Wednesday Roundups #50: 15 Albums/EPs You Should Listen to In Your Spare Time
Stream releases from Brother Ali & unJUST, Sinéad Harnett, The Amours, Cash Lansky, CeCe Winans, Flwr Chyld & Grimm Lynn, Judith Hill, Kyshona, Termanology & NasteeLuvzYou, and more.
Welcome back to another issue of Wednesday Roundups!
Diving into the world of music can be overwhelming with the constant influx of albums. That’s where Shatter the Standards steps in, making your musical navigation easier every Wednesday. They slice through the noise, bringing you a curated list of noteworthy new drops accessible on streaming platforms. Just last week, they spotlighted fresh beats from a diverse lineup, including Brother Ali & unJUST, Sinéad Harnett, The Amours, Cash Lansky, CeCe Winans, Flwr Chyld & Grimm Lynn, Judith Hill, Kyshona, Termanology & NasteeLuvzYou, Bairi, MaKenzie, Felicia Temple, Nascent, Aaron Cole, and Jayh.
If you’re struggling to keep up with the ever-evolving music scene, subscribing to the Shatter the Standards newsletter is your ticket to staying in the loop. They don’t just skim the surface with mainstream hits; they dive deep, bringing hidden gems right to your inbox weekly.
In today’s rapid-fire release culture, it’s easy to miss out on some real musical gems. Shatter the Standards does the heavy lifting for you, sifting through the latest releases and handpicking the ones that make a mark. Stay ahead of the curve and discover music that steps outside the mainstream box by joining their newsletter.
Brother Ali & unJUST: Love & Service (Hip-Hop)
Brother Ali’s latest release, Love & Service, sets itself apart through its unique sound, crafted by producer unJUST using a method that involves chopping and flipping samples from educational children’s films of the 70s and 80s on the classic ASR-10 sampler. The result is a gritty yet opulent auditory experience that perfectly complements Ali’s reflective and moving commentary on divinity, mortality, societal structures, and aesthetics. The album’s production style features a warm, unquantized sound, forming an ideal foundation for Ali’s lyrically dense reflections. Over 40 minutes, Love & Service conveys a rich narrative without sacrificing depth or clarity.
[Listen]
Sinéad Harnett: Boundaries (R&B)
Over a decade has passed since Sinéad Harnett first graced the music scene, and it has been three years since her album Ready Is Always Too Late was released. Her latest offering, Boundaries, reflects deep personal growth and introspection. This album is an intimate examination of how past traumas continue to shape present experiences, revealing Harnett’s journey toward authenticity and healing. Through this careful articulation, Harnett communicates the establishment of her limits. The album signifies her arrival at a place where she feels more genuinely herself and more healed than at any previous point in her life.
[Listen]
The Amours: Changes (R&B)
A sister duo consisting of Jakiya Ayanna and Shaina Aisha, The Amours are quickly becoming a force in the R&B genre with enchanting melodies filled with themes of love. Changes represent the strength and romantic narratives that characterize women’s lives from various cultures. The EP showcases The Amours’ ability to blend harmonious vocals with soulful tunes provided by DJ Camper.
[Listen]
Cash Lansky: Man of the House (Hip-Hop)
Growing up as the man of the house at a tender age thrust upon him responsibilities that many young boys are forced to assume. Cash Lansky’s narrative is steeped in family dynamics, personal trials, and growth. His experiences have shaped him into a wise individual beyond his years and profoundly influenced his music. His latest record marks his indie label debut with Mello Music Group, crafted under the skilled production of T-Wade and Mario Luciano. Man of the House is a heartfelt exploration of these themes, encapsulating the lessons learned and stories forged along the way.
[Listen]
CeCe Winans: More Than This (Gospel)
CeCe Winans returns with her thrilling 2024 album, More Than This. This live project showcases Winans’ unparalleled vocal abilities in a dynamic setting, accompanied by a full band. The album is a mix of emotionally charged ballads and energetic, up-tempo tracks. Among the standout songs are “That’s My King,” “Holy Forever,” and “Come Jesus Come.”
[Listen]
Flwr Chyld & Grimm Lynn: Café Noir - EP (R&B)
Flwr Chyld has long been at the forefront of crafting a distinctive sound that resonates with enthusiasts of R&B. His music, infused with robust funk and soul elements, has consistently produced cult classics that have garnered global attention. In his latest endeavor, Flwr Chyld collaborates with Grimm Lynn on Café Noir. This 8-track EP, celebrated by a community of neo-soul, house, and funk artists, navigates the tumultuous emotional landscape of relationships, “situationships,” love, and the complexities that intertwine them.
[Listen]
Judith Hill: Letters from a Black Widow (Blues)
Judith Hill’s latest album, Letters from a Black Widow, emerges as a profound expression of struggle and freedom in a society punctuated by its peaks and valleys. The Grammy-winning singer/songwriter and multi-instrumentalist crafts an album where each of the 12 tracks delves deep into personal battles previously confined to therapy sessions and unsettling dreams. Hill articulates stories of resistance, clarity gained through adversity, and redemption with a robust blend of soul, funk, and blues. Her music resonates with defiance and exquisite beauty, establishing a powerful connection with her audience.
[Listen]
Kyshona: Legacy (Singer/Songwriter)
Kyshona Armstrong, on her evocative new album Legacy, embarks on an introspective quest to connect with her roots. The album reflects the legacies left by generations past—of family, home, and personal identity—that have shaped her. Through eloquent soul music, Kyshona explores and embodies the spirit of these inheritances. Her songs serve as vessels through which she navigates the intricate memories and emotions tied to her ancestry. As she channels these influences into her soaring vocals, Kyshona offers listeners a vivid glimpse into the depth of her familial bonds and cultural heritage.
[Listen]
Termanology & NasteeLuvzYou: Time Is Currency (Hip-Hop)
Termanology, the Lawrence, MA emcee known for his distinctly 90s style despite rising to fame in the new school era, has released his 50th studio album, Time Is Currency. This project is produced entirely by the multi-platinum engineer and producer NasteeLuvzYou. Since making a notable entrance into the music scene in 2006 with the DJ Premier-assisted “Watch How It Go Down,” Termanology has consistently delivered quality East Coast boom-bap rap. His dedication to this genre makes him a standout artist in 2024, as he continues to release music that honors the genre’s traditional sounds.
[Listen]
Bairi: Fire Siren (R&B)
Rising R&B songstress Bairi, who has already captured a devoted cult following and amassed millions of streams across various platforms, recently released her debut project, Fire Siren. This highly anticipated 10-track album weaves a sultry narrative of self-discovery. Bairi shares her experiences of overcoming personal darkness to find self-worth and purpose. Her heartfelt storytelling encourages others to confront their struggles, revealing a healing essence with emotive lyricism.
[Listen]
MaKenzie: A Pretty Fcking Cool EP (R&B)
Rising Kentucky-born, Los Angeles-based R&B pop singer/songwriter MaKenzie has released her latest work, A Pretty Fucking Cool EP. This project showcases MaKenzie’s versatility as an artist, placing it at the forefront of her musical presentation. Whether channeling the energy of a throwback R&B banger or expanding her range into stratospheric pop heights, MaKenzie consistently asserts herself as a fluid, focused, and fiery force in the music industry. Her unique and undeniable vision distinguishes her work, marking her as an artist with a distinct and compelling voice in the contemporary music scene.
[Listen]
Felicia Temple: Welcome Home - EP (R&B)
A singer and keyboardist working full-time as a nurse, Felicia Temple brings her brand of R&B sensuality to the music scene. Hailing from Teaneck, New Jersey, Temple was raised in a household steeped in musical tradition. Her most recent EP, Welcome Home, continues to reflect this rich musical heritage.
[Listen]
Nascent: Don’t Grow Up Too Soon (Hip-Hop/R&B)
Nascent returns with his second album, Don’t Grow Up Too Soon. The follow-up to 2021’s Minus the Bullshit Life’s Great finds the producer at his most confident. A project of profound self-examination, Nascent’s album chronicles the odyssey of an adult man as he confronts and heals from the wounds inflicted during his formative years. Comprising a compilation of raw tracks, Nascent bares his personal narrative, providing listeners with a deeply moving traversal through his history. The collection highlights the unbreakable fortitude of the human spirit and an emphatic declaration that the journey towards the resolution of past suffering, though arduous, is a voyage of profound value. With 18 tracks, it features star-studded guests, including Saba, Ab-Soul, Mereba, BJ the Chicago Kid, Maxo Kream, Paul Wall, Jordan Ward, and many others.
[Listen]
Aaron Cole: Sorry, I Changed (Hip-Hop)
Aaron Cole started his melodious adventure at the tender stage of three years, and his extraordinary aptitude ensnared the attention of Christian music veteran, TobyMac. This led to the nascent musician signing a deal with TobyMac’s music imprint, Gotee Records, when he was a mere 15 years old. Fast forward a few years and this prodigious talent, who has twice been honored with a Dove Award, debuted his Christian hip-hop album, Sorry, I Changed, under the aegis of RCA Inspiration. Exhibiting a versatile skill as a rapper, vocalist, and tunesmith, Sorry, I Changed, is the third full-length LP from Cole’s music stable. It is an anthology of thirteen distinct tracks such as “Two Cents,” “SBTN (feat. Kirk Franklin),” “Infinity (feat. DOE),” and “Safe Haven” among others.
[Listen]
Jayh: Beautiful Stories (R&B)
Jayh brings a unique blend of R&B and soul to her performances with her impassioned voice. Her extensive career spans over a decade, during which she has performed alongside Grammy award-winning artists, earning widespread recognition and respect within the music industry. In her latest work, Beautiful Stories, Jayh offers an intimate glimpse into the diverse experiences of women, tackling themes of insecurity, healing, and love with a raw honesty that resonates and feels instantly familiar.
[Listen]