New Music in September: What to Listen to

Contents:

• Katy Perry - “143"
• Lady Gaga - Harlequin
• The Weeknd - Dancing in the Flames and Timeless
• London Grammar - The Greatest Love
• Future - Mixtape Pluto
• Gone.Fludd - Fluddality
• Various artists - “Boris the Red. In Russia, they part forever"
• Horus — "Station Krepezhnaya — 2"
• Linkin Park — The Emptiness Machine
• Nightwish — Yesterwynde
• David Gilmour — Luck and Strange
• God Is An Astronaut — Embers
• Fred Again — Ten Days
• Jamie xx — Waves
• Sophie — Sophie
• "Laud" — "HouseVoiceSound 4"

Katy Perry — "143"

Katy Perry's album "143" faced difficulties already at the promotion stage. The song Woman's World, with its feminist message, was perceived as banal by both fans and critics, and its video was boring and unoriginal. In addition, the song about strong women was produced by Dr. Luke, who became the subject of accusations of sexual assault by the singer Cash. This discrepancy between the song's message and its producer sparked widespread public outcry and negative reviews.

The rest of Katy Perry's album was less controversial and more like a repeat of herself. The singer once again turned to the producers who once made her a star, including Luke and Max Martin. However, the track "143" makes it clear that they don't know how to move her career forward. Katy attempted to return to her successful formula from the early 2010s, but it no longer works. The electro-pop sound feels dated, catchy choruses are lacking, and celebratory and sexy hits are absent. As a result, Katy Perry once again failed to find success on the charts, where she hasn't had a significant hit since 2017. It seems her time on the pop scene has come to an end, and the singer needs to rethink her musical direction to return to popularity.

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Katy Perry's new album, "143," has come under fire and failed to achieve the expected commercial success. One of the reasons for the failure is the lack of the big hits that previously defined her career. A comparison with previous works reveals that the album's musical style and lyricism failed to capture the attention of a wider audience. Furthermore, competition in the music industry has become even fiercer, leading many fans to shift their attention to new artists.

It's also worth noting that the album's marketing campaign was ineffective. A poor release had little impact on its promotion, which could have led to low sales and insufficient radio play. As a result, "143" failed to establish itself on the charts and failed to generate the expected buzz among listeners.

Thus, the failure of Katy Perry's new album can be attributed to a combination of factors, including a lack of memorable tracks, stiff competition, and insufficient marketing support.

Lady Gaga — Harlequin

Releasing an album without prior announcement and a promotional campaign from a global star like Lady Gaga is a rarity in the music industry. Although this is not a full-length album, but a collection of covers with two original tracks, for Gaga, this approach is not a simple gesture to fans awaiting her next big project. It is both effective advertising for the upcoming film Joker, in which Gaga plays Harley Quinn, and an opportunity to further explore her character through music. This creative approach highlights Gaga's unique style and her ability to bridge various art forms. Harlequin largely continues Lady Gaga's swing experiments, which she introduced on her albums with Tony Bennett. However, at times, the singer deviates into soul and soft rock, adding new nuances to her sound. The soundtrack for the film Joker, set in the 1980s but incorporating earlier retro influences, encompasses a wide range of musical styles, from Frank Sinatra to Cream, was organized in a similar way. In the upcoming musical Joker: Madness Together, this musical diversity becomes especially relevant, creating a unique atmosphere and enhancing the retro vibe of the film.

The Weeknd — Dancing in the Flames and Timeless

In September, The Weeknd premiered two new songs from his anticipated album Hurry Up Tomorrow, which is due out before the end of the year. However, the promotional campaign leaves a feeling of incompleteness. Abel has previously managed to attract attention to his albums with striking visuals, such as the red jacket and large glasses in the "Blinding Lights" video, and the aged face on the cover of Dawn FM. However, the most memorable thing about the new video for "Dancing in the Flames" is the Apple advert, emphasizing that the video was shot on an iPhone and its quality is truly impressive. This raises the question of how effective the current marketing strategies are and whether they will be able to maintain interest in the album.

In the context of musical analysis, it is worth noting that a sense of clutter is also present in the new track. "Dancing in the Flames" is a synth-pop song in the tradition of the eighties, which is reminiscent of The Weeknd's recent albums. However, in this composition, the drums are harsher, which adds dynamics. However, Abel maintains a signature dreamy and nostalgic sound that draws listeners in.

The second single of the month, Timeless, is a unique musical journey that combines elements of the past and the future. The composition is influenced by 80s cosmotonics, but the sound remains futuristic, which is especially emphasized by the collaboration with Playboi Carti. This unexpected move demonstrates the artist's willingness to experiment on the new album, which foreshadows interesting musical discoveries.

London Grammar — The Greatest Love

The British trio London Grammar have partially changed their style, moving away from the typical indie-pop elements. Their music still features the cold piano ballads that form the basis of the band's sound and are familiar to listeners thanks to vocalist Hannah Reid. However, instead of more cheerful and danceable tracks with minimalistic guitar riffs, new, unexpected musical solutions have appeared that give their sound a fresh feel. These changes open up new horizons for London Grammar, allowing them to experiment with genres while maintaining the unique atmosphere that fans love.

To add variety to the album and go beyond ballads, London Grammar incorporate elements of breakbeat (house), layers of synthesizers like in "Into Gold," and mechanical 808 drum machines in "Ordinary Life" and "LA." "The Greatest Love" may be the band's most melancholic album, but Hannah Reid doesn't descend into depression, instead conveying a calming mood.

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Impudence and melancholy: features of the new album by London Grammar

The new album by London Grammar attracts the attention of listeners with its unique sound and profound lyrics. On this release, the band continues to explore themes of love, loss, and self-definition, creating an atmosphere full of emotion and tension. The music combines elements of pop, electronica, and indie rock, making it particularly appealing to a wide audience.

Each track showcases the mastery of vocalist Hannah Reid, whose performance conveys a full range of emotions. The lyrics are rich in metaphors and imagery, allowing for a deeper understanding of the artists' inner worlds. The album stands out for its bold approach to complex and sometimes painful topics, making it truly memorable.

London Grammar has created a musical work that is not only entertaining but also thought-provoking. The new album confirms the group's status as one of the most interesting and relevant groups of our time.

Future — Mixtape Pluto

Future has entered its most productive era, releasing its third release in a year after two large-scale albums created in collaboration with producer Metro Boomin. This collaboration set a new standard in the artist's career, as Metro Boomin created impressive beats with detailed arrangements and vintage samples. The album Mixtape Pluto, unlike previous works, does not strive to reproduce the atmosphere of luxury sound. Other producers participated in its creation, among whom Southside and Wheezy stand out, which gives the project a unique style and sound.

The influence of the albums We Don’t Trust You and We Still Don’t Trust You is still felt in this work. The main focus of the mix is ​​not on the melody, but on powerful low bass and massive percussive rhythms.

Gone.Fludd — Fluddality

In modern Russian rap, three years is a significant period for recording an album. During this time, an artist risks not only missing out on current trends, but also losing their appeal. This is especially true for Gone Fludd, whose experiments in 2019 and 2020 did not bring the expected results. Moving away from his “cartoonish” image, he released the albums “Single Psychic Attack” and “Voodoo Child,” which were supposed to feature a darker, more technical sound. Ultimately, however, these works proved lackluster and failed to capture the attention of listeners.

In 2021, Fludd returned to musical balance with the EP Lil Chill, which was as playful as his well-known hits "Mumble" and "Ice Cube." He followed this with the energetic track "Traxxxmania." However, Fludd has now fallen into the same trap, creating slow, subtle beats that leave his voice sounding dull. The song "Uti-puti" featuring Oleg LSP clearly demonstrates the difference between a rapper comfortable with such rhythms and another artist who seems forced to force himself to rap over them. Even potentially successful and relaxed compositions like "Sequoia" suffer from excessive slowness.

Various artists - "Boris Ryzhy. In Russia, partings are forever"

Tributes to poets in modern Russia are often multi-genre projects. A striking example is "Save My Speech Forever", dedicated to Osip Mandelstam, which features artists from Leonid Agutin to the group Shortparis. However, the tribute to Boris Ryzhy stands out from the rest. His "dirty" street poetry, which earned him the nickname "the last Soviet poet", fits perfectly into hip-hop. This is due to the closeness of aesthetics. Ryzhiy addressed themes of drunks, hooligans, vagrants, and street life, but he did so with an existential perspective rather than a documentary one. His naturalistic lines resonated with rappers like Metox, Nina Potekhina, and Movec, while his philosophical musings were voiced by Slava KPSS, Pyrokinesis, and Evgeny Alekhine of "Makulatura" (under the pseudonym Chonyatsky). Thus, the tribute to Boris Ryzhiy became not only a tribute but also an important part of Russia's contemporary musical and poetic context.

The new album includes excerpts featuring Ryzhiy himself, as well as 14 tracks from various rappers. Some artists retained Ryzhiy's original lyrics, while others added their own relevant lines. Ryzhiy's rough poetry fits perfectly with both brutal old-school and abstract-existential compositions with guitars and psychedelic effects. A track recorded by Slava KPSS stands out in particular – the poem "Car" was transformed into a danceable garage sound. The spirit of Ryzhiy's poetry blends beautifully with the classic sound of old Russian rap, as demonstrated by Patrin's song "In Russia They Part Forever," featuring a melancholy violin.

Horus — «Сстанция Крепёжная — 2»

In the 2010s, Horus gained popularity in existential hip-hop, creating tracks with memorable production from the duo Dark Faders, who also worked with rapper ATL. For a long time, he adhered to one style, rapping over similar beats and delving into themes of loneliness and despair. However, in 2023, Horus unexpectedly changed the direction of his work, releasing the album "Сстанция Крепёжная" (Fortress Station), entirely dedicated to prison themes, although he himself has never served a sentence. The new sound featured simpler beats and chanson elements, while Horus explored classic gangster stories, exploring themes such as criminal life and prison love. The album marked a significant milestone in his career, showcasing a new facet of his musical talent and expanding the horizons of hip-hop. The album's sequel deepens the prison aesthetic, delving into its darkest corners. Horus maintains his recognizable existentialism and melancholy, even when discussing prisoners. The artist confidently embodies the image of a true gangster, detailing the transformation from everyday life to prison reality, as well as life beyond the camp walls. He conveys the mentality of prisoners who speak with nostalgia and regret about youth deprived of understanding and values. These themes make the album particularly relevant and provocative, creating a deep dive into a world rarely spoken about openly.

Horus returns to his roots, recalling the early 2010s, when, under the pseudonym "Lupercal," he performed in the group "Project Mutilation." At that time, his work focused on issues of politics and social justice, with a noticeable leaning toward far-right ideas. Horus's new material can be perceived not only as creative self-expression, but also as a relevant statement about the growing role of prison concepts in modern Russia. In the current social situation, the prospect of ending up behind bars is becoming a reality for many, and this is reflected in his lyrics.

Linkin Park — The Emptiness Machine

The return of Linkin Park in 2024 has become one of the most significant events in the world of rock music. This event has sparked much discussion among fans, who are divided over the band's decision to continue releasing new music under the same name following the tragic death of Chester Bennington. For many fans, this return symbolizes hope and the continuation of a legacy, while others believe that new music cannot make up for the loss. However, Linkin Park's return is attracting the attention of not only longtime fans but also a new generation of listeners, confirming their impact on the music industry.

A replacement singer in a rock band is of particular interest, especially when it comes to the choice of Emily Armstrong of the band Dead Sara. This decision is historically significant, as it marks the first time a star rock band has replaced a male vocalist with a woman. This move avoids the constant comparisons with Chester Bennington, as any new male frontman would inevitably be overshadowed by his talent. The song "The Emptiness Machine" has already demonstrated that with Emily Armstrong, the perception of Linkin Park's music changes dramatically, opening up new horizons and emotions. Such changes in the band's lineup can inspire old audiences and attract new ones, expanding musical horizons and creating a unique sound.

The typical song structure remains unchanged, and Emily demonstrates a delivery similar to Chester's, switching from clean vocals to screams. However, her voice has a huskier coloring and a less anguished character, which changes the emotional palette of Linkin Park. Now the music conveys not only absolute pain, but also a sense of the ability to cope with this suffering. This represents a new perspective on the band, both vocally and ideologically.

Nightwish — Yesterwynde

Nightwish's albums continue to amaze with their epic nature. This time, all tracks received an orchestral instrumental version, which added novelty and depth to the sound. The choir and orchestra give the songs a majestic sense of space and scale. The album Yesterwynde stands out not only for its musical design, but also for its humanistic lyrics glorifying the mind and will of man. This makes it a massive and significant work in the band's discography.

The title of Nightwish's new album, "Yesterwynde," reflects the unique vision of Tuomas Holopainen, the band's keyboardist and main writer. The word symbolizes his admiration for the richness and diversity of the past, as well as his awareness of the inevitability of existence's demise. However, the album's message is that humans have the strength to resist this process. Holopainen celebrates scientific advances, dedicating one song to the Antikythera mechanism, and explores the human thirst for life, telling the story of a group of teenagers who survived on a desert island for a year and a half. The album is inspiring, emphasizing that even in the face of difficulties and trials, humanity has the ability to find bright moments and fight for life.

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The band Nightwish continues to amaze its fans with a unique combination of symphonic metal and powerful melodies. Their work is constantly evolving, which allows them to maintain the interest of not only long-time fans, but also attract a new generation of listeners. Each new album by the band showcases bold experiments with genres and sonic instruments, keeping their music fresh and relevant.

Nightwish is also known for their impressive live performances, which become true shows thanks to their visuals and emotional delivery. Their lyrics explore profound themes, allowing each listener to find something intimate and personal in their music. This combination of artistic depth and musical mastery makes the band unique in the music scene.

With each new release, Nightwish breaks new ground, surprising fans with both their familiar style and innovation. Their ability to adapt to changing musical trends while maintaining their individuality is what makes Nightwish a truly outstanding band in the world of music.

David Gilmour — Luck and Strange

New albums by progressive rock classics represent a unique genre of "retirement" work. Many veterans are no longer able to reproduce the power they demonstrated in the past, and, as a result, their music becomes lighter and less technically complex. This is especially noticeable among progressive rock artists, who raised the bar for musical mastery in the 1970s, creating incredibly complex compositions in both structure and execution. New works by such bands may not impress with their technical virtuosity, but they still contain the profound ideas and atmosphere that attracted fans in the past. Listeners continue to value these albums for their nostalgia and the opportunity to reconnect with the cultural heritage that shaped the musical landscape.

Progressive rockers stood out from other musicians, reminiscent of classical composers. However, over time, experimentation faded into the background, and rock's original simplicity came to the fore. Pink Floyd's David Gilmour's "Luck and Strange" vividly illustrates this transition. Despite the lengthy tracks, the album is built not on complex musical structures and intertwined instruments, but on simple yet expressive guitar work. In Gilmour's hands, it sounds bluesy, returning us to the roots of rock music. Solos are created from carefully crafted melodies that allow for uninterrupted enjoyment. This is an example of progressive minimalism that emphasizes the beauty and sincerity of the rock sound.

God Is An Astronaut — Embers

Post-rockers find it difficult to expand the boundaries of their creativity due to the genre's stable form, which is based on instrumental interludes and tremolos. However, the songs offer the opportunity to deepen and develop the sound, saturating it with unusual finds. The album "Embers" by God Is An Astronaut, the 11th in their discography, demonstrates that the Irishmen have found original techniques that have not been used before either by them or by other post-rock representatives. This makes their work unique and interesting for listeners seeking new sonic experiments and emotional immersion.

God Is An Astronaut has made a significant contribution to post-rock, adding elements of psychedelicism. The band uses a 1964 tube amplifier and vintage fuzz pedals, allowing them to create a rich and fluid sound. Long guitar lines harmoniously combine with sitar and zither, and the acoustic guitar brings a lightness, creating calm moments for the listener to relax from an intense musical trip. This unique approach makes God Is An Astronaut's music memorable and atmospheric, which attracts the attention of fans of post-rock and psychedelic music.

Fred Again — Ten Days

Fred Again has once again demonstrated what his fans have rightfully come to love about him. His new work is a melancholic mix of house and garage, reflecting the musician's life over the past year. Instead of large-scale events, Fred focuses on small but meaningful moments, such as random messages from friends that fill his life with joy. The album consists of 10 tracks interspersed with 10 recordings of conversations with loved ones—a technique that has already proven itself in his Actual Life series of albums, which made him a star. Familiar rhythms and inspiring synth melodies once again sound in his music, creating an atmosphere to which he has always been faithful. This approach highlights the personal side of his creativity and makes his work accessible and relatable to listeners.

Fred continues to develop his unique style, but his approach seems too simple and predictable, which creates a feeling of repetitiveness. While this criticism may seem unusual for a DJ, many electronic music artists can play the same tracks for years without anyone bothering. However, Fred strives to be more than just a DJ; his music not only inspires dancing, but also establishes a deep connection with each listener, as if speaking to them on a personal level. This emotional depth is one of Fred's strengths, but due to frequent repetition, it risks becoming his weakness.

Jamie xx — Waves

Jamie xx's album can be characterized by one word — "reimagining." Jamie has long explored rave culture nostalgia, showcasing its dark and cold side. However, his new album, Waves, covers a wide range of emotions inherent in electronic dance music. In this project, Jamie successfully combines elements of many old-school genres with modern sounds, creating a unique musical experience. The album not only offers the listener an immersive experience, but also rethinks traditional approaches to electronic music, making it a significant contribution to the genre.

The album's opening track, Wanna, sets a unique tone. Jamie uses a sample from the classic composition "Ripgroove," a staple of garage and British rave music, and then contrasts it with a melancholic piano. These emotional contrasts continue throughout the album, taking listeners through a variety of musical eras, from house to disco, from garage to cosmotonica. The vocalists seamlessly transition from indie pop to soul, creating a rich palette of sounds. At the same time, all the elements of the sound are slightly muted, as if covered in a layer of dust, which enhances the concept of nostalgia and immerses the listener in the atmosphere of bygone times. This album is a true journey through musical history, in which each track reveals new facets of sound.

Sophie — Sophie

Sophie tragically passed away in 2021 at the age of just 24, but in the short period of her career, she left a deep mark on the modern music world. Her influence is felt in both mainstream pop and experimental electronica. Sophie was one of the first to create a unique style of cyberpop, in which traditional pop songs are intertwined with the unnatural and "sweet" sounds of glitchy electronics. This sound is reminiscent of the grinding of a huge robot whose parts are worn out, which brings a new dimension to the music. Sophie's contribution to the development of these genres remains invaluable, and her legacy continues to inspire new artists.

The album was Sophie's second full-length project and likely the last of her career. Most of the tracks were completed at the time of her death, and her brother Ben Long, who also served as studio engineer, completed them. The posthumous album incorporates a variety of creative techniques, generously complemented by the participation of guest artists who are present on every track. The overall note of the record is its characteristic clanging effects, while the musical style varies between hip-hop, pop, ambient, and techno. This album is an important addition to Sophie's musical legacy, reflecting her unique vision and experimentation with genres.

"Laud" — "HouseVoiceSound 4"

The group "Laud" offers two musical modes, combining elements of deep house and hip house. Having started out in 2016 as a trio of talented electronic producers, they quickly gained popularity thanks to collaborations with rappers such as Boulevard Depo and i61. Their album series "DanceVoiceSound" became a shining example of this style. However, the members of "Laud" did not stop there and discovered their talent for creating pop music, which was clearly demonstrated in the album "Red Dawn", where they demonstrated their skills as a boy band. The new album combines both of their styles, creating a unique musical synthesis that satisfies both electronic music fans and pop enthusiasts.

Laud's house songs now focus on catchy choruses with pop potential. They are aided in this by the vibrant guest artists with whom Laud shares the stage. Gone.Fludd energetically performs over a fast beat, creating a vibrant atmosphere, while DJ Stonik1917 adds relaxing elements. Cream Soda's vocal harmonies seamlessly intertwine with Laud's rhythms. Antokha MC brings an element of the absurd, as if inspired by Pasha Tekhnik, and his collaboration with Tosya Chaikina results in a true pop composition with a soft beat and guitar part. These collaborations make Laud's music more diverse and attractive to a wider audience.

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In August, 16 significant albums were released on the music scene, among which Post Malone's works, featuring country elements, stand out. Also worth noting is Kanye West's new release, which attracts attention with its self-repetitions. Nick Cave's work, whose compositions continue to be relevant and in demand, was also notable. These albums showcase the diversity of musical styles and trends that shape the modern sound palette.