Daoud Tyler-Ameen, a seasoned music journalist, and Ann Powers, a gripping music critic, dive into the rich new releases of August 9. They spotlight Ravyn Lenae's focused R&B and the eclectic sounds of King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard. Discussion on Ryuichi Sakamoto's poignant final work injects depth, while esperanza spalding and Milton Nascimento's collaboration symbolizes the beauty of generational partnerships. They also analyze the evolving landscape of music, emphasizing the significance of female expression in rap and intergenerational dialogues.
Ravyn Lenae's album 'Bird's Eye' showcases her evolution towards a polished pop sound while maintaining her soulful essence and emotional depth.
The collaboration between Milton Nascimento and Esperanza Spalding highlights the growing trend of intergenerational partnerships in music, emphasizing authenticity and creative exchange.
Deep dives
The Passion for Music in Politics
The discussion highlights the interplay of music and politics, with a particular focus on a tweet from Tim Walz, a potential vice presidential candidate, advising on the importance of quality speaker wire for enjoying music at home. This anecdote brings to the forefront the deep-rooted connection between artists, their political inclinations, and the role of music in campaigning. It emphasizes how music is being embraced across various political platforms, becoming a pivotal aspect of candidates' personal branding and connection with voters. The ongoing debate about the authenticity of political figures as music fans reflects a broader cultural discourse about identity and artistic expression in public life.
Raven Linnae's Evolving Sound
Raven Linnae's latest album, 'Bird's Eye,' signifies an artistic evolution as she transitions towards a more polished, pop-oriented sound while retaining her soulful essence. Working with notable producers, including DJ Dahy, her music continues to exhibit a strong sense of melody and emotional depth, resonating deeply with listeners. The reduced complexity and more direct pop structure showcase her growth and confidence as an artist while still retaining the unique qualities that originally captivated her audience. The collaboration with other artists like Childish Gambino adds layers to her work, integrating diverse influences into her R&B foundation.
Biba Doobie's Nostalgic Influences
Biba Doobie's third album, 'This Is How Tomorrow Moves,' dives into nostalgic acoustic pop sounds reminiscent of the early 2000s. The album, a collaborative effort with producer Rick Rubin, revives classic influences while integrating modern prowess, showcasing her versatility as a young artist. With comparisons drawn to icons like Michelle Branch and Natalie Imbruglia, Biba Doobie's music evokes a sense of warmth and familiarity, pulling listeners into a comforting auditory landscape. This juxtaposition of past and present highlights her growth and exploration in a genre that bridges generational tastes.
Intergenerational Collaborations in Music
The collaboration between established artists and younger musicians has become a significant trend, with a focus on the newfound relationships that span across generations. The project featuring Milton Nascimento and Esperanza Spalding exemplifies this phenomenon, showcasing the blend of their distinct vocal styles and life experiences. Their album comes across as a natural, joyful venture rather than a heavily packaged product, further emphasizing the importance of authenticity in music collaborations. This shift from enshrined legacies to collaborative creativity allows for a genuine exchange of ideas and emotional expression, enriching the musical landscape.
NPR Music's Daoud Tyler-Ameen and Ann Powers survey the new albums out August 9, ranging from Ravyn Lenae's focused R&B to King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard's scuzzed-up glam-rock and an elegant solo piano album recorded by Japanese pop star and composer Ryuichi Sakamoto just months before his death in 2023.
Plus: A new album made by 39-year-old American bassist esperanza spalding and 81-year-old Brazilian singer Milton Nascimento leads to a discussion of collaborations across generations.
Featured Albums: • Ravyn Lenae, Bird's Eye • Beabadoobee, This Is How Tomorrow Moves • King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard, Flight b741 • Latto, Sugar Honey Iced Tea • Ryuichi Sakamoto, Opus • Oso Oso, Life Till Bones • Thee Marloes, Perak • Milton Nascimento & esperanza spalding, Milton + esperanza