Publishing date: Apr, 27, 2023
May 5
Ed Sheeran – ‘Subtract’
Starting off the month strong, Ed Sheeran is releasing his fifth studio album, – (Subtract), completing his decade-long math-themed album project. He initially released his album + (Add) back in 2011, followed by 2014’s x (Multiply) and 2017’s ÷ (Divide). Speaking on his newest project, the English singer says, “For the first time, I’m not trying to craft an album people will like. I’m merely putting something out that’s honest and true to where I am in my adult life.” In other words, Ed Sheeran is ready to open the trapdoor into his soul with the new music. – (Subtract) is produced by Aaron Dessner from the National, and it is said to “cut you in your feels as he drives into personal grief and hope.” It has been a turbulent year for the 32-year-old singer as he confesses that a series of events in 2022 changed his life, mental health, and ultimately how he viewed music and art. He tapped into songwriting as his therapy to make sense of his feelings. Ed Sheeran had always had a way of conveying complex emotions into relatable, digestible soundbites. We’re sure the lessons he learned from his experience are noteworthy for all of us, and we’re all here for it.
Jonas Brothers – ‘The Album’
Blood is thicker than water, and that cannot be more true for the Jonas Brothers. During their Hollywood Walk of Fame ceremony earlier this year, the OG heartthrobs announced that their highly-anticipated sixth studio album, The Album, will be released this May. Since reuniting and releasing their joint album Happiness Begins in 2020, fans have been eager for more Jonas Brothers, and the wait is finally over. This upcoming album is expected to feature a blend of modernized ‘70s pop and Americana elements. The hummable harmonies and slick instrumentation that has been the brothers’ brand for over a decade are reorganized with a modern twist. Their latest single from the album “Waffle House” dropped, and the hard-hitting drums and addicting chorus make it an instant smash hit. There are no summers like a Jonas Brothers summer, and we have the sunglasses and inflatable flamingos all on standby to enjoy their newest album.
Claire Rosinkranz – ‘Just Because’
Claire Rosinkranz has an open invitation to dance in her backyard, and now adding to her dance playlist are songs on her first full-length album, Just Because, which comes out this month. The candy-sweet pop singer bagged a casual 2.5 million features on TikTok for her song “Backyard Boy” and gears up for her studio release, which is said to encompass the multitudes of emotions as an 18-year-old. “It’s a window into my world as I’m growing up and navigating life,” says the up-and-comer. Just Because features contributions from Afterhrs, Paul Phamous, Stint, Elie Rizk, and her father, Ragnar Rosinkranz. From joy and wonder to confusion and anxiety, we can expect 13 tracks of gleeful guitars, lo-fi production, and chantable choruses, all colored by the sunkissed hues of California. Rosinkranz explores her coming-of-age through relatable lyrics on crushes and navigating friendship, all slicked together with soft, syrupy vocals. She will be joining Dermot Kennedy as support on his North American tour this summer, and all this is to say, Just Because is guaranteed to be a girly-approved smash record.
May 10
Deante’ Hitchcock – ‘Once Upon A Time’
Introspective. Talented. Lyricist. These are just a few words to describe the Atlanta artist Deante’ Hitchcock. After securing the coveted spot on the Grammy-nominated J.Cole and Dreamville compilation album, Revenge Of The Dreamers III, the rapper returns with his sophomore album, Once Upon A Time. As he embarks on his role as a romantic partner and father, he confesses the uncertainties and emotions men often face but don’t always express to the women in their lives. If you’re familiar with Hitchcock’s previous work, you can expect the same melodic rap and signature lyricism mixed into base-heavy production in this upcoming project. Coinciding with the announcement is the release of his latest single, “Woah!” a high-octane rap release that is slick and filled with the artist’s Southern swagger. Whether you’re going through a spiritual awakening or just want some bgm on your daily self-care walk, this body of work is for you.
May 12
Bailey Zimmerman – ‘Religiously. The Album’
Some describe Bailey Zimmerman’s upcoming album as a collection of breakup anthems, and we can see why. Religiously. The Album comes out May 12, and from one listen to the album’s lead single, “Religious,” you’re transcended into the epicenter of a raw, country love tragedy. Known for his raspy voice and clever writing, Zimmerman effortlessly combines dramatic vocal belting and perfect songwriting to evoke every intended emotion within the listener. The country singer was first noticed on TikTok 2 years ago when he worked for a gas pipeline company. “The past two years of my life have been insane, and the fact that I get to release my first-ever album is so surreal,” Zimmerman says. “Thank you to everyone that has had my back through thick and thin. I will never be able to repay y’all for the love and support, this album is for you.” The first-time 2023 CMT Music Awards nominee is set to open for Morgan Wallen’s 2023 tour, and considering the Louisville native hasn’t failed to put out good songs, we don’t expect him to break his streak anytime soon.
May 19
Kaytraminé – ‘Kaytraminé’
After announcing their collaborative project, KAYTRAMINÉ “coming soon” earlier this month, the duo of Kaytranada and Aminé released the leading single “4EVA (feat. Pharrell Williams)” and pinned down an official date of their release. Aminé’s sound has been described as “a controlled sugar rush” that folds elements of pop and dance into bright raps, while Kaytranada is a renowned producer with well-defined and influential sensibility. This won’t be the first time two talented musicians worked together; think, “La Danse,” “YeYe,” and “Not At All” in 2015. Kaytranada’s snappy beats and puncturing synths weaved seamlessly with Aminé’s quirky and dynamic flows. Considering the duo are masters in their respective crafts, they will very likely present a dance album that is a mastery in its own genre and unlike anything we’ve heard before.
Lewis Capaldi – ‘Broken by Desire to Be Heavenly Sent’
The endearing Lewis Capaldi found incredible success with his debut album Divinely Uninspired to a Hellish Extent in 2019, and he is now returning with his sophomore full-length project. Pairing emotional songcraft with a hilarious social media persona is the ultimate duality you can find in an artist and Lewis is giving. His new album, Broken by Desire to Be Heavenly Sent, is said to feature the same heartwrenching vocals from the Scottish singer over a melodramatic piano and other instrumental productions. He has the same intention in making this album as the first, with full-force honesty and knowing humor. The lead single to this high-anticipated project, “Forget Me,” was released and immediately rocketed to the top of the UK singles chart. Broken by Desire to Be Heavenly Sent is set out to be intimate and gut-wrenching, and we can expect to hear what Capaldi does best, to sing about the nuances of love and loss that get you to ugly-cry under your pillow.
Summer Walker – ‘Clear 2: Soft Life’
Summer Walker announced the arrival of her new EP, Clear 2: Soft Life which acts as a sequel to her 2019 release, Clear, a four-track offering and a prelude to her magnum opus and platinum effort, Over It. The R&B singer cemented herself as one of the most relatable storytellers in the genre, with an ear for melodrama and a vocal box for soulfulness. The sadness and insecurities in her lyrics are often enveloped in her moody soundscape of contemporary trap R&B, making her turbulent narratives feel true to life. Although we’re still unsure what emotions and experiences Walker will tap into in this new project, we’re guaranteed to hear more of Walker’s mesmerizing sound. Known for her groovy beats stocked with plenty of basses and eerie production, we have no doubt the R&B star will get us in the mood to enter our soft life era.
Dave Matthews Band – ‘Walk Around the Moon’
Dave Matthews Band is releasing their long-awaited 10th studio album, Walk Around the Moon, and shares a tracklist of 12 songs with buttery vocals from Dave and intricate sonic arrangements from the band. Some songs on the album may sound familiar to fans as they were exclusively played on the road in the past. Those tracks are revisited and added to this album for more fans of DMB to enjoy. The lead single to the full-length record, “Madman’s Eyes,” dropped, and it weaves Middle Eastern textures with heavy horns and strings as Matthews asks unflinchingly, ‘When it’s too late to untwist the knife/How do we face hatred with love inside us.’” Blending a busy mix of jazz, bluegrass, blues, funk, and alternative rock, DMB has never been one to shy away from sonic experimentation. Considering the banger that is “Madman’s Eyes,” the band’s upcoming album is not one to miss.
May 26
Arlo Parks – ‘My Soft Machine’
Good vibes and warm hugs in the form of melodies are on their way to you as Arlo Parks announced her second full-length album, My Soft Machine. The album is described as a deeply personal body of work and narrates Parks’ experiences as she navigates her 20s and the growth intertwined. The album is named after a quote in Tilda Swinton’s movie The Souvenir and includes a guest appearance by Phoebe Bridgers on “Pegasus.” A new song from the album, “Weightless,” is already available on streaming services. Parks grapples with the idea of “suddenly realizing that a person has dulled your edges and you’re embarking on the slow journey back to being a brighter version of yourself.” The indie singer is known for making soft, comfortable bops with grove-along sounds. Her past records enlisted the sounds of dry drum kits, atmospheric vinyl cracks, and floaty keyboards, which layer textures that make her songs grounding and approachable. We’re all due for some new Arlo Parks tunes, and I, for one, am ready for it.
Lola Young – ‘My Mind Wanders and Sometimes Leaves Completely’
Lola Young has announced a new 10-track project titled My Mind Wanders And Sometimes Leaves Completely. Coinciding with the announcement, the singer shares a new single titled “Annabel’s House.” Young’s warm, husky vocals can be heard throughout the song as she chews on her emotions when dealing with mixed signals and unrequited love. The young South Londoner uses folk storytelling and diaristic style to offer the listener a front seat to immersive snapshots of her life, something we can be expected to hear more of in the rest of her full-length album. Stepping into a new light of expression, Lola explores new depths of her creativity while consistently drawing her authentic South London edge in the project. She effortlessly blends a range of passionate vocals that enhance the emotions she is exploring with her casual wit and frankness, offering a genuine, insightful experience for fans. If this is not a sign to listen to Lola Young, I don’t know what is.