This week brought multiple blessings to the music world. Chicago’s finest Noname returned to the mic with her new single “RAINFOREST”, and Nick Jonas took on the duties of both host and musical guest on SNL. Out of everything that happened this week though, here’s what you need to check out.
Julien Baker – Little Oblivions
“It was easier for me to just write for the means of sifting through personal difficulties.” On her third album, Julien Baker explores the mundane and bleak ways that we distract ourselves from everything going on in the world. The cathartic approach Baker takes with Little Oblivionsis much like her previous albums, but this time, the dark voids of reality Baker explores are on a whole new level. The album also features Baker’s boygenius bandmates Phoebe Bridgers and Lucy Dacus, who join Baker in exploring the world’s bleakness. Watch the video for the track “Hardline” off of Little Oblivions below.
Ólafur Arnalds – A Sunrise Session – EP
Ólafur Arnalds, the Icelandic classical-ambient crossover artist, stole 2020 with his newest album some kind of peace. With his new EP, Arnalds soundtracks the warming midwinter sunrise with reworked versions of some kind of peace tracks. Mesmerizing and an enlightening spiritual journey throughout its 15-minute runtime, A Sunrise Session – EP shows more of the genius that is Ólafur Arnalds. Listen to the projects opening track “Spiral” below.
D’Angelo Performs on VERZUZ
On Saturday, D’Angelo took to the VERZUZ stage, although straying from the program’s usual format: a one-on-one battle between two artists. Rather, the legendary and reclusive D’Angelo took the stage with DJ Scratch and no opponent. After running through tracks from 2014’s Black Messiah, D’Angelo moved on to playing songs from his first two albums and brought out Redman, Method Man, and H.E.R to assist on various songs. For more on the performance, check out the VERZUZ Instagram page here.
