4 albums you need to hear this week
With music by Headie One, James Blake and Lil Yachty, Megan Thee Stallion and Johnny Cash
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 Headie One, James Blake and Lil Yachty, Megan Thee Stallion and Johnny Cash.
Headie One – The Last One
The futuristic cover art on Headie One’s second album is a telling sign – here’s an album that seeks him looking firmly forward in a bold attempt to secure his status as a true great of UK rap. This means a cameo from Stormzy on the dynamic ‘Cry No More’, while Sampha pops on the melodic ‘Memories’. It’s a brilliant and bold leap forward for the Tottenham-born star.
Listen on: Spotify | Apple Music | TIDAL | Amazon Music
Johnny Cash – Songwriter
Almost twenty years after The Man In Black, this posthumous album from the country great is a welcome treat for fans – and thankfully not the cash grab that beyond-the-grave records can so often be.
It’s a collection of previously unreleased songs that Johnny recorded in 1993 at LSI Studios in Nashville, brought back to life lovingly by his son John Carter Cash. ‘Drive On’, an upbeat number, is classic Cash.
Listen on: Spotify | Apple Music | TIDAL | Amazon Music
Megan The Stallion – Megan
On this third album, Megan The Stallion is bold, razor sharp and unrepentant in a way that the rapper has rarely shown before. It’s possible that becoming an independent artist has emboldened her, but whatever it is – it’s clearly working. “I ain’t worry ’bout the bitter-bitch link-up / Y’all hoes earned them seats in the fanclub,” she offers on the fierce ‘Rattle’.
It’s just one example of an album that sees Megan flying out of the traps to become a voice to be reckoned with.
Listen on: Spotify | Apple Music | TIDAL | Amazon Music
Lil Yachty and James Blake – Bad Cameo
Listen on: Spotify | Apple Music | TIDAL | Amazon Music