4 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 Neneh Cherry, Sinead O’Brien, and George Ezra.

George Ezra’s Gold Rush Kid album artwork — George Ezra, *Gold Rush Kid*

George Ezra, Gold Rush Kid

On his third album, George Ezra doubles down on the earworms that have cemented his position as one of the UK’s biggest songwriters, but at the same time, those tunes are laden with new depths. The frivolity of ‘Green Green Glass’ sees Ezra repositioning the concept of death and mourning as a riotous celebration, while ‘I Went Hunting’s frank exploration of mental illness is arguably the most affecting thing he’s ever done. “Imagine having a thought and then thinking it again,” he posits.

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

Liss, I Guess Nothing Will Be the Same

Last year, Liss frontman Søren Holm tragically died by suicide. Prior to his death, the Danish band had recorded their debut album I Guess Nothing Will Be the Same, and following a period of recalibration they decided to release it in his honour. The album showcases the group’s deft pop hooks and the interplay between Holm’s unique voice and his bandmates’ dreamy instrumentation, while Nilüfer Yanya appears on album standout ‘Boys in Movies’. It’s a beautiful if bittersweet tribute to Holm.

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

Neneh Cherry’s The Versions album artwork — Neneh Cherry, *The Versions*

Neneh Cherry, The Versions

With over 30 years of music under her belt, it’s no wonder that Neneh Cherry has decided to pass her eclectic back catalogue onto a new generation. The likes of Sia, Robyn and Anohni are among those covering her hits for this album, although the true standout comes in Sudan Archives’ new take on ‘Heart’ – which flips Cherry’s original on its head with stunning results.

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

Sinead O’Brien’s Time Bend and Break the Bower album artwork — Sinead O’Brien, *Time Bend and Break the Bower*

Sinead O’Brien, Time Bend and Break the Bower

From Dry Cleaning to Yard Act, there’s a multitude of indie bands exploring the creative parameters of spoken word music today (a style sometimes referred to as ‘Sprechgesang’). None, however, have managed to push those boundaries quite like Sinead O’Brien. On her debut album, the Irish star adds a dance floor edge to those sounds. “Dance,” she demands on hypnotic standout ‘Like Culture’. Who are we to argue?