1) Ashley Monroe, “Dear Nashville” / One of modern country’s strongest voices offers up a new set that, while only eight songs strong, makes the most of every moment.
2) Earl Sweatshirt + Mike + Surf Gang, “Pompeii // Utility” / The best hip-hop record of the young year trades and fuses talents, creating a double-disc document that’s both immersive and conversational. While, oddly enough (especially to my taste), the Earl-dominated second disc sags a bit, the full-album experience is well worth your time.
3) Thundercat, “Distracted” / The mythic man/bassist/composer reaches beyond himself, folding the gifts of artists such as Tame Impala, A$AP Rocky, The Lemon Twigs and more into his vibey new record. “She Knows Too Much,” featuring the late Mac Miller, is a truly perfect song.
4) Gabrielle Bates, “Judas Goat” / The poet’s 2023 collection is moody, sensual, idealistic and yet absolutely clear-eyed. Bates’ poetry is a meal with no false flavors.
5) Ira Madison III, “Pure Innocent Fun” / Madison’s essays muse on the likes of Coldplay, Oprah and Steve Urkel while showing his pop-culture obsessions’ intersection with Blackness, queerness, family and the body. Madison writes in an ever-bright, always-funny voice that’s a delight to take in.