These Are The New Albums You Need To Hear This Week

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We’re finally through the looking glass. For the first time in 26 years, no new albums came out on a Tuesday. Instead, the new day is now Friday. Of course, this hasn’t been without controversy, with record stores (yes, they’re still around) complaining that they can’t restock as easily on weekends. But because digital now drives the biggest chunk of the industry, getting on the same global date made sense for everyone.

But enough of the technical stuff. This week has got some great new records from the likes of English newcomers Years & Years, Ghostface Killah, and that highly anticipated tribute to Nina Simone. Here are the albums you need to hear this week.

Years & Years — Communion

The electronica trio out of London, Years & Years, has managed to carve a huge fanbase in such a short amount of time from the strength of songs like “King” and “Take Shelter.” Now, with their debut proper dropping in Communion, we can finally hear the vulnerability that singer Olly Alexander is willing to allow us to see.

Communion could easily be big pop hooks and undeniable beats, but its human nature is what really drives it through even its bumpy moments.

Various Artists — Nina Revisited… A Tribute to Nina Simone

As one of the most influential, courageous, and respected musicians of all-time, Nina Simone’s story is still surprisingly unsung. Netflix’s documentary about the jazz legend released at the end of June should hopefully illuminate a new generation, and Nina Revisited… A Tribute to Nina Simone will help connect with the new with the old. With artists like Usher, Lauryn Hill, and Common covering some her of most notable songs, it’s a can’t-miss opportunity to bring new life to such vibrant work.

Ghostface Killah — Adrian Younge Presents: Twelve Reasons to Die II

Following up 2013’s incredibly well-received 12 Reasons to Die, Tony Stark has yet again teamed up with Adrian Younge for a second helping. Of course, Wu-Tang affiliates are all over this album, including RZA and Raekwon, but there are also some great guest spots from artists like Vince Staples on “Get the Money” and soulful crooner Bilal on “Resurrection Morning.” It feels like Twelve Reasons to Die II is one of the few sequels out this summer that was actually worth making.

Here are the rest of the week’s releases:

Veruca Salt – Ghost Notes
Lil Wayne – Free Weezy Album (Tidal Exclusive)
Four Tet – Morning/Evening
The Bird and the Bee – Recreational Love
Various Artists – Music From the Motion Picture Paper Towns
Static Selektah – Lucky 7
Cradle of Filth – Hammer of the Witches
Lee Bannon – Pattern of Excel
Between the Buried and Me – Coma Ecliptic
Little Boots – Working Girl
Ezra Furman – Perpetual Motion People
Owl City – Mobile Orchestra