Thaba Embraces South African Pop in an Artistic Triumph
Thaba’s mix of charming DIY beats and technical musical excellence, soulful lyrics, and wistful melodies makes for ephemeral moments of nostalgia and familiarity.
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TOKiMONSTA Keeps It Interesting on ‘Eternal Reverie’
TOKiMONSTA’s new LP sports lushly synthesized house and pop hybrids with modern electronic music’s flourish and sheen while recalling dance’s forbearers.
Jamie xx Arrives Fashionably Late with ‘In Waves’
Nearly a decade after his debut, Jamie xx returns with a long-awaited sophomore LP that stylishly swells and retreats with danceable beats and moody romanticism.
Ibibio Sound Machine Elevate Their Sound on ‘Pull the Rope’
Ibibio Sound Machine have gone from exciting transcontinental party upstarts to a soulful, sophisticated phenomenon. Pull the Rope is a refreshing new chapter.
Jorja Smith Charms with ‘Falling or Flying’
Jorja Smith’s Falling or Flying is quite an accomplishment and an excellent vehicle for her estimable talents. It’s a low-key yet unequivocal triumph.
James Blake Revisits His Roots on ‘Playing Robots Into Heaven’
Playing Robots Into Heaven is ultimately a flawed album, but at times it’s a worthwhile foray for James Blake into more beat-led, dancefloor-friendly music.
Róisín Murphy Makes a Valiant Attempt at Being a Soul Diva
On Hit Parade, Róisín Murphy takes her sound – a swirling cacophony of electropop, synthpop, and nu-disco – and looks to soul to elevate her music.
STS9 & Maddy O’Neal Beat the Heat at Area 15’s Secret Garden
STS9, Maddy O’Neal and the Crystal Method team up for a two-night desert dance party at Sin City’s most mystical new venue, Area 51.
Jayda G’s ‘Guy’ Is a Touching Tribute to Life, Love, and Loss
Jayda G’s Guy is an admirable and occasionally affecting project that balances both personal vulnerabilities with uplifting and life-affirming music.
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The Best Electronic Albums of 2022
This year’s best electronic albums span the widest range of styles of any genre, ranging from poppy and melodic electro to the experimental outer reaches.
ODESZA’s Superb ‘The Last Goodbye’ Performs Great Emotional Work
ODESZA’s The Last Goodbye is impressively diverse and wide-ranging; there are moments of elysian pop, broody angst, thrilling dance, and smart wit.
Ibibio Sound Machine Bring the Electrofunk with Hot Chip-Produced ‘Electricity’
Ibibio Sound Machine hit new heights as they draw on the power of musical currents flowing between Lagos and London on the Hot Chip-produced Electricity.