Album of the Week: Ego Ella May – Good Intentions (****)
Ego Ella May brings sophisticated contemporary jazz from South London on her latest release, Good Intentions. This supremely relaxed album drips with musical elegance, highlighted by opening tracks Hold On and Footwork. Sumptuous piano layers blend with fractured jazzy drum breaks and her pristine vocals, creating an immersive sound.
The lyrics delve into modern life’s anxieties and love’s unromantic realities, delivered in a groovy, thought-provoking manner. Her glacial tone stands out, evoking echoes of Massive Attack collaborator Nicolette for seasoned listeners. With such pure and captivating vocals, Ego Ella May commands attention.
Luke Combs – The Way I Am (***)
Luke Combs defines stadium country with The Way I Am, a 22-track collection brimming with instant hits. Back In The Saddle kicks off with rural imagery—pulling up boots and waving a pistol—fueled by colliding banjos, guitars, and modern percussion.
My Kinda Saturday Night channels line-dancing energy reminiscent of Rascal Flatts, while Alcohol Of Fame barrels forward like an outlaw-hijacked train. These bold, mainstream anthems deliver feel-good vibes sure to inspire cheers from any crowd.
BTS – Arirang (***)
BTS channels heightened patriotism on Arirang, drawing from a 600-year-old Korean folk song symbolizing national resilience. Despite collaborations with producers like Flume, Diplo, and Ryan Teddy, cultural identity dominates.
RM and Suga drive rap-heavy tracks like Hooligan, while Jimin and Jungkook match top American R&B with smooth vocals. Stadium-ready Body To Body and Justin Bieber-inspired Into The Sun impress, though the album misses a definitive breakout single.
Anna Calvi – Is This All There Is? (****)
Anna Calvi poses profound existential questions on this EP, the first in a trilogy. Iggy Pop delivers fierce evangelism on glam rock stomper God’s Lonely Man.
Calvi voices frustration with life’s banality post-parenthood, howling, “I want to be somebody.” She teams with Perfume Genius for the vulnerable, cinematic I See A Darkness, exploring identity’s fragility. Laurie Anderson heightens the unease on Computer Love, murmuring “I don’t know what to do” over a motorik beat. Anticipation builds for the next installment.
The Dandy Warhols – Pin Ups (***)
The Dandy Warhols pay mutant tribute to icons like The Cure, Gang Of Four, and The Beatles on this three-sided collection, borrowing its title from David Bowie’s covers album. Sourced from B-sides and tribute recordings, it offers varied sound quality and charm.
Zia McCabe leads a fuzzed-up Kiss Off by Violent Femmes, while Courtney Taylor-Taylor’s laid-back style suits The Cramps’ surf-tinged Goo Goo Muck. The set celebrates nostalgia with bold energy.
Streaming Recommendations This Week
- Niall Horan – Dinner Party
- FLO – Leak It
- Pimmie – Don’t Come Home
- Ed O’Brien – Blue Morpho
- Take That – You’re A Superstar
- Connor Reeves & Joss Stone – Slow Lightning
- Jack Johnson – Drink The Water
- Issac Ryan Brown – Lipstick
