‘The Cadets’ Greatest Hits’ Delivers Doo-Wop Worth Your Attention
In the late 1950s, the Cadets delivered doo-wop and R&B designed to yield pure pleasure. These Black singers’ talent and versatility keep the music fresh.
r&b
Bootsy Collins Has a Blast on ‘Album of the Year #1 Funkateer’
Funkmaster Bootsy Collins deserves his hardcore jollies. The bassist in the bedazzled top hat earned the clout to dork around in the studio without losing fans.
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.
Bon Iver Finds Inner Peace on ‘SABLE, fABLE’
Bon Iver’s fifth studio LP SABLE, fABLE shifts from the stark beauty of the original EP to include uplifting sounds that are as enjoyable as they are personal.
R&B Artist Cold Specks Sings Across the Human Spectrum
Cold Specks’ new LP works as a concept album, diving across the spectrum of human emotions: grief, sorrow, euphoria, energy, anger, lust, and acceptance.
Tate McRae Is ‘So Close’ to a Being Bona Fide Superstar
Tate McRae’s well-crafted third album, So Close to What, cements her as a pop mainstay, but leaves the future unclear.
David Ramirez Does More Than Hint at New Styles
David Ramirez has left us with his own not-so-gentle reminders that he explores restlessly, always finding new means of expression without sacrificing quality.
Jon Cleary Goes “Uptown Downtown” to Celebrate New Orleans (premiere)
Jon Cleary’s catchy song celebrates the joys of Mardi Gras and NOLA with a swingin’ beat, rollicking piano, and sweet brass sounds.
Annie & the Caldwells a Deliver Soul-Stirring Triumph
Annie & the Caldwells’ Can’t Lose My (Soul) blends gospel fervor and deep grooves into a triumphant, soul-stirring album that reaches for transcendence.
Soul Man Mike Farris Is Brilliant Digging Up His Roots
Mike Farris recapitulates his musical past in a way that posits him as an artist with plenty of forward momentum even as he builds on history.
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.
Legendary Funk Bassist George Porter Jr. Keeps on Grooving
Influential Meters bassist George Porter Jr. delivers a groovy instrumental LP with his Runnin’ Pardners, based on jams from their weekly residency in New Orleans.