Lady Gaga, D.R.A.M. and more drop their LPs this week.
While many pop fans are stirring over the release of Lady Gaga's new record, Joanne, there are also a great set of other new albums that drop today (October 21).
Let's kick it off with the newbies. D.R.A.M. bridges the R&B and hip-hop gap with his smooth tunes on Big Baby D.R.A.M. while Brussels DJ and producer Lost Frequencies delivers some cool tunes with Less is More. Parisian indie pop singer-songwriter JAIN finally brings her debut album, Zanaka, to the US. Brooklyn's Streets of Laredo return with their sophomore album, Wild. And finally, we can't ignore that Lady Gaga is back. So we'll also give you our two cents about what she's got going with this new record.
Read more about this week's release below.
'Joanne' - Lady Gaga
Lady Gaga seems to have gone through a transformation over the past few years. Since releasing her 2013 album, Artpop, the star has teamed up with Tony Bennett and tapped into her jazzy roots as well as traded her out there looks for something simpler. But even though she's changed her appearance a bit, Lady Gaga has kept one thing consistent: creating great songs.
Joanne is her foray into sounds that will be new to anyone who's an OG Little Monster. She quickly introduced us to this new vibe with "Perfect Illusion." Working with Mark Ronson, BloodPop and Tame Impala's Kevin Parker, it still had the elements of a signature Gaga song but had more rock edge — likely thanks to Mr. Parker. While the video is epic, the song itself is definitely an acquired taste or something you need to listen to a few more times to really say you enjoyed it. Could it be because isn't our usual Gaga fare or could it be, as The Black Keys' Patrick Carney pointed out, those guitars?
But don't let that turn you off from Joanne. Gaga offered up two more songs that show the other sonic sides she can give us. There's the acoustic ballad, "Million Reasons" — a song that really lets Lady Gaga vocally shine. Then there's "A-Yo," a fun, pop rock tune that has a similar rhythm to Meghan Trainor's "All About That Bass." With three vastly different songs that are already out there for the masses, we get to hear Gaga's numerous musical personas. But is the variety a good thing? We'll let you listen to Joanne and be the judge.
'Big Baby D.R.A.M.' - D.R.A.M.
D.R.A.M. has been buzzing around the music scene with the release of his EP, #1 Epic, and his mixtape, Gahdamn!. And while he did a great job joining Chance the Rapper on "Blessings" a few weeks ago, it's time for us to see him in his full glory with Big Baby D.R.A.M.
While the piano-driven "Broccoli," featuring Lil Yachty, has been getting some rotation, it's only a taste of what this singer has to offer. "Misunderstood," which features Young Thug," is one of the album's strongest tracks. Not only do D.R.A.M. and Thugger pack a punch on lyrical delivery, that beat will undeniably make you bounce. Meanwhile, his soulful conversation with Erykah Badu on "WIFI" shows his softer and crooning side. "Outta Sight/Dark Lavender Interlude" feels like a throwback party track, and then there's "Cute," which despite its heavy staccato beat, is sweet and endearing. Who doesn't want to be wanted like a Pokemon? If you're looking for some smooth sounds, pick this one up.
'Zanaka' - JAIN
Jain is a little jazz, some pop and lots of soul. The moment you start listening to her debut album, Zanaka, you instantly hear a fearless energy that's weaved into her melodies and, more importantly, lyrics.
Hailing from Toulouse, France, the 22-year-old singer brings 10 songs that won't only put some pep in your step but also have a fire that will make you feel like you can take over the world. The lead single, "Come," is a Sia-meets-KT Tunstall tune. And "Hope" is an explosion of quirkiness, party beats and fierce lyricism and is definitely one of this record's winners. There's "Makeba," which is an interesting combination of disco and tribal beats, giving it a M.I.A. vibe. Meanwhile, "Heads Up" is ambient yet full of fighting spirit. Jain is definitely an artist to look out for because she's going to make more than a splash with this record.
'Wild' - Streets of Laredo
Streets of Laredo are back with their latest effort, Wild. The New York City indie folk band — by way of Auckland, New Zealand — have crafted a collection of tunes that will pick you up when your down.
Starting with their single, "99.9%," the horns section is a perfect compliment to Daniel Gibson's vocals and will put a little pep in your step. Then there's "Don't Even Bother Me," which delves in to not having to feel like you need to fit into the crowd all the time and being different is cool. It's perfect for anyone who's just trying to find the place in the world. What makes Wild so fun to listen to is the fact that each of the tracks have a life of their own. "Traps for Young Players" will get you dancing in your chair, and that whistle before the chorus is a sweet touch to an already upbeat pop song. Then there's "Remedies" is one of the record's epic anthems. If you're looking for something that gives you more than a good beat, Streets of Laredo's Wild should be added to your playlist now!
'Less Is More' - Lost Frequencies
While people like David Guetta, Skrillex, Steve Aioki are still some of today's biggest names in electronic music, there is a new generation of DJs and producers who are not only making names for themselves in the genre, but also bringing their own signatures to the game that is taking electronic into different places we wouldn't expect. Lost Frequencies is one of those artists and shows it off on his debut record, Less is More.
Bringing in more melodies and vocals, the 22-year-old Brussels producer creates melodic tunes that will convert the biggest of EDM haters. Songs like "Sky is the Limit," the soulful "Selfish" and guitar-driven "Reality" sounds a lot more like pop tunes you'd hear on the radio instead of the sounds that would be thumping in the club. But don't think that he doesn't offer up his own share of blood-pumping tracks like "Funky'n Brussels" and the album opener, "All or Nothing." What makes Lost Frequencies a great listen is the fact that he doesn't only rely on the rhythm to propel a song. He builds up melodies and finds their sweet spots to deliver you a fresh take on electronic.