JUNE MUSIC REVIEWS

ED SHEERAN Subtract Asylum/Atlantic Records

Ed Sheeran has seen his share of turmoil of late, from being embroiled in a highprofile copyright suit to grappling with his pregnant wife's cancer diagnosis and grandmother's death. On Subtract, the platinum-selling singersongwriter adds up his sorrows to reveal his rawest musical self yet. The National's Aaron Dessner collaborated with Sheeran on this album and his impact truly shows in the beauty and gravitas of the production. The ginger-haired Brit's trusty guitar, accompanied by melodic piano and strings, helps to tell the tale of a hopeful man in mourning, resulting in a triumphant album that's become 2023's fastest-selling release. Fans simply can't get enough of Sheeran's artistry and for good reason. “Boat” absolutely guts you, lyrically: "I came in for the embers/ And stayed out for the breeze/ I need to feel elements to remind me/ There's beauty when it's bleak/ Stuck out long before lights down/ When do I breathe?/ Oh, I know.” Other standouts include “Colourblind,” “Life Goes On” and “End of Youth.” This collection of songs is a visceral look into Sheeran’s soul and it's beautiful. -

Marisa Patwa

JONAS BROTHERS The Album Republic Records

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MELANIE MARTINEZ Portals Atlantic Records

Tiny in stature but possessed with a powerful voice, Melanie Martinez is giving us something to believe in with her third studio album.

“Void” examines the loneliness and isolation of depression. The song transports you to a sad tea party of your Alice in Wonderland fantasy. With lyrics like “Baby, I'm spinning 'round the corner/ It's tasting kinda lonely/ And my mind wants to control me/ E-e-e-empty/ There's rotten things left in me/ Injected by society/ No one here but me to judge,” she conjures the dizzying sensation of feeling mentally trapped via nursery rhyme-like beats. Ultimately, Martinez welcomes listeners to take a truly personal journey that is so rewarding. “Tunnel Vision” is a hazy dream; “Moon Cycle” is a sweet and authentic portrayal of the woes of womanhood; “Spider Web” puts the perils of fame and viral rumors under the microscope; “Light Shower” is a beautiful, romantic song for lovers. The Queens-born singer is a truly lovely and original artist who's not afraid to color outside the lines. Getting to fully enjoy and take in her music is an absolute dessert for the eardrums. -

Marisa Patwa

BOYGENIUS The Record Interscope

In almost an act of defiance, boygenius was formed by three contrasting yet complementary indie-rock women in 2018.

Julien Baker, Lucy Dacus and Phoebe Bridgers worked with and around each other touring in 2016. They jokingly fantasized about forming a group. Their dream, conceived of mutual admiration, was born in 2018. Making music obviously the primary intent, a secondary motivation manifested in a desire to demonstrate a kinship among lady rockers rather than the usual fan and media-fueled rivalries. The Record is their first full-length studio release; it shows to a small degree. Likely written apart and hurried together when busy schedules allowed, the disparate influences make some tracks pleasantly feel like the moperock of Morrissey or The Smiths while others are folk-inspired and organic more akin to Paul Simon or Emmylou Harris. Producer Catherine Marks often separates their voices hard left/center/right in the mix and the trio’s gloriously gossamer harmonies are somewhat unwoven by this choice, but nonetheless hypnotic, coupled with soothing, campfire acoustic guitar.

Marisa Patwa

This sixth studio album from the Jo Bros is the perfect serving of summer fun we are craving. From dancing with your girlfriends to cruising around the city, these songs will have you feeling light, fresh and free. One of my favorite things about the teeny-poppers turned family men is that they don't take themselves too seriously. They constantly bicker and make fun of themselves and that playfulness and joy radiates through the music they create. Lead singles “Wings” and “Waffle House” kick the album into high gear with spunky energy and pretty boy band vocals. If you’ve seen The White Lotus star Haley Lu Richardson living out her childhood dreams dancing in the “Wings” music video with her friends, you know exactly what I'm talking about. Conversely, the splashy clip for "Waffle House" gives us our first real look at the brothers giving synchronized choreography a go. Another standout here is "Vacation Eyes," a sexy, groovy beach love song while “Summer Baby” electrifies with funky rock vibes. The Jonas Brothers may have been to the year 3000, but 2023 is where they rule. -

- Lindsey Williams