The Pulse is the Uproxx Music guide to the best new albums, mixtapes, and other music releases that matter this week.
In the lead-up to Pacific Daydream, Weezer’s eleventh studio album, the band has proven that they’re still capable purveyors of sunny and bright alternative rock, with songs like “Weekend Woman” and “Beach Boys.” That album’s out now, as is a surprise new EP from a pop favorite and a slew of anticipated hip-hop releases.
Weezer — Pacific Daydream
[protected-iframe id=”bd11273712dc3b8fa91b51238368881a-60970621-76566046″ info=”https://open.spotify.com/embed?uri=spotify:album:3EwfQtjvyRAXsPWAKO5FDP” width=”650″ height=”380″ frameborder=”0″]
The Weezer guys have been around for forever now, but instead of age, they’re gaining wisdom. The group’s new album is filled with pop melodies and catchy rock songs just like the ones you remember, and while Pacific Daydream may not be an essential record, it is a fun one.
Majid Jordan — The Space Between
[protected-iframe id=”6cd6b1a9f8bc2de63eae02818e64ec3b-60970621-76566046″ info=”https://open.spotify.com/embed?uri=spotify:album:6QC8G4HVk9lkbpxugU7ZgF” width=”650″ height=”380″ frameborder=”0″]
The OVO duo has proven well enough now that smooth R&B vibes are totally their thing, and for further evidence, stop your search at their sophomore album. “My Imagination,” which features labelmates DVSN, is an icy, melancholic, and upbeat number that shows reminiscing over heartbreak isn’t always the worst thing.
Julien Baker — Turn Out The Lights
[protected-iframe id=”3be84d36e68dd3a5b9380cf531a01536-60970621-76566046″ info=”https://open.spotify.com/embed?uri=spotify:album:3uIsEwFYYV4rwRssSEJ8Lb” width=”650″ height=”380″ frameborder=”0″]
In our review of the album, we called it “a gorgeous assembly of eleven heart-wrenching tracks that observe the contradictory aspects of life and begin to reconcile with the fact that they might be able to coexist.” It’s some deep and excellent stuff, and we also spoke with Baker recently, so listen to her guest appearance on the Celebration Rock podcast here.
Fever Ray — Plunge
[protected-iframe id=”1e4178c32eefab82513e4446a22cb207-60970621-76566046″ info=”https://open.spotify.com/embed?uri=spotify:album:3UHMhYzYnfTBEuDxb1JmxC” width=”650″ height=”380″ frameborder=”0″]
What a world the internet has made possible: Yesterday, we found out about a new Fever Ray (real name Karin Dreijer) album, and today, it’s here. This is Dreijer’s first Fever Ray release in eight years, and based on the bouncy lead single “To The Moon And Back,” the wait was not in vain.
MØ — When I Was Young
[protected-iframe id=”3a7b4a1748583e97602ce12b67e9c99c-60970621-76566046″ info=”https://open.spotify.com/embed?uri=spotify:album:67aZECTq3l8kjV7h8EFXCp” width=”650″ height=”380″ frameborder=”0″]
The Danish singer hasn’t released an album or EP since 2017, but that’s no longer the case thanks to this surprise new EP. “All of these songs are really personal, referring to the journey I’ve been on, specific situations and my state of mind through all this,” she says. “It circles themes like coming of age, nostalgia and escaping from reality.”
John Maus — Screen Memories
[protected-iframe id=”82afb548059d8f53b7038623af3545d5-60970621-76566046″ info=”https://open.spotify.com/embed?uri=spotify:album:50Trv9V4O6AUqYOCm5HUG8″ width=”650″ height=”380″ frameborder=”0″]
It’s been six years since a new Maus album has graced our ears, but now it looks like his latest effort could be fascinating. “Teenage Witch” is simple like the airy krautrock of Kraftwerk, while “Touchdown” is darker and driving, so what else Screen Memories holds ought to be an adventure.
Ty Dolla Sign — Beach House 3
[protected-iframe id=”7a5e56f2a97c74fb557e23c333debb77-60970621-76566046″ info=”https://open.spotify.com/embed?uri=spotify:album:7Dj0aaKI4RpehMPqOu56mW” width=”650″ height=”380″ frameborder=”0″]
Ty Dolla Sign has been on a bunch of other people’s songs lately, but now that he’s back with his own album, it’s his turn to play host. The interlude track called “Famous Friends” makes sense, since the list of collaborators on this album includes Pharrell Williams, Skrillex, Lil Wayne, Swae Lee, Future, Jeremih, and others.
Stereophonics — Scream Above The Sounds
[protected-iframe id=”b620e6eadc8a55bb3b12e4e0376dabc3-60970621-76566046″ info=”https://open.spotify.com/embed?uri=spotify:album:3ZgCylPB3R6sCWDPsgkQUt” width=”650″ height=”380″ frameborder=”0″]
Although the UK alternative rockers haven’t really managed to break out in the US, they’ve been a wonderful success story in their homeland since the ’90s. If Scream Above The Sounds tops the UK charts, it’ll be their seventh album to do so, and the smooth and alluring single “All In One Night” shows that a No. 1 spot for this album wouldn’t be a huge surprise.
Yo Gotti — I Still Am
[protected-iframe id=”ae8c6d59f948f5479298e0e632b59d2f-60970621-76566046″ info=”https://open.spotify.com/embed?uri=spotify:album:1tSsb3t0pqVVONvBJivoT9″ width=”650″ height=”380″ frameborder=”0″]
Good news: The LAPD doesn’t think Yo Gotti was involved in the Young Dolph shooting! Also good news: Now that that’s out of the way, Gotti can focus on his new album, which includes the Nicki Minaj-featuring single “Rake It Up.”
Big K.R.I.T. — 4eva Is A Mighty Long Time
[protected-iframe id=”c11462bce3d445b1059fdd88dbb7faa2-60970621-76566046″ info=”https://open.spotify.com/embed?uri=spotify:album:6vGEX2ejVVsHTIsqI1teZg” width=”650″ height=”380″ frameborder=”0″]
Critics loved K.R.I.T.’s last album, 2014’s Cadillactica, but ultimately, it didn’t really sell. Here’s hoping for a reversal of fortunes this time around with 4eva Is A Mighty Long Time, because the soulful, funky, gospel-inspired single “Keep The Devil Off (Take 1)” shows that this double album is probably worth our dollars.
