In this segment, we showcase the most notable albums out each week. Here are the albums out on December 13th, 2019:
Harry Styles, Fine Line: Harry Styles is back with his second studio album and follow-up to his 2017 self-titled debut, Fine Line. The former One Direction member’s sophomore effort, which he has been cryptically teasing since November, is packed with 12 tracks split into four sides, including the singles ‘Watermelon Sugar’ and ‘Lights Up’. Styles is credited as a songwriter on every track, and collaborated with guitarist Mitch Rowland, producer Tyler Johnson, and Thomas Hull.
Stormzy, Heavy is the Head: Another British star coming through with his second album this week, Stormzy has released the follow-up to 2017’s Gang Signs and Prayer. Heavy is the Head finds the grime artist working together with artists such as Headie One, Ed Sheeran, H.E.R., and Burna Boy, and includes the recently released singles ‘Sounds of the Skeng’, ‘Crown’, ‘Wiley Flow’, and ‘Vossi Bop’. In an interview with BBC One, Stormzy explained: “Sometimes people make an album of 15 tracks with singles and some filler songs. There’s no way I’m making a body of work with filler songs. Every song is gonna serve such a purpose. I’ve tried to do the epitome of every single part of my DNA. Every feel that I want the listener to feel.”
Free Nationals, Free Nationals: Anderson Paak’s live band, The Free Nationals, consisting of Kelsey Gonzalez (bass), Ron “Tnava” Avant (keyboard/vocoder), Callum Connor (drums) and José Rios (guitar), have come out with their long-teased self-titled debut record. The album features an impressive list of guest appearances, from Kali Uchis to the late Mac Miller, Daniel Caesar, Unknown Mortal Orchestra, T.I., Chronixx, J.I.D, and of course .Paak himself. It also includes the single ‘Shibuya’, featuring the Internet’s Syd.
Duster, Duster: Having reformed last year, slowcore outfit Duster have put out their first album in 19 years, out now via Muddguts. The self-titled LP, which was announced in a low-key Instagram post that read simply “new record out in december ok”, includes 12 tracks and features a painting by Salvatore Orentino as its cover art. Earlier this year, the band released a boxset compiling their complete discography titled Capsule Losing Contact.
Other albums out today: Blake Shelton, Fully Loaded: God’s Country; Annie Heart, A Softer Offering; itsoktocry, DESTROY ALL MONSTERS!
