FRANCIS AND THE LIGHTS - JUST FOR US
POP
SIMILAR ARTISTS: JAMES BLAKE, ROSTAM
Francis Farewell Starlite (yes, that's his real name) is one of the most amazing people I have ever seen in the music industry. He's a pure soul of energy and creative force, and his songs are combinations of amazing piano work and inventive beat work with a truly unique and powerful voice that zips between a croon, a shout, and everything in between. He brings infectious pop to every one of his songs, and it's really beyond tough to recommend any single one of his projects because he brings the same pizzazz, creativity, and spirit to every single one of them. In fact, go ahead and listen to Farewell, Starlite! as soon as you possibly can right alongside this album because they are two of the most wholesome and beautiful projects out right now.
JPEGMAFIA - VETERAN
HIP HOP/EXPERIMENTAL
SIMILAR ARTISTS: RATKING, CLIPPING.
Best for last. This has quickly become one of my favorite albums of all time, settling in a perfect balance of standard trap production with experimental stylings. Each and every track is stuffed full of incredible details, incredibly inventive beat work, and a creative flair you don't see from many artists anymore. The album is best listened to as a whole to experience the cohesion of both idea and form present throughout, but several tracks work as single party bangers—like 1539 N. Calvert, Panic Emoji, or Thug Tears—just as fantastically as they work within the context of the album. No matter how many shots he throws at MICA, I'll still love this guy.