Loathe Lace Metal with Soul on ‘A Stranger to You’
Loathe changed the face of metal six years ago. With a new sound in tow, are they still capable of reaching those heights with A Stranger to You?
soul
Thundercat’s Humor Undermines an Otherwise Radiant LP
By not fully letting his guard down, the genre-bending bass virtuoso Thundercat fails to harmonize with the profound beauty of his songs.
Empire Child’s Music Could Heal the World
As Empire Child, Ruth Rothwell realizes her lifelong dream of releasing her own music. It’s a journey of introspection, social consciousness, and positivity.
Ghost Hounds Party Like Its 1969 with “Gimme Shelter”
Ghost Hounds’ cover of the Rolling Stones’ “Gimme Shelter” evokes the feeling that we’re on the edge of something dangerous.
Where Should Billy Joel Sit at the Pop Rock Table?
Inconsistent in his music and notoriously ornery, it’s difficult to figure out where, amongst his contemporaries, to seat Billy Joel at the Pop Rock table. We give it a try.
Detroit 1967: From Uprising to Amplification
The 1967 Detroit Uprising did not create the music that followed; it clarified it by stripping away ambiguity, making it harder to ignore what was already there.
Jesper Lindell Goes for a Big Adventure on ‘Jackson Highway’
Jesper Lindell and company are faithful to the spirit of the original versions of these songs, but they bring their own energy as well.
Mavis Staples Comforts and Galvanizes in Pennsylvania
Legendary soul singer Mavis Staples draws on classics, old and new, to deliver her own State of the Union address. Her message is more relevant and urgent than ever.
Cyril Neville and King Youngblood Serve Up Inspiring Gumbo
This is a big year for Cyril Neville and King Youngblood, a bonus for music fans who appreciate artists who use their talents to speak out and inspire social change.
Jill Scott’s New Music Is As Vibrant As Ever
Jill Scott’s new album fits seamlessly with pop’s retro-futuristic fascination with the 1980s. Her signature mix of poetry, hip-hop, jazz, and soul is as vibrant as ever.
The Olympians Instrumentally Search for a Revival
The Olympians’ In Search of a Revival may be an odd album, but it’s not an unfriendly one. The dozen instrumental tracks offer friendly vibes.
James Hunter Six Get ‘Off the Fence’ and Land on a New Label
These 12 new self-penned tracks demonstrate that the James Hunter Six have found their niche and discovered how to exploit the groove.