1. St. Vincent: “Broken Man”
St. Vincent’s music often radiates an unnerving poise, with Annie Clark’s icy demeanor occasionally shattered by abrupt bursts of guitar. This tension is magnified in “Broken Man,” the edgy first single from her upcoming seventh album, “All Born Screaming.” Reminiscent of her electrifying live cover of Big Black’s “Kerosene,” this track features a thrilling industrial sound that captivates listeners.
▶ Listen on Spotify, Apple Music or YouTube
2. Zsela: “Fire Escape”
Discovering the music of the talented singer-songwriter Zsela through Jon Pareles’ recommendation was a pleasant surprise. Her haunting vocals and innovative production in “Fire Escape” immediately captured my attention, prompting me to explore her emotional 2020 EP, “Ache of Victory.”
▶ Listen on Spotify, Apple Music or YouTube
3. Willie Nelson: “The Border”
Willie Nelson’s forthcoming album, “The Border,” features a poignant cover of Rodney Crowell’s “The Border” as its title track. Despite nearing his 91st birthday, Nelson continues to impress with his musical offerings, showing no signs of slowing down. The song highlights the impact of Latin American bolero music in transcending cultural boundaries.
▶ Listen on Spotify, Apple Music or YouTube
4. Mdou Moctar: “Funeral for Justice”
Mdou Moctar’s upcoming album, “Funeral for Justice,” promises to be a high-octane release following a preview of new material. Known for his intricate and lightning-quick guitar playing, Mdou impresses with the intense title track, reminiscent of the band’s breakthrough album, “Afrique Victime.”
▶ Listen on Spotify, Apple Music or YouTube
5. Kamasi Washington: “Prologue”
Kamasi Washington’s upcoming album, “Fearless Movement,” closes with the energetic track “Prologue,” showcasing frenetic percussion and dynamic instrumentation. With breakneck solos from Dontae Winslow and Washington himself, this track exudes agility and emotional depth, capturing the essence of Washington’s remarkable saxophone skills.