Meshell Ndegeocello, an innovative bassist, discusses her new album, "No More Water: The Gospel of James Baldwin," celebrating Baldwin's centennial with a blend of musical, political, and historical themes. She reflects on her artistic evolution and the fusion of genres throughout her career. Meanwhile, the hosts highlight exciting new releases from artists like Khalid and Maren Morris, emphasizing their unique sounds and storytelling capabilities. The podcast dives into the emotional depth in music, showcasing how it serves as a vehicle for personal and societal reflection.
Meshell Ndegeocello's album celebrates James Baldwin's legacy through a unique blend of genres and spoken word reflections on social justice.
Khalid's Sincere illustrates his artistic maturation with deeper emotional themes, contrasting his earlier youthful perspective in contemporary R&B.
Deep dives
Ice Spice's Debut Album Y2K
Ice Spice's debut album, titled Y2K, is a reflection of her rapid rise to fame in the rap scene, particularly within the Brooklyn Drill subgenre. Despite overwhelming success with singles like 'Munch' and a notable friendship with Taylor Swift, the album's release comes after the peak of her popularity, resulting in mixed anticipation. The album showcases her unique vocal style, which can sometimes overshadow the simplicity of the production, but contains standout tracks that highlight her talents, such as 'Plenty Sun'. The disparity between her fame and the album's reception raises questions about long-term sustainability in the music industry as she navigates the next phase of her career.
Khalid's Return with Sincere
Khalid returns with his first album in three years, aptly titled Sincere, which continues to explore themes of uncertainty and self-reflection that have characterized his previous work. Known for hits like 'Location' and 'Talk', Khalid's new single 'Ground' delves into his growth as an artist while conveying a more introspective tone. His voice remains distinctively captivating, standing out against the backdrop of contemporary R&B trends, even as he reflects on his identity and artistry. The album suggests a shift toward deeper emotional exploration as he distances himself from earlier youthful naivety, indicating maturation in both his music and personal journey.
Orville Peck's Duets Album Stampede
Orville Peck's new album, Stampede, explores the intersection of country and pop through a collection of duets that showcase his unique persona and theatrical style. Peck, who has gained recognition as a queer icon, collaborates with diverse artists such as Beck and Willie Nelson, creating a whimsical yet poignant listening experience. The album features both original works and covers, offering a fresh take on classic songs while maintaining a playful energy. His ability to blend musical genres allows him to appeal to a broader audience beyond traditional country fans, further solidifying his role as an innovative artist.
Michelle Indigiocello's Tribute to James Baldwin
Michelle Indigiocello's latest album, No More Water, serves as a powerful tribute to the life and work of James Baldwin, intertwining musical and spoken word components effectively. The album features intense spoken interludes by Stacey Ann Chin, which remind listeners of the struggles Baldwin addressed, reinforcing the message that art and activism are interconnected. Musically, Indigiocello's dexterous bass playing and fluid vocal delivery create a dynamic sound that resonates with Baldwin's themes of identity and social justice. This ambitious project not only honors Baldwin's legacy but also invites reflection on contemporary issues, weaving a rich tapestry of sound and meaning.
NPR Music's Daoud Tyler-Ameen and Sheldon Pearce dig deep into the latest release by bassist Meshell Ndegeocello, who, more than 30 years into her career, continues to melt the boundaries between genres. Her latest album, No More Water: The Gospel of James Baldwin, is being released on the centennial of the birth of the author and activist, and overflows with musical, political and historical ideas.
Daoud and Sheldon also share new albums and EPs by Khalid, Orville Peck, Moses Sumney, Maren Morris, Smashing Pumpkins, Killer Mike and more.
Featured Albums: • Meshell Ndegeocello, No More Water: The Gospel of James Baldwin • Khalid, Sincere • Orville Peck, Stampede • Moses Sumney, Sophcore • Maren Morris, Intermission • Killer Mike, Songs for Saints and Sinners
Other notable albums out August 2: • Smashing Pumpkins, Aghori Mhori Mei • Chrystabelle and David Lynch, Cellophane Memories • JPEGMAFIA, I Lay Down My Life For You • Brigitte Calls Me Baby, The Future Is Our Way Out • Los Lonely Boys, Resurrection • Tones and I, Beautifully Ordinary • X, Smoke & Fiction • WHY?, The Well I Fell Into