By Amiyah Golden
Oct. 6
Drake
“For All the Dogs”
Following the recent release of his single, “Slime You Out” featuring R&B singer SZA, the Canadian rapper excites fans for his upcoming album drop, “For All the Dogs.”
With his longevity and heavy-hitting rap skills, Drake has high expectations from fans for another stellar album with featured performances by Nicki Minaj, Bad Bunny and more. And considering Drake’s ability to span multiple genres and revel in various flows, another album doesn’t feel like an ego boost or an act of overcompensation — but just natural artistry that speaks to his talent.
As Drake continues his “It Was All A Blur” tour, showcasing his recent hits along with classics, Drake devotees now have an even more comprehensive discography to jam out to.
Omar Apollo
“Live for Me”
“Live for Me” has been announced as Omar Apollo’s newest EP.
Apollo is widely known for his hit song “Evergreen” that went epically viral on TikTok, expediting his major successes.
With an R&B influence directing his sound and lyrics that resonate with a slew of millennials and Gen-Z listeners navigating the world of love, life and personal discovery, Apollo continues to exhibit vulnerability that is often discouraged. His single “Ice Slippin” from the EP has already received a lot of positive praise. With Apollo sharing a statement that the single “… is about reliving the thoughts I had passing through my mind the winter I came out to my family. Receiving cold judgment as opposed to the acceptance I felt I deserved.”
Apollo is another example of an openly queer artist making space for the LGBTQ+ community in the music industry.
Sufjan Stevens
“Javelin”
The indie singer-songwriter is following the release of his latest single, “So You Are Tired,” with his newest album, “Javelin.”
The excitement surrounding the new project, is coupled with the untimely diagnosis of Guillain-Barre Syndrome for the Michigan artist. In his latest Instagram post, Stevens has kept fans updated on his condition, sharing his unfortunate medical hardships while still creating music that encapsulates timelessness and intention.
His seventh studio album, “Carrie and Lowell,” will always remain in my Top 50 Albums list that sits in the Notes app of my iPhone. With music that alludes to personal experiences and development, Steven’s storytelling is in a completely different stratosphere than most artists I have explored, and I can’t wait to hear the 10-track LP and listen to Steven’s most recent journey.
Oct. 13
Troye Sivan
“Something to Give Each Other”
The YouTuber-turned-pop star-turned-actor is releasing his third studio album, “Something to Give Each Other.”
After the release of his single “Rush,” I am beyond excited to hear what the South African born/Australian raised singer is bringing to the table. Although, I wasn’t interested in the artist until his recent appearance in the Max show “The Idol.” I now understand the praise that many of my friends expressed regarding Sivan.
Sivan’s newest record is described as a “…celebration of sex, dance, sweat, community, queerness, love and friendship.” This album couldn’t come at a better time as we gear up to celebrate Jacksonville pride! Sivan is noted as a pillar in the LGBTQ+ community and is making big strides toward mainstream success.
Cafuné
“Love Songs for the End”
Now this is a release I’m stoked for — I know I say this about every album but just hear me out!
Their viral song “Tek It” (which I found through TikTok last summer) infiltrated my brain for a solid year, making me burst each time with pure glee, every time I heard it — without fail. With accompanying bangers such as “Friction” and “Perspective,” the pair’s collaboration creates a sound that falls into the genre of shoegaze or alternative pop.
With “cafuné” being a Brazilian Portugues word for “the act of running your fingers through a loved one’s hair” it is a perfect name for a band that incites tender emotions that follow up with gaiety!
So make sure to add their newest EP, “Love Songs for the End,” into your future rotations!
Oct. 20
Sampha
“LAHAI”
It’s been a long time coming for Sampha fans!
His newest album “LAHAI” titled after his grandfather’s given name and his own middle name is described by him as: “My next musical chapter … Fever Dreams. Continuums. Dancing. Generations. Syncopation. Bridges. Grief. Motherlands. Love. Spirit. Fear. Flesh. Flight.” It comes six years after the release of his 2017 album, “Process.”
The South London artist’s voice and tone is unique and one that can only be found in him. A compilation of sounds that are unexpected and eccentric but always compliment the venturing musical journey he takes listeners on.
Oct. 27
Taylor Swift
“1989” (Taylor’s Version)
T-Swizzle is back, baby! With the pop star infamously re-recording all her studio albums due to conflict between her and her former manager. “1989” marks the tetrad to her collection of “Taylor’s Version” reproduced records.
Out of all her albums, I think “1989” encompasses a period where you knew her songs (purposefully or against your will) because of hits such as, “Bad Blood,” “Shake it Off” and “Style” being blasted across multiple avenues in 2014 — elevators, department stores, televisions ads, you name it — you literally couldn’t miss a beat with these songs.
Fans were already given a snippet of what’s to come when Swift released “Taylor’s Version” of her songs “Wildest Dreams” in 2021 and “This Love” in 2022 — both hits from “1989,” which only gave fans an even greater hunger to unlock all the songs from “1989.” Swift’s re-recorded albums also come with the treat of music that’s never been heard before dubbed “From the Vault” is what Swift calls the new songs that are added to the re-recorded track list.
Swift was quoted as saying “1989” is her favorite re-record “because the ‘from the vault’ tracks are so insane. I can’t believe they were ever left behind.”
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