In the age of streaming, it’s never been easier to listen to new music — but with over 60,000 new songs added to Spotify every day, it’s also never been harder to know what to put on. Every week, the team at Rolling Stone UK will run down some of the best new releases that have been added to streaming services.
This week, we’ve highlighted releases by Sam Fender, Sam Ryder and SZA.
Sam Fender: Getting Started – Live From Finsbury Park
On his new live album, Tyneside hero Sam Fender offers a lasting look back at the biggest show of his career to date. Taking place on July 15, Fender’s gig at Finsbury Park in north London saw him play in front of a sold-out crowd of 45,000 fans at the park. The album – available as as a standalone double coloured vinyl – reminds us of just how good it really was.
SZA – SOS
On her second album, SZA refuses to be pigeonholed into the experimental R&B that defined her instant classic debut, 2017’s CTRL. While that thing is very much present on tracks such as ‘Good Days’, other songs show exciting flourishes of stadium rock (‘F2F’), while ‘Special’ gives off Pablo Honey-era Radiohead vibes. There is also cameos from the likes of Phoebe Bridgers, Travis Scott and the late ODB. An accomplished second album, even if the 67 minute run-time may prove daunting for some.
Listen on: Spotify | Apple Music | TIDAL | Amazon Music
Sam Ryder- There’s Nothing But Space, Man
When Sam Ryder finished in second place for the UK at Eurovision earlier this year, his runner-up status felt like a huge victory. Here was a talent we could finally be proud of — and one with a fighting chance of launching their own career post Eurovision. His debut album continues that run of success – with tracks that show off the whole gamut of his abilities.
Listen on: Spotify | Apple Music | TIDAL | Amazon Music