Ruthie Foster Embraces Joy and Life on ‘Just Say Yes’
Ruthie Foster’s new LP succeeds because its optimism is carried by a voice that remains one of the most expressive instruments in contemporary roots music today.
soul
Frederico7 Offers His Whole Heart on the Exuberant ‘Brasileirôu’
Inspired by the bossa nova and funk legends of his home country, Brazil, and the varied scenes in Austin, Texas, Frederico7 is an artist in motion.
The Past Is Prologue for the Family on ‘Delusions of Grandeur’
The Family’s Delusions of Grandeur is a portrait of the COVID era, from its beginning to the present, showing the future has already passed.
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?
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.