13 must-listen new albums from Mereba, John Glacier, Westside Gunn and more

HYFIN’s must-listen new albums of the week feature an a wide range of musical innovation and artistic evolution. From Marshall Allen’s centenarian jazz album to Westside Gunn’s raw hip-hop tribute, the musical landscape spans generations and genres.

The lineup features Bartees Strange’s genre-defying “Horror,” ROZET’s introspective debut EP “HEAD,” and Alessia Cara’s sophisticated pop journey “Love & Hyperbole.” Soul music receives fresh perspectives through Mereba’s “The Breeze Grew a Fire” and The Altons’ “Heartache in Room 14,” while jazz pianist Sullivan Fortner delivers “Southern Nights.” The week also brings forth John Glacier’s narrative-driven “Like A Ribbon,” Brother Ali & Ant’s “Satisfied Soul,” THEY.’s intimate “LOVE.JONES,” Candi Staton’s return to roots, and Fernie’s emotional “Hopeless Dreams EP.”

Bartees Strange – Horror

Bartees Strange’s third album marks a significant step forward in his artistic journey. Working with producer Jack Antonoff, Strange creates a sonic landscape that bridges funk, hip-hop, house music, and indie rock. The album explores themes of identity and personal struggles, particularly drawing from his experiences growing up Black and queer in Oklahoma. Standout tracks like “Wants/Needs” and “Hit It Quit It” demonstrate Strange’s versatility across genres while maintaining a cohesive narrative. The emotional depth reaches its peak in “17,” where Strange delivers a haunting reflection on racial identity with striking vulnerability.

Marshall Allen – New Dawn

At age 100, Sun Ra Arkestra bandleader Marshall Allen has created a historic milestone with his debut solo album. Produced by Jan Lankisch and featuring an ensemble of Philadelphia’s finest jazz musicians, the seven-track collection showcases Allen’s masterful work on alto saxophone, Electronic Wind Instrument, and kora. The album’s centerpiece features vocals by Neneh Cherry, presenting a more contemplative side of Allen’s musicianship while honoring Sun Ra’s cosmic philosophy. The ten-minute epic “Boma” stands as a testament to Allen’s enduring creative spirit, featuring his signature raw alto saxophone style within hypnotic grooves.

ROZET – HEAD EP

ROZET’s debut EP weaves together psychology, Buddhism, and mental health themes into a distinctive sonic tapestry. The Miami-born audio-visual artist combines contemporary R&B and electronic music with thoughtful production and assertive vocals. Their multidisciplinary approach incorporates ballroom culture influences and LGBTQ perspectives, creating a debut that serves as both personal manifesto and artistic statement. The standout track “Shadow Wurk” exemplifies their innovative approach, with shimmering synths and house percussion creating an electrifying backdrop for their powerful vocals.

Fernie – Hopeless Dreams EP

Montreal singer Fernie transforms personal struggles into cinematic R&B on his latest EP. Born in Brazil and raised in a multilingual Montreal household, Fernie collaborates with producer Samant to craft a sound that draws inspiration from Frank Ocean and movie soundtracks. The EP features rich string arrangements on “Valhalla” and a stripped-down approach on “Bones & All,” with notable production from Patrick Watson on “Pain.” The project emerged from Fernie’s connection with the West Island collective Kids From The Underground, marking a transition from uncertainty to artistic confidence.

Sullivan Fortner – Southern Nights

Grammy-winning pianist Sullivan Fortner presents an engaging trio album alongside bassist Peter Washington and drummer Marcus Gilmore. Recorded live with no edits, the nine-track collection emerged from a Village Vanguard residency. Fortner’s interpretations of Allen Toussaint’s “Southern Nights” and Cole Porter’s “I Love You” showcase his New Orleans roots while pushing forward with a modern approach to jazz tradition. The album’s spontaneous energy captures the raw chemistry between these three masterful musicians, particularly evident in their exploration of Osvaldo Farres’ “Tres Palabras.”

Alessia Cara – Love and Hyperbole

On her fourth studio album, Grammy winner Alessia Cara blends jazz influences with pop sensibilities across fourteen tracks. The production features horn sections and twinkling piano keys, with John Mayer contributing guitar work on “(Isn’t It) Obvious.” Cara explores themes from anxiety to love, demonstrating growth since her 2015 breakthrough while maintaining her signature emotional literacy. The album’s sophisticated arrangements and mature songwriting mark a new chapter in Cara’s artistic evolution, culminating in the euphoric celebrations of love in tracks like “Garden” and “Fire.”

Mereba – The Breeze Grew a Fire

After a five-year hiatus, Mereba returns with a folk-infused R&B album that reflects her journey into motherhood. Working with producer Sam Hoffman, she creates an organic sound through DIY recording sessions. The thirteen-track collection includes the groove-laden “Counterfeit” and the spoken-word piece “breeze grew fire,” while “Starlight” offers a tender lullaby dedicated to her son. The album’s nomadic spirit draws from her experiences across Atlanta, L.A., Addis Ababa, and Greensboro, creating a rich tapestry of sound that reflects her personal transformation.

John Glacier – Like A Ribbon

East London artist John Glacier crafts a three-part narrative on her debut album, collaborating with producers Kwes Darko, Flume, and Vegyn. The project features guest appearances from Eartheater and Sampha, blending trip-hop, grunge, and electronic elements. Beginning with “Satellites,” the album moves through emotional depths before reaching a transformative conclusion with “Dancing In The Rain.” Glacier’s raw honesty peaks in “Nevasure,” where she confronts self-destructive thoughts with unflinching courage.

The Altons – Heartache in Room 14

East Los Angeles quintet The Altons continue their evolution of Southern California soul on their latest release. Working with Daptone Records co-founder Gabe Roth, vocalists Bryan Ponce and Adriana Flores lead the band through a blend of soul, rock, and Latin rhythms. The rhythm section of Gabriel Maldonado and Carlos Canovas provides the foundation for Joseph Quinones’ blues-tinged guitar work. Their signature sound, which emerged when vocalist Adriana Flores joined the group, has evolved into something more nuanced, blending dusty backyard party vibes with Art Laboe-inspired soul sensibilities.

Candi Staton – Back To My Roots

Soul legend Candi Staton returns to her musical origins on her 32nd album, collaborating with her sister Maggie Staton Pebbles. The project explores Americana and Blues, building upon her legacy that includes classics like “Young Hearts Run Free.” Released weeks before her 85th birthday, the album demonstrates Staton’s enduring artistic vitality. The timing of this release carries special significance, coming as Staton approaches her 85th birthday, proving her creative spirit remains as powerful as ever.

THEY. – LOVE.JONES

R&B duo THEY. strips back to basics on their fourth album, presenting ten tracks without featured artists. Drew Love and Dante Jones follow up their collaborative-heavy “Nü Moon” with an intimate approach, as evidenced in singles “Diamonds and Pearls” and “Straight Up.” The Valentine’s Day release explores contemporary relationship dynamics while honoring R&B traditions. The project’s featureless approach allows the duo’s chemistry to shine through, creating their most focused work since their 2017 debut.

Brother Ali & Ant – Satisfied Soul

Brother Ali joins forces with producer Ant for his Mello Music Group debut, delivering seventeen tracks of thoughtful hip-hop. The album combines Ali’s storytelling with Ant’s dusty beats and vinyl crackles, creating a rich sonic landscape drawn from America’s musical heritage. The release coincides with The Satisfied Soul Tour, featuring DJ Abilities. Through this collaborative effort, Ali continues to cement his position as one of independent hip-hop’s most compelling voices, creating an album that transcends mere music to become a movement driven by authenticity.

Westside Gunn – 12

Westside Gunn’s latest album arrives as a powerful tribute to two influential figures: Donald “Sly” Green and Big Dump. The ten-track collection features an impressive roster of collaborators, including Stove God Cooks and Estee Nack, while incorporating raw, dusty, soulful, jazz, and gospel elements. Wrestling references continue to influence his work, evident in tracks like “Adam Page.” The project’s 43-minute runtime showcases Gunn’s ability to create authentic hip-hop that challenges conventions while maintaining his signature grimy aesthetic, particularly in standout tracks like “East Miami” and “Bury Me with a Stove.”