Daoud Tyler-Ameen, a member of NPR Music, and Hazel Cills, a noted contributor, dive into the exciting world of new album releases. They discuss Tinashe's captivating 'Quantum Baby,' Post Malone's surprising pivot to country with 'F-1 Trillion,' and Charly Bliss's impactful return after five years. The duo explores the emotional depth in Morgan Wade's lyrics and celebrates the nostalgia of Starflyer 59’s latest offering. Their insights highlight the evolving musical landscape while underscoring the importance of live performances in connecting artists with their audiences.
Tinashe's 'Quantum Baby' highlights her artistic independence, blending sultry R&B influences while resonating with her evolving fanbase.
Post Malone's 'F-1 Trillion' represents his genre exploration into country music, showcasing collaborations with iconic artists and traditional instrumentation.
Deep dives
Big Sean's Album Delay
Big Sean has postponed the release of his new album, 'Better You Than Me,' which was originally scheduled for August 9th. The artist has now indicated that the album will be released later in August. Such delays are common in the music industry and can be due to various factors, including the desire to fine-tune the music or align the release with promotional activities. This adjustment highlights the challenges artists face in today's fast-paced environment.
Tinashe's 'Quantum Baby'
Tinashe's latest album, 'Quantum Baby,' showcases her signature blend of cool, sultry R&B while drawing influences from artists like Aaliyah and contemporaries such as FKA Twigs. This seventh album features a collection of tracks that reflect her independent artistic vision, emphasizing her ability to create music on her own terms. The album includes a standout track, 'Getting No Sleep,' which captures the essence of carefree enjoyment and personal freedom. Tinashe's work continues to resonate with fans who appreciate her evolution as an artist.
Post Malone's Country Adventure
Post Malone's new album, 'F1 Trillion,' marks a notable shift towards country music, featuring a range of prominent collaborations. The album includes contributions from several country icons such as Luke Combs, Tim McGraw, and Dolly Parton, highlighting a more traditional instrumentation with mandolin and fiddle. This change comes as Post Malone, known for his hip-hop roots, embraces various genres throughout his career. His exploration into country is viewed as a continuation of his artistic journey rather than a sudden departure from his earlier styles.
Morgan Wade's 'Obsessed'
Morgan Wade's album 'Obsessed' delves into the complexities of love and obsession, utilizing raw and emotional songwriting to express the intensity of her experiences. Through the track 'Total Control,' Wade navigates themes of codependency and the darker aspects of relationships, illustrating the tension often found in love songs. The album's candidness about issues like problem drinking and wanderlust adds depth to her storytelling. As Wade’s work reflects personal and relatable struggles, it resonates deeply with listeners seeking authenticity in music.
NPR Music's Daoud Tyler-Ameen and Hazel Cills give you a quick rundown of the most notable albums out Friday, Aug. 16, including Post Malone's country project, F-1 Trillion, Tinashe's seventh LP Quantum Baby, and Charly Bliss's first new record in five years.
Featured Albums: - Tinashe, Quantum Baby - Post Malone, F-1 Trillion - Charly Bliss, Forever - Morgan Wade, Obsessed - Starflyer 59, Lust For Gold - Palehound, Live at First Congregational Church
Visit https://npr.org/music to see the longer list of Aug. 16 releases and stream our New Music Friday playlist.