5 albums you need to hear this week

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 Squid, Gengahr, Niall Horan, King Krule and Janelle Monáe.

Janelle Monáe – The Age Of Pleasure

On her first three albums, Janelle Monáe became known for powerful R&B that dripped with sexual ambiguity, futuristic soundscapes and effortlessly brilliant funk. On her fourth record, the US star takes a step away from that world to deliver a sun-soaked album that’s perfect for the summer months. Cameos from Grace Jones keep the dancehall party vibes immaculate, while full-frontal songs about the joys of oral sex ensure that Monáe’s brilliantly unrepentant spirit remains as wild as ever.

Listen on: Spotify | Apple Music | TIDAL | Amazon Music

Niall Horan – The Show

On his third (and arguably best) solo album, Niall Horan proves yet again why he’s managed to shake off the shackles of 1D to become a star in his own right.

The love of classic US rock remains, but it’s injected with a powerful sonic variety throughout. The warm ‘You Could Start A Cult’ is indebted to Greenwich Village folk, while ‘If You Leave Me’ is an admirably soul-bearing ballad. It’s no wonder that Horan’s fans remain as fervent as ever.

Listen on: Spotify| Apple Music | TIDAL | Amazon Music

King Krule – Space Heavy

The distinctive, low, estuary growl remains as prominent as ever on the fourth album from King Krule – the alias of Londoner Archy Marshall. But here is an album that reflects the wider parts of the world, specifically Marshall’s observations on a brief period moving to Liverpool to be closer to his daughter.

The nihilism and downbeat tone remains, but songs such as ‘Wednesday Overcast’ reflect the record’s transient creation. “Train to the coast, four hours once a week / In the pub corner, surrounded by creeps / They spoke of the violence and racist police… This place was forgotten from history,” he reflects.

Listen on: Spotify| Apple Music | TIDAL | Amazon Music

Squid – O Monolith

On their second album, Squid capitalise on the promise of their debut to deliver a record that’s a fully-formed look into their psych tinged world. There’s rich experimentation on lead single ‘Swing (In A Dream)’, while ‘Undergrowth’ shows off their lyrical strengths too – an unexpected foray into philosophy and spiritualism. A powerful effort from one of Britain’s most intriguing bands.

Listen on: Spotify| Apple Music | TIDAL | Amazon Music

Gengahr – Red Sun Titans

The psych-tinged spirit remains as prominent as ever on Gengahr’s latest, but rich instrumentation, the dreamy soundscapes of songs such as ‘In This Moment’ and the ethereal vocals of frontman Felix Bushe allow the London group’s fourth album to truly shine.

Listen on: Spotify | Apple Music | TIDAL | Amazon Music