It’s all about the albums in this week’s Wonderlist – more specifically, Sabrina’s sensational seventh, CMAT’s stunning third, and Blood Orange’s comeback fifth.
Sabrina Carpenter – Man’s Best Friend
With a smirk and a wink, pop’s leading lady, Sabrina Carpenter, shares her seventh studio album, Man’s Best Friend. The controversy around the cover art aside, the 12-track LP, which opens with hit single “Manchild”, is deliciously playful, brimming with big hooks, instant quotables, and flawless vocal performances. The closer “Goodbye” is like a coalescence of ABBA’s greatest hits. Carpenter continues to define the mainstream’s status quo.
CMAT – EURO-COUNTRY
Is there a more likeable, enduring artist right now than the wonderful CMAT? It’s been a massive summer for the Mercury-nominated Irish singer-songwriter, peaking now with her new album, EURO-COUNTRY. A sprawling reinvention of country pop, it’s her best work yet, and, when the dust settles, perhaps one of the most impactful albums of the year. Time will tell.
Blood Orange – Essex Honey
We’ve really been treated this week. Blood Orange’s first album in six years is an astounding piece of art. Dev Hynes looks back at his origins on Essex Honey, exploring new production subtleties and reflecting on personal growth. The feature cast will make you double-take, the very best of the best – from Mustafa to Lorde, Caroline Polachek to Charlotte Dos Santos.
Overmono x High Contrast – “If We Ever”
Overmono’s Tom and Ed are really spoiling us of late. The latest in a long line of flawless heaters comes “If We Ever”, a reworking of High Contrast’s absolute classic. The compositional work is mesmerising, and the drops will have you clinging on for dear life.
Kojey Radical ft. Planet Giza – “Expensive”
East London rapper and progressive creator Kojey Radical is gearing up to release his new record, Don’t Look Down, on 19th September. Latest teaser brings together the production nuance of Swindle with the vocal vibrance of Planet Giza. Radical is as slick and savvy as ever.
salute – “double luxury”
The latest artist to curate the iconic fabric presents mix series is one of the most exciting to date. salute, one of the most exciting producers and DJs in Britain, follows in The Streets, Shygirl and Overmono’s footsteps, with the full compilation due out on 10th October. First teaser “double luxury” is fantastic.
Interplanetary Criminal ft. Travy – “Foné Poca”
The latest cross-collaboration between producer and rapper, “Foné Poca”, is among the most effective of the emerging genre mash-up. Enlisting hotly-tipped Irish rapper Travy for a slick Kwengface-esque feature, Interplanetary Criminal showcases why he is one of the best in the game right now.
KhakiKid – “DON’T TOUCH THE CDJ”
Irish alternative rapper KhakiKid has been quietly building an excellent discography and collaboration list. Latest cut “DON’T TOUCH THE CDJ” is particularly heavy, a genre-spanning, emotionally potent but head-bopping new single that he’ll be testing out this weekend at Electric Picnic.
Saint Jude – “Hold Tight London”
Returning after his critically acclaimed 2022 debut album Signal, South London producer and vocalist is back with a nostalgic single, “Hold Tight London”. There’s something almost Mk.gee-like about the production choices and melodic patterns, with the cut’s ambience capturing London’s atmosphere in a unique and unfiltered way.
Chalk – “Pain”
A fluid and fervent mix-and-match of post-punk and electronic characteristics, Belfast band Chalk are getting better and better with each passing release. “Pain” illustrates why both Fontaines D.C. and IDLES have handpicked them as a support act in the past 12 months.
Déyyess – “She Knows”
A cascading indie pop ballad with heart and humility, rising singer-songwriter Déyyess feels a hit away from massive growth. Could this track be it? Only “She Knows”.
Tiwa Savage – “10%”
One of Afrobeats’ most interesting and talented presences, Tiwa Savage is back with her fifth full-length studio album, Personal, which boasts features from Skepta and Taves. Lead single “10%” is emblematic of the album’s appeal, with reflective lyricism and stunning vocals.
SHERELLE x Metronomy – “Heartbreaker”
Plucked from the cult favourite band’s forthcoming Greatest Hits album, Metronomy have tasked revered producer and DJ SHERELLE to reinvent one of their classic tracks. This new “Heartbreaker” is a mind-scrambling, thrilling bit of work.
Anna Of The North – “Give Me Your Love Back”
Norwegian singer-songwriter Anna of the North is offering up some of the purest pop you’re likely to hear. “Give Me Your Love Back” is a gentle ballad, a groovy jam, accompanied by a wonderful video from CMAT collaborator director Douglass Reddan.
Lord Apex – “Initial P”
Iconic London rap trailblazer Lord Apex returns to the soundsphere with a brand new single titled “Initial P”, the first release taken from his anticipated upcoming final chapter of his ‘Smoke Sessions’ series, Smoke Sessions Vol. 4. The new track sees a glassy, ephemeral instrumental from beatmaker Neo Sū laying a dream-like bed for Lord Apex to unload a punchy, unfurling flow of his recent experiences.
Child Of Prague – “Basking Sharks”
Quickly rising and musically progressive Irish sextet Child of Prague will be sharing their debut EP, “Clothed In The Sun”, on 19th September. New single “Basking Sharks” is a rousing, technical and resonant piece of art rock.
Charlotte Dos Santos – “Pot Of Gold”
Sharing her first new music since 2022, Brazilian-Norwegian artist Charlotte Dos Santos unveils her new single “Pot Of Gold”. A lot has changed in the years since, including Dos Santos entering motherhood, and she sounds more mature and richer in artistry than ever.
Russ x Jessy Blakemore – “Recognize”
Quickly rising singer-songwriter Jessy Blackmore has received her biggest co-sign to date. US heavyweight rapper Russ found Blackmore online and enlisted her for a gorgeous, soulful hook on this new one, “Recognize”.
KETTAMA ft. Clouds – “Sort It Out”
With new album Archangel due in early October, DJ and producer KETTAMA is raising the hype with “Sort It Out”. Enlisting techno duo Clouds, the new cut is intense and euphoric in equal measure, a surefire club essential.
Hannah Jadagu – “Doing Now”
Singer-songwriter Hannah Jadagu will be unveiling her new full-length album, Describe, towards the backend of October. Latest teaser “Doing Now” is a downbeat indie pop jam with sweet vocal harmonies and thoughtful songwriting.
Johnny Venus – “Shooter”
Olu, one half of GRAMMY-nominated hip-hop duo EarthGang, has released Shooter, the first instalment in a three-part solo project under his Johnny Venus alias. The EP’s focus track “Shooter”, produced by Olu himself and co-written by The Dream, also underscores his instinct for crafting addictive soundscapes, combining Spanish-inspired guitar riffs with choppy percussive elements.
Tay Iwar – “MERCY PLEASE”
One of the most highly-regarded Nigerian artists of this generation, Tay Iwar teases his forthcoming EP with “MERCY PLEASE” – a timely reminder of his natural talent as he paints a tribute to the object of his affections.
Nate Smith – “LIVE-ACTION”
From fluid improvisation to complex, razor-sharp grooves, ‘LIVE-ACTION’ emerges as a bold, dynamic record from GRAMMY-nominated talent Nate Smith. The acclaimed artist, drummer, producer, and composer taps some of the most talented musicians in Lalah Hathaway, CARRTOONS, Lionel Loueke, säje, DJ Harrison, and more, connecting authenticity and mastery to deliver raw self-expression and innovative, characterful touches across production, arrangement, and collaboration.
House of EL – “When All Else Fails?”
Back with another colour-laden release, multi-instrumentalist and producer House of EL shares “When All Else Fails?”. A tasteful merging of soul, jazz and electronica, the polymath is as inventive and intriguing as ever.
Heartworms – “Celebrate”
Taken from her impressive debut album earlier in the year, Heartworms new video for “Celebrate” is a striking visual accompaniment that augments the atmospheric sonics.
Psweatpants – “110sOn”
London-born, Scotland-based rapper Psweatpants is moulding his sound into new shapes with fresh single, “110sOn”. The track is a stylistic change of pace for the artist, finding a new approach that feels raw and unfiltered. Continues to be one to watch.
e-Dancer ft. DJ Minx – “Detroit”
Kevin Saunderson, DJ Minx, and Dantiez unite for “Detroit”. A collaboration between three generations of producers from the city from birthed techno, it’s a modern gem for lovers of the classic sound.
