Vocal artists continue to evolve their musical arsenals across genres. From pop to country to soul to rock, they are constantly releasing new and significant releases, which shape the landscape of auditory art. Many talented vocalists released albums or singles in recent times, which is a testament to how art can dance through adversity.
Taylor Swift, the heroine of ‘Folklore’ who was recently re-aligned in our line up. Swift’s fans were surprised by not just one, but two studio albums for 2020: ‘Folklore and ‘Evermore.’ Swift released the latter in December 2020. It is a continuation of her exploration into alternative folk and indie music. This marks a departure from her pop roots. This album is the sister of ‘Folklore,’ and features 15 new songs, including collaborations with artists such as HAIM, The National and Bon Iver. Swift’s new albums are stylistically different, but they add a unique flavour to her discography.
FKA Twigs is a British sensation who released her mixtape ‘Caprisongs” in January 2022. This collection of songs is a unique one, pushing the boundaries of the pop genre and highlighting its elasticity. Twigs’ genre-bending style is a blend of elements from trip-hop and art-pop with R&B. “Caprisongs” is a great example. It features a wide range of collaborators and reveals a rich soundscape.
Baby Keem is a newcomer to the hip-hop world. He has just released his first studio album, titled “The Melodic Blue”. Baby Keem is known to some for his collaborations with Kendrick, his cousin. Baby Keem’s album was released in September 2021. It has established him as a major musical force. The album features hard-hitting rhythms and introspective lyrics that show a depth of understanding most rookies lack. Keem’s promising career is kicked off with ‘The Melodic Blue,’ which features guest appearances by Travis Scott and Kendrick.
Adele, the British powerhouse who is perhaps the most influential voice of our time, has returned to the music world with her new release “30”. The album, which will be released in November 2021 is her introspective story of love, pain and heartbreak. As always, the Grammy-winning sensation delivers heart-touching songs and lyrics that are so profound, they cause rivers of tears to flow around the world. Adele’s return to music after a 6-year break was marked by this album. Like a fine wine Adele gets better over time.
ABBA, the iconic boy-band, is back! The band’s latest album, “Voyage”, is their first release after a forty-year hiatus. This album is a continuation of their catchy pop tunes that have defined generations. The album is a testament to timeless artistry and demonstrates that music does not have a shelf life.
In conclusion, in spite of the global crisis, musicians from all walks of life continue to share their stories, passions, and talents through music. The music we’ve been treated to recently is just a tiny taste. We can always be sure that the music will continue to evolve, and pulsate with excitement, as we navigate through the ever-changing musical landscape.