I’ve got a disco dance-pop record, a 13-minute hip-hop mixtape, and another album that’s mostly in Spanish, all on my list for May. Things might feel a bit, well, scattered, but there is beauty in all this mess. Here are my favorite albums (new and old) from May 2023.
Jessie Ware – That! Feels Good!
A dance-pop disco album? Sure, why not?! I really liked Jessie Ware’s last album, and this one does not disappoint. This has been my go-to when I need a boost during night-time work sessions.
Alfa Mist – Variables
Alfa Mist is an artist that’s new to me, and I was pleasantly surprised by this album of hip-hop and jazz that’s blended so seamlessly.
Y La Bamba – Lucha
My daughter asks me why I listen to music that I can’t understand the words to. This (mostly Spanish) album is a great example. You don’t need to know the words to understand it.
Blu and Cashus King – The Blu(e) Tape
Technically a single 13-minute track, I’ve played this “album” non-stop since I heard it on KEXP. It epitomizes what I love about hip-hop.
Overmono – Good Lies
I’m not sure the right adjectives to describe this collection of electronic techno tracks, but it sounds like Bonobo with a harder edge and more explosive energy.
Other albums that found their way to me (and stayed) this month:
- Kaytraminé
- Oh No – Good Vibes / Bad Vibes This reminds me a bit of Oh No’s brother Madlib’s Shades of Blue project. Really good.
- Mitu – Astra Another Spanish-language album that got me this month.
- Foals – Life is Dub
- Jazz is Dead 17 – Lonnie Liston Smith
Comments welcome!