You like new music? Me too. Here are my favorite new or new-to-me albums from May 2022. Check out past editions and my right about now playlist for more.

IDK – Simple

In another month full of hip-hop releases, I think this EP from IDK (Ignorant Delivering Knowledge) is one of the best. The production is from one of my faves, Kaytranada. It’s got style for days.

Obongjayar – Some Nights I Dream of Doors

Strong influences of afro beat, hip hop, and electronica here. I love the vibes of this album, great energy.

Khingz – Over The World

This album from Seattle-based MC Khingz has been championed by Gabriel Teadros on KEXP lately and does not disappoint. Beats ✅ rhymes ✅ and life ✅

Arcade Fire – WE

This album is epic and ambitious. It’s fashionable to hate on Arcade Fire for corny-at-times lyrics, but I’m not buying it. There aren’t many that dare to reach as far as they do and the music reflects that feeling.

The Smile – A Light for Attracting Attention

This is a Radiohead side project but it could just as well be a Radiohead album and no one would notice. Weird and great (thanks for the tip Chris).

Honorable mentions

For hip-hop, No Fear of Time from Black Star deserves many spins, as does Kendrick Lamar’s Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers of course, and also Quelle Chris’ Deathfame. On the other end, I also enjoy Sharon Van Etten and her latest We’ve Been Going About This All Wrong. MJ Lenderman’s Boat Songs is great country-infused rock. For jazz this month, I had Immanuel Wilkins’ The 7th Hand and Jazz is Dead 011 to keep me company.