Publishing date: Jul, 04, 2022
It’s hard to believe that we’re already halfway through a year of amazing new releases. So far, Harry took us on an adventure through Harry’s House, Charli XCX gave us an incredible run of dance bops on CRASH, and ROSALÍA proved her one-of-a-kind artistry with MOTOMAMI. This month doesn’t slow down in the slightest. From Beabadoobee, Maggie Rogers, and Lizzo, to the long-awaited return of Beyoncé, here are the albums we’re excited to hear in July.
July 1
Moor Mother – ‘Jazz Codes’
- Fresh off of the 700 Bliss record that dropped earlier this year, Moor Mother is back with another full-length record, Jazz Codes. Standing out as one of the prolific artists from the last few years, Moor Mother never fails to deliver totally new sounds on each record. If the new singles “BARELY WOKE” and “WOODY SHAW” tells us anything, it’s that we should expect something similar to her previous record Black Encyclopedia of the Air and that her trademark voice will be on full display.
July 8
Metric – ‘Formentera’
- Toronto indie legends are back with Formentera, their first record since 2018’s stellar Age of Doubt. Anchored by the singles “Doomscroller”, “All Comes Crashing”, and “What Feels Like Eternity”, the record sees the band going in a similar direction as Age of Doubt, with their signature pulsing instrumentation and smooth vocal hooks from Emily Haines. Preceding a tour through North America, this record is destined to be full of anthems that’ll be perfect for their energetic live shows.
Viagra Boys – ‘Cave World’
- Swedish garage post-punk band Viagra Boys release their latest record Cave World this month, which follows their brilliant 2021 release Welfare Jazz. Featuring singles “Ain’t No Thief”, “Troglodyte”, and “Punk Rock Loser”, the record sees the band moving in a more introspective direction as they question conspiracy theories and evolution, among other things. With some of the catchiest riffs and hooks of their catalog so far, Cave World looks to be the record that finally exposes Viagra Boys to larger mainstream audiences. If you’re a fan of bands like IDLES, Parquet Courts, or Fontaines D.C., check this record out.
July 15
Beabadoobee – ‘Beatopia’
- Beabadoobee is one of the exciting young voices coming out of the London-pop scene and drops her third record Beatopia this month. Led by singles “Talk, “See You Soon”, and “Lovesong”, Beatopia is the indie brit-pop record we’ve been waiting for all year. Inspired by her experiences as a young adult in London, the record sees Bea going in a more mature yet nostalgic direction. With production and songwriting features from The 1975’s Matty Healy and George Daniel, along with PinkPantheress, Beatopia has a track for every emotion you’ll feel this summer.
Lizzo – ‘Special’
- The most bombastic voice in pop music finally returns with Special, her third full-length record which features the endlessly catchy “About Damn Time”. Sure to be full of Lizzo’s trademark sass, sarcasm, and unforgettable hooks, Special also boasts production work from Terrace Martin, Benny Blanco, and Blake Slatkin. Following the smash pop hit, Cuz I Love You, Lizzo aims to deliver another chart-topping hit—viral TikTok audios and all. If “About Damn Time” proves anything, it’s that Lizzo is back, and isn’t going anywhere anytime soon.
Black MIDI – ‘Hellfire’
- UK post-punk staples Black MIDI release their third record Hellfire this month. Destined to be their wildest record yet, Hellfire aims to further cement Black MIDI position as an interesting and inventive rock band. Releasing during an impressive festival run, these songs should be as mind-blowing on record as they are on the stage. If you’ve never heard Black MIDI, this new record might be the perfect place to start—just be prepared to be shooketh in the best way possible.
Lil Silva – ‘Yesterday Is Heavy’
- Nearly 10 years in the making, Yesterday Is Heavy is the forthcoming debut album from one of the UK’s most consistently inventive production minds of recent times—Lil Silva. After working with high-profile artists like Adele, Mark Ronson, and BANKS, Lil Silva releases his debut project this month featuring the gorgeous singles “What If?”, “Leave It”, and “Backwards”. Informed by years of expertise and experimentation in different genres, Lil Silva seamlessly blends sonic influences from reggae, grime, and R&B. With features from Sampha, Charlotte Day Wilson, Skiifall, and BADBADNOTGOOD, Yesterday Is Heavy is the perfect R&B record to have in heavy rotation this summer.
Noah Cyrus – ‘The Hardest Part
- Pop icon Noah Cyrus releases her sophomore record The Hardest Part this month, featuring “Ready to Go”, “Mr. Percocet”, and “I Burned LA Down”. With a more country-influenced approach, this record sees Noah utilizing the influences of her upbringing (like her superstar Dad) and adding her own melancholy tendencies to create some of the most semisweet songs of her career. If you’re a fan of Billie Eilish and Kacey Musgraves, this Noah Cyrus record was made especially for you.
July 22
Jack White – ‘Entering Heaven Alive’
- Fresh off Fear of the Dawn, released in April, rock legend Jack White is back with his second offering of the year. Entering Heaven Alive is supposedly the second part of the experimental yet noisy rock direction he’s on this year, and if it’s anything like Fear of the Dawn, it’ll be interesting—to say the least. There’s no one in rock music like Jack White, and his carefree yet calculated attitude on his recent releases brilliantly pave the way for Entering Heaven Alive to mesmerize us.
ODESZA – ‘The Last Goodbye’
- Illustrious EDM duo ODESZA are back with their long-awaited fourth studio record The Last Goodbye. The record sees the duo reflecting on their career, their place in the EDM scene, and their families’ impact on their lives. It’s poised to be emotionally cathartic and backdropped by heart-racing beat drops. Featuring singles “Wide Awake”, “Love Letter”, and title track “The Last Goodbye”, ODESZA looks to not only have a rapturous return to the scene but to leave a lasting mark on it in the process.
July 29
Beyoncé – ‘Renaissance’
- If you’ve been living under a rock and haven’t heard, Queen B is back. Announced through cryptic posts on her social media pages and her website, Beyonce’s follow-up to Lemonade is finally coming and is destined to completely take over the pop landscape. Renaissance drops at the end of the month, and features the punchy single “BREAK MY SOUL”. Not only is this release the biggest of the summer (so far), it’s been highly anticipated since 2016. Buckle up everyone—Beyoncé’s renaissance is coming.
Maggie Rogers – ‘Surrender’
- Free-spirited indie-pop darling Maggie Rogers returns at the end of the month with Surrender, her first record since her 2019 landmark debut Heard It In A Past Life. Being one of the poster artists for the current indie female singer-songwriter wave can be an overwhelming task, but Maggie proves that she’s one of the best in the scene with lead singles “That’s Where I Am” and “Want Want”. The latter, featuring production from frequent Harry Styles collaborator, Kid Harpoon, and Del Water Gap, is the perfect soundtrack to sing along with at all your summer parties. Ready, set, drop—we’re ready for you Maggie.
Michael Go – ‘Forgive Me Brother, I’m Leaving America’
- Montreal-based art-pop artist Michael Go releases his debut project Forgive Me Brother, I’m Leaving America at the end of the month, and it’s one to watch. With slick production, nostalgically heartfelt lyricism, and smooth vocals, Michael is one of the most exciting up-and-coming artists of the last few years, and his debut single “Do My Part” perfectly showcases his unique artistry. If you’re a fan of The 1975, Jack Antonoff, and Radiohead, this album is perfect for your musical palette.