If you’re one of those people who gets to the end of the year and kicks yourself for not adhering to your New Year’s Resolution to listen to more new music, you are not alone. People are creating and releasing more music than ever these days, and it feels like fans and pundits are as quick moving on from their latest obsession as they are to adopt it. So, it can be helpful to take stock halfway through the year. What’s been released? What slipped under our radar? What deserves a second chance? The team here at Double J listen to a lot of music and have strong opinions about it. After much deliberation, we’ve put together a list of 20 records released this year worth your time and attention. Of course there’s only so much we can cover, and we weren’t able to hear certain records in time for deadline, but thankfully we’ll be back in a few months with a much broader list. For now, try out a few of the albums below.
Beyoncé – Cowboy Carter
Cowboy Carter is not just one of the greatest albums of the year, but perhaps one of the greatest albums ever. Beyoncé uses this album to reclaim space for Black artists and to highlight the often-overlooked contributions of Black musicians to country music. Its political, cultural and historical notations are fused within a kaleidoscope of genres — Americana, roots music, contemporary soul, rock and hip hop. There are samples from The Beatles, Linda Martell, The Beach Boys while she also shines a light on emerging Black artists like Shaboozey, Tanner Adell and Rhiannon Giddens. Each song is delivered with such deeply considered intention, yet again proving why Beyoncé is the undisputed and illuminating leader of the modern zeitgeist. Cowboy Carter sees her dare to venture into the unknown and potentially polarise audiences in pursuit of change. It’s a potential communion for the masses, should they wish to let their preconceptions down and jive to a different sound. — Kath Devaney
Crowded House – Gravity Stairs
Gravity Stairs — Neil Finn’s eighth record with the world-conquering Crowded House — is testament to the timeless quality of his songwriting. It’s also a clear indication that the newest incarnation of this iconic band is gelling beautifully. They’re a great advertisement for nepotism, as the frontman’s sons Liam and Elroy continue to prove their musical and creative value across the new album. Finn’s songs remain the hero, though. When you hear him lightly channel Bowie on ‘Some Greater Plan (for Claire)’, deliver vintage melodies on ‘All That I Can Ever Own’, and lock in with his family and friends on the breezy chorus to ‘Oh Hi’, you’ll be so glad that the man has never chosen to rest on his laurels. Tempting as it may be to load up your playlist with vintage Crowded House classics, a few spins of Gravity Stairs will give you an even deeper appreciation for one of the all-time great bands. — Dan Condon
