Listen Up: Summer 2018 Music Round Up
Summer is always a very busy period for music (and entertainment in general), with all kinds of big name artists trying to be counted in the “Hot List.” This season is no different, and the hip-hop lane seems to be particularly top-heavy. Albums from heavyweights like Pusha T, Nas, Nicki Minaj and Drake are all scheduled to touch down. Not to be overlooked, there are a handful of other talented summer hopefuls that should be on your radar too. See our list below…
SSION, O, MAY 11
With more than a decade of vodka-drenched rave-ready bops under his belt, Cody Critcheloe is the pop artist we’ve all been waiting for. It’s been over five years since the NYC underground fave and music video director (Kylie Minogue, Santigold, et al), who operates under the stage name SSION (pronounced “shun”), released an album. Well, thank the music gods for SSION’s recent release—the majorly buzzed-about album, O—which is packed with features by indie stars including MNDR, Sky Ferreira, Jennifer Herrema, and even Hole’s Patty Schemel. With the alt-awesomeness that is O, it’s clear that SSION’s underground days will soon be over, and that our kind of star is born.
BEACH HOUSE, 7, MAY 11
Beach House has been doing the dreary-dreamy, indie-rock thing for a decade plus. And now, the Baltimore duo is at it again with their seventh gem of an album, aptly titled, yep, 7. Of course, this already-lauded album is perfect for long, contemplative walks on the beach, but it’ll also take you to places you’ve only dreamed of. In other words, 7 provides the feels. All the feels. For proof, listen to the shoe-inspired, transcendent ballad “Dark Spring,” and thank us later.
SONS OF AN ILLUSTRIOUS FATHER, DEUS SEX MACHINA: OR, MOVING SLOWLY BEYOND NIKOLA TESLA, JUNE 1
There’s jus something about Sons Of An Illustrious Father. Sure, there’s the frenetic jams, the enchantingly nutty videos, and the stylish and charismatic frontman who comes with rafter-reaching, throaty pipes. His name is Ezra Miller. Ring a bell? Sure, Miller’s already played a superhero (Barry Allen aka The Flash in box office smash, Justice League), but if the burgeoning hype surrounding this NYC-based grunge trio’s forthcoming LP, Deus Sex Machina: Or, Moving Slowly Beyond Nikola Tesla, is any indication, then the dudes are well on their way to becoming bonafide music superstars too.
LYKKE LI, SO SAD SO SEXY, JUNE 8
Ready for a so sad so sexy summer with Lykke Li? The answer is yes, obviously. It’s been four years since the Swedish siren released the moody I’ll Never Learn, but Lykke Li has finally reemerged and reinvented herself via her fourth album, so sad so sexy. The first two tracks that she’s released feature hip-hop and R&B-style production, thanks in part to the work of Grammy-nominated producer Jeff Bhasker (who’s also worked with Kanye West and Jay-Z, and who just happens to be the father of her child). There’s nothing sad about that. This all sounds very crazy, sexy, cool, and we’re here for it.
LILY ALLEN, NO SHAME, JUNE 8
Lily Allen returns this summer with her new album, No Shame. If the first few tracks she’s released are any kind of sonic spoiler, then this thing’s going to be quite the twisted beauty. “Three,” is a tender piano ballad addressed to her Allen’s daughters, while “Higher” is a soft, dream pop number, and “Trigger Bang” is a shimmery floor filler featuring U.K. rapper, Griggs. Lyrically speaking, this might be Allen’s most personal album to date, which makes sense considering she’s also set to release what she’s called a “shocking and brutal” memoir in early 2018. We can’t wait, for one person’s pain is another person’s pleasure, indeed.
CHRISTINA AGUILERA, LIBERATION, JUNE 15
Christina Aguilera hasn’t released an album since 2012’s Lotus. But that’s about to change with her forthcoming work, Liberation, which drops next month. “Accelerate,” Aguilera’s first single from the highly anticipated LP, features production from Kanye West with guest vocals from Ty Dolla Sign and 2 Chainz. As for the music video? It features Xtina getting a bit dirrty. If you scroll through the YouTube comments, you’ll notice that the reviews have a bit of a love-hate vibe, but we’ll give Xtina major props for remaining a daring, no-fucks-given diva. The second track released, “Twice,” is more quintessential Aguilera—a big albeit stripped down ballad showcasing her soul-drenched, straight-to-the-gut vocals. As for what else to expect from Liberation? Well, the former ‘The Voice’ coach has been pretty mum on the album details, but we do know there’ll be a duet with Demi Lovato. Here’s hoping for a big belt-off. We’re rooting for you, Christina!
GANG GANG DANCE, KAZUASHITA, JUNE 22
Remember Gang Gang Dance? After all, it’s been seven damn years since the electronic outfit last released an album. Of course, much has changed in the music world since 2011, but we have a feeling Gang Gang Dance will be enthusiastically welcomed back with open arms when their new LP Kazuashita drops. Just take a listen to the synth-laden lead single “Lotus,” a cinematic, goosebump-inducing track that will surely get listeners into a downright tizzy. According to a press release, Kazuashita boasts “an intoxicating mix of shoegaze and electronic ambience.” #PreOrdersNow
FLORENCE + THE MACHINE, HIGH AS HOPE, JUNE 29
Oh, how we’ve longed to have our ears blessed by Florence Welch’s soaring pipes once again. Well, get prepared to get high off of a mega-dose of Welch via the forthcoming Florence + The Machine full-length album, High As Hope. C’mon, there’s no need for hoping the tunes will deliver. That’s a given. The lead single from the LP, “Hunger,” is, for the lack of a better word, awesome. Actually, let’s go with sublime. The song feels like a self-assured, reintroduction of sorts, which definitely does not disappoint. The video is stunning and powerful too. It does, however, make waiting for the June 29 release date so damn painful. Hurry, Flo. We’re hungry for more.
DIRTY PROJECTORS, LAMP LIT PROSE, (July 13th)
Dirty Projectors really know how to choose a killer, “we’re back, bitches” lead single. “Break-Thru” serves as the band’s quite memorable re-introduction. The song is all sorts of maniacal (specifically that borderline grating guitar riff), and so is the acid-friendly music video, which involves several questionable cameos from colorful birds. It’s all simultaneously confusing and thrilling. Guests on the experimental rock band’s new album, Lamp Lit Prose, includes Haim and Fleet Foxes’ Robin Pecknold. Unfortunately, you’ll have to wait until July 13 to see if the new album will get you… lit. (Sorry, we had to.)
WIZ KHALIFA, ROLLING PAPERS 2, JULY 13
Don’t say that Wiz Khalifa is merely back. Because he hasn’t gone anywhere—Wiz released a mixtape, Laugh Now, Fly Later, in November 2017. But this is different. This is really, really big. In July, Wiz will drop the much-anticipated Rolling Papers 2. Actually, much-anticipated is an understatement: the first Rolling Papers was released way back in 2011 by the Pittsburgh native. And it’s A LOT to live up to. Reminder: the lead single from Rolling Papers, “Black And Yellow” topped the Billboard Hot 100 and it’s still perpetually in our head. The good news is the lead single from this project, “Real Rich,” is a super-catchy, in-your-face bouncy banger that also happens to feature guest artist Gucci Mane. It screams song of the summer. Even YouTube agrees: “the beat hotter than the summer” explains one comment left on the songs official audio upload.
Words: Alex Catarinella
