This summer looked promising; thanks to late Spring's rising vaccination rates and low COVID-infection rates, it seemed as live music and music rollouts were on track for a triumphant return. Now, as I'm writing this, it's like we've been transported back to March 2020.
If you're anything like me, you're huddled in a corner, fully vaccinated and swearing at the anti-maskers and anti-vaxxers for fucking up your concert plans. Nevertheless, they can't stop us from looking back on these past couple months of outstanding music with innocent fondness.
Here are some of our highlights (including favorite songs), in no particular order:
Isaiah Rashad - The House is Burning
It's been a long five years since TDE's fan-favorite Isaiah Rashad released his phenomenal album, The Sun's Tirade. Not only was that time-off good for reestablishing mental health, but he also came out of the hiatus with an extremely powerful album.
Tyler, the Creator - Call Me If You Get Lost
What else can we say about this album that hasn't already been shouted from the mountaintops? Hear me now: AOTY.
Leon Bridges - Gold-Diggers Sound
Leon Bridges is an artist that gets better with every album. Gold-Diggers Sound is leaps and bounds past Bridges' past work as he seems to fully mold into his expanding musicality.
WILLOW - lately I feel EVERYTHING
The fact is not lost on this writer that it's been a much more difficult process for Willow Smith to leave her father and mother's shadows than her siblings. lately establishes Willow's sound as wholly punk and defiant in the face of acting and musical heritage.
John Mayer - Sob Rock
More from our own Aaron Botts on this record soon enough, but for now enjoy the charming disregard for grammar of "Why You No Love Me."
Vince Staples - Vince Staples
We here at channel.WAV have had a particular soft spot for Vince Staples before his music went viral due to the ramblings of one eccentric mother. I'm of the controversial opinion that his self-titled album, his most intimate and personal work, is far and away his most exciting and innovative music yet. Plus, he and Kennybeats just work so well.
Snoh Aalegra - TEMPORARY HIGHS IN THE VIOLET SKIES
Aalegra has been twisting heartstrings since the beginning of her career, but there's something especially warming about her latest album. Her evolving themes blend well with variety in production choices (shout out Tyler, the Creator and the Neptunes).
Charlotte Day Wilson - ALPHA
ALPHA is Wilson's debut album, and it does not disappoint. Her expansive instrumentals guide listeners through heartbreak and heartache akin to Jeff Buckley.
Faye Webster - I Know I'm Funny haha
For those who are just hearing Faye for the first time, enjoy and cherish it. Her charming and witty song-writing skills are akin to only Courtney Barnett.
Mach-Hommy - Pray for Haiti
The mysterious Haitian emcee links with East Coast legend Westside Gunn for one of the most ambitious projects of his career. Hearing the Tupac interpolation on "Marie" (above) is surreal, but perfectly melds the hardcore production of the album with Mach's raspy, distinctive delivery.
Billie Marten - Flora Fauna
How many artists actually take time to discuss climate change? Marten's sophomore album discusses inevitability and natural death and does so elegantly while not abandoning her established sound.
Lord Huron - Long Lost
Maybe it's more of the same, but damn, Lord Huron are great at doing what they do.
Olivia Rodrigo - SOUR
You say "guilty pleasure," we say "shut up." Does my face look guilty when I'm listening to "Jealousy, Jealousy" like I'm fifteen again and full of angst? I didn't think so.
Japanese Breakfast - Jubilee
The definition of having a moment: a best-selling memoir, an outstanding third album, and early production of a movie adaptation? We'll have what she's having, please.
Pom Pom Squad - Death of a Cheerleader
I wish every song on this album rocked as hard as "Head Cheerleader" but this is an extremely impressive debut from the Brooklynites.
The summer is far from over, and we've been promised new music from superstars (looking at you, Drake and Kacey Musgraves) plus a never-ending rollout from Kanye. For now, wash your hands and get your shot!
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Did we miss any of your Summer favorites? Sound off in the comments below or scream at us on Twitter!
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