This past summer has been a gold mine when it comes to long-awaited album releases by artists big and small alike. In the spirit of keeping the discussion going, here is a compilation of brief insights into some of the summer’s most highly-anticipated records, as well as some of my own personal favorites.
“What A Devastating Turn Of Events” – Rachel Chinouriri (May 3)
Perhaps one of the more quirky entries that you’ll find on this list, as well as a personal favorite of mine, this South London-based singer casts the Y2K pop genre in a new light with her debut album. Flavored by the usual themes of heartbreak and loss, such as the fluttery farewell to a deadbeat ex in “Never Need Me,” Rachel Chinouriri also addresses heavier matters such as suicide in the title track, and depression fuelled by communal pressure in “My Blood.”
“Radical Optimism” – Dua Lipa (May 3)
This album strikes me as one of the more muted releases of this summer. However, Dua Lipa has had massive shoes to fill following the success and longevity of “Future Nostalgia” and its eponymous tour. “Radical Optimism” feels less like a cohesive album, and more like multiple singles stitched together with an overarching theme; which is a shame given that quite a few tracks—such as “Maria,” “Illusion” and “French Exit”—have been on repeat for me.
“HIT ME HARD AND SOFT” – Billie Eilish (May 17)
You would think that the hits would die down by now after having released a few records, but Billie Eilish keeps proving that assumption wrong with each body of work she produces. With two hit LPs as well as two Academy Awards, Eilish and her producer brother Finneas O’Connell have come back swinging once again with an album that is as sonically subtle as it is a chart-topper. With saucy lyricism abound in songs like “Lunch” and poignant meditations in others like “Chihiro” and “Wildflower,” “Hit Me Hard And Soft” demonstrates Billie’s capacity for diversity in sound.
“Brat” – Charli xcx (June 7)
Charli xcx’s latest album is more than just the spawn of memes, fancams and Kamala Harris campaign material; “Brat” is a deep dive into the psyche of an “it-girl” who is, in reality, stunted by insecurities and vulnerabilities. Tracks like “Girl, so confusing” and “Sympathy is a knife” highlight this concept, while tracks like “Club classics” and “Von dutch” provide a temporary break for listeners to dissociate and inhabit imaginary raves.
“Charm” – Clairo (July 12)
Just as subdued as “Sling” which came before it, Clairo’s latest entry delivers the same lazy-day production while still maintaining a sense of poise and confidence that is hard to replicate. Inspired by moments of both being charming or being charmed–as the title suggests–“Charm” imbues the atmosphere of such moments into its production. This is particularly apparent in tracks such as “Juna,” “Sexy To Someone” or even “Add Up My Love,” if you listen close enough.
“Big Ideas” – Remi Wolf (July 12)
Remi Wolf is brimming with personality and candor in her music, and her latest LP “Big Ideas” is no exception. While less playful than her debut album “Juno,” Wolf doesn’t sacrifice the theatrical nature of her singing nor the danceability of her production in an effort to deliver more humane lyrics. She still remains frank on her sexuality, mental health and independence in songs like “Toro,” but can pivot to intimate remembrance and doubts on the strength of others’ love for her in “Cherries and Cream” and “Wave”. Wolf seems more open this time around, and it’s something you eventually learn to appreciate.