6 albums you need to hear this week
With music from FKA twigs, Central Cee, Mogwai, Jordan Adetunji, Teddy Swims and Benjamin Booker
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 FKA twigs, Central Cee, Mogwai, Jordan Adetunji, Teddy Swims and Benjamin Booker.
FKA twigs – EUSEXUA
Eusexua, to FKA twigs, is “when everything moves out the way, everything in your mind is completely blank and your mind is elevated”. Or more simply: it’s “the pinnacle of human experience”. On the first song and title track of her hugely-anticipated third studio album, she tells listeners over a thudding techno beat that if they’re asked what this new word means, “say you feel it, but don’t call it love”. The album also features her warmest and most accessible pop music to date. Read our full five-star review of EUSEXUA here.
Listen on: Spotify | Apple Music | TIDAL | Amazon Music
Central Cee – Can’t Rush Greatness
Central Cee’s debut album arrives with the rapper already a bona fide superstar of the genre having broken chart records and headlined arenas. Its reflected in its title, Can’t Rush Greatness, and also in the supreme confidence with which he throws out verses across the superbly accomplished record. While his UK origins are propped up by a guest turn from Skepta on ‘Ten’, Central Cee has also proved a transatlantic success, and the album doesn’t box him in – instead, it proves that he can become a worldwide sensation.
Listen on: Spotify | Apple Music | TIDAL | Amazon Music
Mogwai – The Bad Fire
The recording of Mogwai’s new album The Bad Fire came amid a strong sense of upheaval and turmoil. “Getting back together to write and record this record felt like a refuge,” the band say, “and with John Congleton we feel that we’ve made something special. We often hear from people that our music has helped them get through hard times in their lives and for once I think it applies to us as well.” Despite finding comfort in making the album, it still pushes the band fearlessly forwards into new sounds and energies.
Listen on: Spotify | Apple Music | TIDAL | Amazon Music
Jordan Adetunji – A Jaguar’s Dream
In the week that he was nominated for a BRIT Award for the viral sensation ‘Kehlani’, Jordan Adetunji takes his next steps forward on the superb mixtape A Jaguar’s Dream. “A Jaguar to me, is someone who moves through spaces and conquers every space it enters,” Adetunji said. “This is how I feel with my sound constantly evolving and conquering every space I enter into.” As was his wish, the new mixtape sees him mark himself out as a true musical chameleon.
Listen on: Spotify | Apple Music | TIDAL | Amazon Music
Teddy Swims – I’ve Tried Everything But Therapy (Part 2)
After becoming one of the hottest musical properties on the planet in the last year, Teddy Swims follows up his 2023 album I’ve Tried Everything But Therapy with a sequel album that treads the same path. “This album is a continuation of Part 1,” he said. “I’ve been evolving, growing, and healing in so many ways since the first one! On the last album, I felt as if it just left you with so much heartbreak and no resolve. Of course, there is still heartbreak on Part 2, but I believe we’ve given just a little more closure this time around!”
Listen on: Spotify | Apple Music | TIDAL | Amazon Music
Benjamin Booker – LOWER
After seven years away, Benjamin Booker returns with a darker and more raw sound on LOWER. The singer credits that largely to producer Kenny Segal, who has transformed his sound and brought the long-term vision in Booker’s head to life. “I wanted to get to this sound, but I didn’t know how. At some point I decided I’m going to find it or die trying,” he says. “Kenny was the missing piece I needed–he fills in all of my gaps. I don’t know what I’ll do next, but if I can imagine it, I can do it now.”
Listen on: Spotify | Apple Music | TIDAL | Amazon Music