Eric Gales
9
Crown
Provogue Records/Mascot Records Group Producers: Joe Bonamassa and Josh Smith The gregarious blues rocker’s latest album Crown plays like a concept album on which Gales bears his soul, as evidenced by the pivotal song “I Want My Crown.” This is the guitarist’s battle cry where he musically goes toe to toe with Bonamassa in an epic axe duel. But a number of other songs mine deeper personal issues and socially relevant territory. “Survivor,” “Stand Up” and “The Storm” are superb examples of this. Rock, gospel, ballads and a whole lotta blues, baby! He mightily embraces it all. – Eric Harabadian
Glasses Malone Glass House
9
Division Media Producers: Various
Various
Relief: A Benefit for the Jazz Foundation of America’s Musicians’ Emergency Fund
8
Mack Avenue Producers: Geoffrey Menin and Joe Petrucelli
Designed to help those impacted by COVID, this project on behalf of the JFA’s Musician’s Emergency Fund is a dazzling, stylistically eclectic collective in which the genre’s top labels contribute live and studio performances of freewheeling originals and re-imagined standards by the likes of Herbie Hancock, Christian McBride, Kenny Garrett, Joshua Redman, Jon Batiste and Esperanza Spalding—capped by a classic performance featuring Wallace Roney and Jimmy Heath, two greats we lost in 2020. – Jonathan Widran
Davis John Patton Songs From Davis
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Nettwerk Music Group Producers: Davis John Patton and Patrick Cunningham
Leader of the New West movement for well over a decade, Malone is bringing back attitude and restoring gangsta rap’s spirit with this release, a reconsidered version of his admired 2012 mixtape, under the same name. Besides five new tracks and three remixes, Glass House is relevant and hits with rebellious tracks like “Thug By Myself,” “Gangsta Boogie,” and “Super Sport.” In addition, Glass House includes notable features from Snoop Dogg to Ice-T to Raphael Saadiq and Kurupt, among others. – Adam Seyum
With pure approachable vocals and gentle guitar strumming, Patton’s poignant lyrics touch the deep emotionally charged points of the human psyche. On this five-track EP he reminisces over bittersweet childhood memories (“Eason” is the elementary school where he met co-producer Patrick Cunningham, and “Rosewood” is the street he grew up on) and reflects on an ever-changing world. Songs, for Davis, represents a collection of his most intimate work and provides the perfect backdrop to a relaxing night in. – Andrea Beenham
Zeal & Ardor
Leslie Hunt
Zeal & Ardor
9
MVKA Producers: Marc Obrist and Manuel Gagneux
Descent
9
Spirit of Unicorn Music/Cherry Red Records Producer: Christian Matthew Cullen
This self-titled LP picks up where its predecessor, Stranger Fruit, left off, with a proggy twist. The black metal/blues project instills bouts of synthwave to round out this new release. “Emersion” pairs Tycho-esque programming with an unrelenting Deafheaven-adjacent hook. “Golden Liar” introduces a deeper vocal tonality, with Ennio Morricone musicianship. Whether screaming, belting, or whispering, Gagneux does exactly what’s needed to keep listeners from skipping a single track on this nearly perfect follow-up. – Andy Mesecher
A residual goal of embarking on a solo project is to make a statement that stands apart from one’s primary band. The District 97 frontwoman accomplishes that on this tight EP, focusing more on economy than extensive improvisation. But that’s not to say Hunt’s message is any less compelling. Check out the funky social commentary of “Again & Again,” the self-reflective “Big White Flag,” the samba-like “These Days” or the spiritually nurturing “Quiet Mind” to hear a singer-songwriter with a powerful musical vision. – Eric Harabadian
Ulrich Krieger
Summer Walker
236 Strings
7
L’ST Records Producer: Ulrich Krieger
Still Over It
8
LVRN/Interscope Producers: Various
First you learn the rules and then you break them. It is a credo that woodwind master Krieger has taken to heart. Although classically trained, he’s immersed himself in noise rock, electronic, jazz and, with this release, ambient and experimental music. The five originals here are all about breaking the rules. These instrumental pieces center on themes ranging from desert landscapes and the ocean floor to Nordic mythology. The most engaging tracks feature progressive pianists Vicki Ray and Danny Holt. The overall mix of drones and manipulated acoustic sounds is fascinating. – Eric Harabadian
Summer Walker is in the uppermost echelon of today’s singers. She is so soulful, and, with postmodern production, has created a 2020s R&B timestamp. Cardi B, SZA, Omarion, Ciara, Pharrell, Ari Lennox, City Girls and Lil Durk all get to duet with Walker. Special shoutout to Cardi’s at-first throwaway outro of “Bitter” that ends with profound empowerment, setting a great headspace for the project. Still Over It became the most streamed R&B album since Beyoncé’s Lemonade. Not sure if they are totally neck and neck, but Walker can hold her own as a singer-storyteller. – Joseph Maltese
To be considered for review in the Album Reviews section, you must have a record deal with a major label or an independent label with an established distributor. If you do not, please see our New Music Critiques section. January 2022
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