Stream Adele, 'Empire' Season Two, And More Of The Week's New Albums

Let’s not kid ourselves: The one album that everyone is talking about this week is Adele’s 25. It’s very possible that this record could have the highest-selling first week of all-time. All of you will likely hear whether you like it or not. But, to be fair, there are other albums releasing this week, if you can believe it. Soundtracks from Empire season two and Creed are dropping, as well as new ones from Jadakiss, Freddie Gibbs, I Love Makonnen, and eclectic producer Arca. Here’s what you need to hear this week.

Adele – 25

Four years ago, Adele went from tastemaker soul singer to stratospheric superstar with the release of her second album, 21. After the unlikely success of that record, she nearly quit music to go out on top and live a family life, but she ultimately couldn’t stay away from the studio. For what it’s worth, 25 is not a repeat of her previous effort; Adele is a different, less angry person, but her fire is absolutely still burning. That much is clear in the album’s first single “Hello,” as well as the follow-up track “When We Were Young.”

Now, perhaps the second biggest news about 25 is that it is not immediately available for streaming — Adele does have the power to do that. Spotify does have the album up, but has yet to activate the songs. Most speculation has suggested this will only last a week or so, but we will continue to monitor this particular stream.

You can buy Adele’s ’25’ on iTunes here.

Various Artists – Empire Soundtrack Season Two

The Lyon family’s drama and strife on the second season of Empire has only gotten even crazier. And to accompany that insanity, the songs have matched that intensity and quality. Terrence Howard and Petey Pablo’s “Snitch B*tch” of course makes an appearance, as do tracks like “Boom Boom Boom Boom,” “Ready to Go,” and “Ain’t About the Money.” As Empire grows as a series, the music will only find better footing, and this season two soundtrack proves that progression.

Arca – Mutant

Arca may not be a name that you know just yet, but you will immediately know his work by heart. One of the more highly-sought after producers in the electronic world, he helped craft numerous beats and songs on Kanye West’s Yeezus like “Hold My Liquor,” “I’m in It,” “Blood on the Leaves,” and “Send It Up,” as well as work on albums for FKA Twigs, Bjork, and Kelela. Now the sonically-spacious producer is releasing his second solo LP, Mutant, a daring and at times overwhelming effort. Arca will provide you with something a little more musically adventurous, if you are ready to accept it.