4 albums you need to hear this week
With music by Foo Fighters, Sophie Ellis-Bextor, Stray Kids and Jake Shears
By Emma Wilkes
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 records by Foo Fighters, Sophie Ellis Bextor, Stray Kids and Jake Shears.
Foo Fighters – But Here We Are
Following the untimely death of drummer Taylor Hawkins in March 2022, a question mark hung over the notion of Foo Fighters ever making another album. And yet, fifteen months on, the band has returned with a deeply raw release heavy with the weight of Dave Grohl‘s grief, not only for Hawkins but also his mother Virginia, who passed away that August. Though it’s hard-hitting, But Here We Are also offers a refreshing throwback to the sound of early Foos.
Listen on: Spotify | Apple Music | TIDAL | Amazon Music |
Sophie Ellis Bextor – Hana
The artist who brought us some virtual technicolour respite during lockdown in the form of her kitchen discos is back with her first album in seven years. Inspired by a trip to Japan (and its title translates to ‘flower’ or ‘blossom’ in Japanese), Hana is optimistic and escapist, shifting from her dance-pop background to a synthy and lightly psychedelic pop sound.
Listen on: Spotify | Apple Music | TIDAL | Amazon Music |
Stray Kids – 5 Star
South Korean boyband Stray Kids never stay away from the spotlight too long, having released mini-album Maxident only seven months ago, and their first Japanese-language album The Sound dropped in February. They’ve returned to their native Korean for their new album, their third in that particular language, and it’s already breaking records by becoming the most pre-ordered K-pop album of all time. Their fanbase, the Stay, will surely be delighted.
Listen on: Spotify | Apple Music | TIDAL | Amazon Music |
Jake Shears – Last Man Dancing
The last time we heard from the former Scissor Sisters frontman, on his 2018 solo debut, he was in a reflective mood following the dissolution of his 11-year relationship. This time round, there’s no ballads and not as much sentimentality, but plenty of raucous, floor-filling bangers. Celebrating the hedonism of heading out at night and going wild, it’s clear this time around that for Shears, joy is top of the agenda.
Listen on: Spotify | Apple Music | TIDAL | Amazon Music