Dozen series, culminating in a chaotic, otherworldly climax before abruptly disassembling like a B-movie UFO gone awry.

7. Sango – North Vol. 2

A compilation paying homage to ‘North’, his 2013 debut album, ‘North Vol. 2’ explores similar themes such as family, self-expression, wisdom, and love with a refined future RnB feel.” Collaborations with Xavier Omär, Masego and Tinashe add to the album’s vibrant and dynamic appeal. North Vol. 2 is a testament to Sango’s evolution as an artist, celebrating the fusion of cultures and sounds.

8. BADBADNOTGOOD – Mid Spiral: Order

Canadian instrumental ensemble BADBADNOTGOOD returns with Mid Spiral: Order, a six-track collection that follows their previous release, Mid Spiral: Chaos. This album showcases the band’s signature blend of jazz, hip-hop, and electronic music while exploring new sonic territories. Tracks like “Playgroup” and “Juan’s World” highlight their ability to blend complex jazz harmonies with contemporary beats. The album’s reflective and meditative closing tracks, “Sunday Afternoon’s Dream” and “Rewind Your Mind,” underscore its theme of order and balance. Mid Spiral: Order reaffirms BADBADNOTGOOD’s place at the forefront of contemporary instrumental music.