6 must-listen new albums from Charley Crockett, Loraine James, Playboy Carti & more

This week brings a diverse collection of noteworthy releases spanning country, experimental electronic, hip-hop, and R&B. From Charley Crockett’s major label debut to Twin Shadow’s stripped-down tribute, Playboi Carti’s long-awaited return, and distinctive projects from Loraine James, Curren$y & Harry Fraud, and DJ Elmoe, there’s something for everyone to expore.

Charley Crockett – “Lonesome Drifter”

Grammy-nominated Americana artist Charley Crockett delivers his first major label release with “Lonesome Drifter.” Co-produced with Shooter Jennings over just 10 days at the legendary Sunset Sound Studios, the album features 12 tracks that showcase Crockett’s signature “Gulf & Western” sound. The collection includes originals like the title track, which Crockett began writing during his subway-performing days, alongside thoughtful covers of classics by Tanya Tucker and George Strait. Following his 2024 Grammy nomination for “$10 Cowboy,” this album continues Crockett’s tradition of authentic American music that honors the traditions of country, blues, and folk.

Twin Shadow – “Georgie”

George William Lewis Jr., known professionally as Twin Shadow, presents his sixth studio album “Georgie,” a dedicated tribute to his late father. This project marks a significant artistic shift, created during the poignant period leading up to his father’s passing. The album is deliberately stripped-down, avoiding drums entirely and instead relying on fretless instruments like bass and pedal steel to create a sound that resists genre classification. The 11-track collection includes collaborations with writer Sophie Hintz on four songs, with themes centered around commitment to self, art, family, and love.

Playboi Carti – “I Am Music”

After years of anticipation and delays, influential Atlanta rapper Playboi Carti has finally released his third studio album “I Am Music.” The extensive 30-track project features an impressive roster of guest artists, with Kendrick Lamar’s appearances on three tracks generating particular interest. Other notable collaborators include Travis Scott, The Weeknd, Skepta, Future, and Lil Uzi Vert. The album has already sparked conversation, with Ye (formerly Kanye West) expressing his thoughts about Kendrick’s involvement, despite having produced one of the tracks featuring him. Carti is set to headline Rolling Loud California this weekend and will soon embark on a stadium tour with The Weeknd.

Loraine James (as Whatever the Weather) – “Whatever The Weather II”

London-based electronic producer Loraine James continues her conceptual Whatever the Weather project with “Whatever The Weather II.” This 12-track album follows a temperature-based concept, with each track titled after a Celsius reading, creating a sonic narrative about seasonal change. More temperate than its predecessor, the album focuses on warm pads, sine tone fluctuations, field recordings, and new age themes while stripping away most of the beats. Unlike her first Whatever the Weather album, which was created alongside another project, this release received James’ sole focus over several months, resulting in a cohesive sonic narrative that critics have praised for its artistic vision.

Curren$y & Harry Fraud – “Never Catch Us”

New Orleans rap veteran Curren$y and acclaimed Brooklyn-based producer Harry Fraud present their sixth collaborative album “Never Catch Us.” The 10-track project features Curren$y’s measured rhymes over Fraud’s sample-heavy, atmospheric production that blends elements of jazz, soul, and psychedelia. Guest appearances include Conway The Machine, Boldy James, and longtime collaborator Wiz Khalifa. The album continues their tradition of quality over quantity, delivering a concise but effective listening experience that stays true to Curren$y’s independent approach while demonstrating why their partnership has become one of hip-hop’s most reliable collaborations.

DJ Elmoe – “Battle Zone”

Chicago footwork artist DJ Elmoe presents “Battle Zone,” a 15-track project showcasing his distinctive Chicago-style footwork production. Known for his “chill-styled foot-working tracks,” Elmoe has been developing his sound since the early 2000s, making his mark both as a producer and as a practitioner of the Chicago-style dance called “Footworking.” The album demonstrates his continued evolution in the footwork genre, which originated in Chicago and is characterized by its swift tempos and intricate rhythmic patterns. “Battle Zone” represents another chapter in Elmoe’s growing discography that establishes him as a notable voice in the Chicago electronic music scene.