It is almost (one of) the most wonderful time(s) of the year: this year’s Spotify Wrapped is soon to be released. While we wait for the data-driven fun animations to start circulating our feeds on social media, maybe it is a good idea to explore what music there is out there, beyond our replay playlists. Who knows, perhaps that will also help you erase Spotify’s memory of your obsession with Jason Derulo from spring.

There are a few notable new releases from just this past Friday, Nov. 15.

Starting with the long-awaited return of superstar Shawn Mendes, titled Shawn, a very personal record that is actually a slight departure from the pop style he became famous for. During the pre-release press tour, Mendes opened up about the hiatus he took from music and specifically from touring back in 2022 to focus on his mental health. The lyrics of the track in his return album Shawn mostly deal with his experience with anxiety and fame. The biggest surprise about this album is that it is heavily country-inspired, which leaves me wondering what the reception of the record is really going to be like. But then again, it ends with his own cover of “Hallelujah”, originally by Leonard Cohen, so it should win some appreciative nods at least.

Rapper Denzel Curry also unveiled a new project, titled KING OF THE MISCHIEVOUS SOUTH. In a way, it is a narrative album with an intro that bleeds into the first track seamlessly, strategically placed interludes and freestyles, and an outro that references the intro. Musically, the instrumentals and the production are quite interesting and consistently create a feeling of tension, eerie, and gloom. Of course, there is plenty of space for Curry to develop his bars, and he shows us what he does best. It is definitely one of the more impressive rap records of this year.

The definite winner of this week’s new releases, however, has to be 070 Shake’s record Petrichor. The genre-bending on each track is so masterfully done that one can hear standards from classical, jazz, rock, and hip-hop all in one song. 070 Shake has also used some ambient sounds to reference the name of the record, petrichor, the pleasant smell of the earth after rain. I can hear the entirety of the history of music in this one album: Petrichor transcends not only genres but also trends, eras, and expectations. I wonder how she convinced her producers that this would be a successful record considering the meat grinder that is the contemporary music industry.

Kiwanuka by Michael Kiwanuka (released Oct. 10, 2019) This one is for all the funkadelic fans. For the rest, Michael Kiwanuka specializes in reinventing the sound of funk and soul by adding some of the best elements of early psychedelic rock. Kiwanuka is a world of sound; so rich and diverse in its inspirations and interpretations. There is no shortage of praise for Michael Kiwanuka’s vocals, and they really shine on this record. Treat yourself to some really excellent music this week and give Kiwanuka a listen.

Fool (EP) by Mk.gee (released Nov. 15, 2018) One of my recent discoveries is Mk.gee, who is one of the up-and-coming artists that we should all be excited about. He released his first full album earlier this year, but his humble beginnings are also worth listening to. Fool is a great introduction to the bewitching soundscapes of Mk.gee. It took me a while to find that adjective – bewitching – and even that does not properly encapsulate the eeriness, the calmness, and the fairy-like aura of the songs. Maybe after you listen to it you can help me find the proper words to describe the experience of Fool.

Mahashmashana by Father John Misty For all the fans of Americana, indie, and folk rock, Father John Misty is an international treasure. He returns with a new record, which from its title only, we can tell nothing about. The only lead we have on what the contents could be like is one live recording of an upcoming song. It is a lot more bluesy and classical rock than before, so there will for sure be some surprises in Mahashmashana to look forward to.