Wednesday Roundups #28: 10 Albums/EPs You Should Listen to In Your Spare Time
Stream releases from Kirk Franklin, pat junior, CARRTOONS, Ty Farris & Graymatter, Mndsgn, Elcamino, Joy Denalane, Butcher Brown, Aby Coulibaly, and Kate Stewart.
Welcome back to Shatter the Standards!
The twenty-eighth outing of Wednesday Roundups!
It might be challenging to prioritize your music listening when so much new music is available. Shatter the Standards provide a weekly summary of newsworthy releases on streaming platforms. Kirk Franklin, pat junior, CARRTOONS, Ty Farris & Graymatter, Mndsgn, Elcamino, Joy Denalane, Butcher Brown, Aby Coulibaly, and Kate Stewart were the artists with new albums or projects last week. Watch for weekly music drops every Wednesday for suggestions of lesser-known albums.
Here are your roundups for today!
Kirk Franklin — Father’s Day (Gospel) [Listen]
Kirk Franklin’s thirteenth album, Father’s Day, explores the duality of reality. The opening track, “Welcome Home,” sets the tone with its theme of suffering and redemption. The album’s musical arrangements are cheerful yet introspective, reflecting Franklin’s maturity as a songwriter. The singles “Try Love” and “All Things” emphasize the power of individuals to make a positive impact. The album’s ballads, such as “Needs” and “Again,” showcase Franklin’s hushed and emotive vocals. The album ends with the poignant and reflective “Somebody’s Son.” Father’s Day showcases Franklin’s growth as an artist and his ability to convey profound messages through his music.
pat junior — Grill Talk Mixtape, Vol. 1 (Hip-Hop) [Listen]
North Carolina rapper Pat Junior’s new tape, Grill Talk Mixtape, Vol. 1, reflects his personal journey and strong faith. Pat Junior faced religious trauma in high school but found healing through therapy and a personal relationship with God. His wife has influenced his music career; they work together as a team. The mixtape features fifteen tracks that combine catchy flows, powerful lyrics, and stage-worthy beats.
CARRTOONS — Saturday Night (R&B) [Listen]
CARRTOONS, a multi-instrumentalist and producer from New York, has released his new album Saturday Night on Wichita Recordings. Known for his emphasis on hard-hitting baselines, CARRTOONS has collaborated with notable artists such as Roy Ayers, Terrace Martin, and George Clinton. With a degree in Jazz Performance and a rich musical background, CARRTOONS’ music has garnered attention and commercial placements with brands.
Ty Farris & Graymatter — Sounds That Never Left My Soul (Hip-Hop) [Listen]
Sounds That Never Left My Soul is the tenth full-length album from Detroit rapper Ty Farris, featuring production from Graymatter. The album showcases Ty’s consistency and growth as an artist, with standouts including “Everything They Not” and “Lifetime of Misery.” The production on the album is a step above Ty’s previous release, and the concepts he addresses are relatable and resonate with listeners.
Mndsgn — Snaxxx (Hip-Hop) [Listen]
Mndsgn has released a new record called Snaxxx, part of his ongoing Snax series. The album features playful rhythms and catchy melodies, capturing the mood of grazing between salty and sweet snacks. The artwork and packaging evoke a nostalgic feeling reminiscent of Asian supermarkets. Snaxxx includes collaborations with Anna Wise, Liv.e, and Devin Morrison.
Elcamino — They Spit On Jesus (Hip-Hop) [Listen]
Elcamino has released his debut album, They Spit On Jesus. The album features collaborations with artists like Benny The Butcher, Inspectah Deck, Havoc, Armani Caesar, Jansport J, Loveboat Luciano, and Fuego Base. Elcamino’s affiliation with Griselda has led to his signing with Benny the Butcher’s BSF imprint. The album is described as a return to the original sound and feel of first-generation Griselda art.
Joy Denalane — WILLPOWER (Pop/R&B) [Listen]
German soul singer Joy Denalane has released her sixth studio album, WILLPOWER. The album’s first single, “Hideaway,” is a soul ballad that tells Denalane’s unique love story. The accompanying music video, shot in Portugal, showcases the peaceful life Denalane and her partner lead in nature. WILLPOWER explores themes of goodbyes, new beginnings, and the power of self-assertion, drawing inspiration from American soul music.
Butcher Brown — Solar Music (Jazz) [Listen]
Butcher Brown's latest album, Solar Music, seamlessly combines jazz and hip-hop, bridging the gap between the two genres. The band skillfully incorporates the harmonic complexity of jazz with the rhythmic conventions of hip-hop. The album showcases uplifting and optimistic tracks like “Cozumel” and “Espionage,” alongside energetic and fast-paced songs like “MOVE (RIDE)” featuring Jay Prince. By honoring both traditions and capturing the essence of hip-hop while showcasing their instrumental expertise, Butcher Brown creates a unique and compelling musical experience.
Aby Coulibaly — At the End of the Day… It’s Night (R&B) [Listen]
Irish R&B artist Aby Coulibaly has released her highly anticipated debut EP, At the End of the Day… It’s Night, through AMF Records and Universal Music Ireland. The EP features nine tracks that explore the complexities of human emotions, showcasing Aby’s astute lyricism and diverse musical range. Influenced by artists like Erykah Badu and Lauryn Hill, Aby’s sound transcends genres, blending soul, R&B, and experimental elements. With her captivating voice and unique approach to storytelling, Aby has garnered a strong following and is poised for further success.
Kate Stewart — You Had to Be There - EP (R&B) [Listen]
West London artist Kate Stewart has released her new EP You Had to Be There. The EP showcases Stewart’s three-octave range and soul-affirming lyricism with a contemporary R&B feel. Stewart describes the EP as a deeply personal project, where she opens up about her own experiences and emotions. She hopes fans can relate to the EP and find a sense of release.