If you’ve felt overwhelmed by the crazy amount of music that’s been released over the past couple of months, you’ve come to the right place. Here’s a rundown of seven recent albums (in no particular order) and some of their standout songs to make your music search easier, as well as some other new music you can expect this summer. 

1. Ventura – Anderson .Paak

Genre: R&B/SoulCheck out: Make It Better (feat. Smokey Robinson), Chosen One (feat. Sonyae Elise), Jet Black (feat. Brandy), What Can We Do? (feat. Nate Dogg).Paak’s second album in a six-month span does not disappoint. The smooth and groovy tracks have a similar feel to his second album Malibu, in contrast to his November album Oxnard which strayed away from his usual sound. The seamlessly incorporated features include André 3000, Smokey Robinson and Brandy.

2. Father of the Bride – Vampire Weekend

Genre: Alternative/IndieCheck out: Unbearably White, Sunflower (feat. Steve Lacy), How Long.Vampire Weekend’s fourth studio album Father of the Bride is truly a great listen, maybe even great enough to be worth the six year wait since their last album. Ezra Keonig’s unique vocals along with the peaceful string sections provide a perfectly hippie vibe. The album features a couple of groovier songs with The Internet’s guitarist Steve Lacy.

3. ARIZONA BABY – Kevin Abstract

Genre: Pop/RapCheck out: Baby Boy, Peach, GeorgiaWhile Abstract is more commonly known for his work as the founding member of hip hop ‘boy band’ Brockhampton, his solo work is most definitely deserving of a listen. A couple of tracks have a familiar Brockhampton sound, but for the most part the album is quite mellow with some catchy hooks. Some lyrics are very emotional, reflecting on Abstract’s difficult upbringing and struggles being a queer artist.

4. Not Waving, but Drowning - Loyle Carner

Genre: Hip-Hop/RapCheck out:  Loose Ends (feat. Jorja Smith), You Don’t Know (feat. Rebel Kleff and Kiko Bun), Still.If you haven’t listened to English hip hop artist Loyle Carner before, this album proves that you need to! The jazzy and chill tracks are perfect for a summer drive. The features, including Jorja Smith, Sampha, Tom Misch and Jordan Rakei, really bring the album together.

5. Free Spirit – Khalid

Genre: R&B/SoulCheck out:  Right Back, Outta My Head (with John Mayer), HundredIs Khalid even capable of making a bad song? Doesn’t seem like it. The beauty of this album is that it would likely appeal to just about anyone. Khalid sticks to his usual sound in this album, but doesn’t fail to provide some super catchy and smooth songs. The album includes collaborations with John Mayer and Disclosure.

6. CrasH Talk – ScHoolboy Q

Genre: Hip-Hop/RapCheck out: Drunk (feat. 6LACK), Floating (feat. 21 Savage), CHopstix (feat. Travis Scott).CrasH Talk is ScHoolboy Q’s first album since Blank Face in 2016 and has an impressive lineup of features including Travis Scott, YG, 21 Savage and Kid Cudi. Although nothing mind blowing, the album is a good listen for any rap fans and surely provides a few new bass heavy partying hits.

7. WHEN WE ALL FALL ASLEEP, WHERE DO WE GO? – Billie Eilish

Genre: AlternativeCheck out: my strange addiction, bad guy, ilomilo, i love you (sad alert).In ‘WHEN WE ALL FALL ASLEEP, WHERE DO WE GO?’, Eilish maintains what she’s known for with a bit of a dark yet beautiful twist. The artistry of this album makes it hard to believe she’s only 17! From eerie and bass heavy songs like ‘bury a friend’ to cry worthy songs like ‘i love you’, this album has a song for everyone and seems to get better each listen. No features here, just Billie and her brother Finneas, who produced the entire album.  

Find all of the songs mentioned as well as other new singles in this playlist:

 As for what other new music to expect this summer, Tyler, the Creator recently announced that he will be dropping a new album IGOR this month. Tame Impala and Mac Demarco have been releasing new singles, so it’s looking positive that we might see an album from both of them this summer as well. Steve Lacy, one of the Father of the Bride features, has announced we can expect a solo album from him in May as well. Although nothing has been confirmed, it is hoped that Childish Gambino may release an album this summer, which he has suggested will be his last. Other artists who have hinted albums include Lana Del Rey and Rihanna. In regards to Kanye, does Yandhi exist? Who knows, but I hope so.

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