There’s no doubt this week that the biggest release we’ve got is Carly Rae Jepsen‘s E•MO•TION. After numerous singles (and a leak from the Japan release earlier this summer), the “Call Me Maybe” singer is ready to unleash more undeniable pop earworms unto the public. But we’ve also got some other great albums this week. Sean Price‘s final record, finished before his untimely passing, gets its release this week, as well as new ones from Panda Bear, Mick Jenkins, Disturbed and more.
Here are the new albums you need to hear this week.
Carly Rae Jepsen – E•MO•TION
The easy thing to suggest is that Carly Rae Jepsen has “grown up,” or gotten more sophisticated with her new album, E•MO•TION. But that would be dismissing the incredible songwriting that made enormous hits like “Call Me Maybe” and “Good Time.”
Yes, it’s true that this new album features production from indie pop stalwarts like Sia, Dev Hynes, Ariel Rechtshaid, and Rostam Batmanglij from Vampire Weekend, but, truthfully, that’s a facade. Don’t use those names simply as a gateway to enjoy pop music — just enjoy pop music. When it’s good, you don’t need any excuses, and it’s great here. Tracks like “I Really Like You,” “Run Away With Me,” and “All That” are all incredibly powerful pop anthems, and it’s easy to a scenario where Carly Rae Jepsen becomes the superstar to beat in 2015.
Panda Bear – Crosswords EP
Despite releasing a new album just this past January, Panda Bear of Animal Collective has released a surprise album in Crosswords. Led by a new mix of the track from Panda Bear Meets the Grim Reaper, the EP also contains three new tracks and a remix of “The Preakness” from 2011’s Tomboy.
As a great companion to Grim Reaper, Crosswords is adrift in the way that most Panda Bear solo efforts are. The decision boils down to if you want to get washed away with the current of tropical sounds, stacked vocals, and freaky pop. And, for a quick dip, it’s really not that bad of a decision.
Sean Price – Songs in the Key of Price
The way too premature death of Sean Price, also known as Sean P and a litany of other dope monikers, left a hole in hip-hop fans’ hearts. Few things can ease the pain of losing someone you’ve admired for so long, but hopefully new material can help you remember him in the way that he would appreciate.
Sean was actually promoting this album heavily before he passed, and the tracks he previewed sounded pretty tough. Now, we can hear that project in full and honor this great rhymer’s memory.
Here are the rest of the week’s releases:
Disturbed – Immortalized
Mick Jenkins – Wave[s]
The Sword – High Country
Bon Jovi – Burning Bridges
Method Man – The Meth Lab
Kip Moore – Wild Ones
Jordin Sparks – Right Here Right Now
Drinks – Hermits on Holidays
Ghost B.C. – Meliora
Jojo – III. EP
Rob Thomas – The Great Unknown
P.O.D. – The Awakening
Slaves (U.S. Band) – Routine Breathing
Buckcherry – Rock ‘N’ Roll
The Devil Wears Prada – Space EP
The Fratellis – Eyes Wide, Tongue Tied
Gardens & Villa – Music for Dogs
Mat Kearney – JUST KIDS
Boots – Motorcycle Jesus OST
Various Artists – We Are Your Friends Soundtrack
Trevor Hall – KALA
