This week, we're rocking out to Charles Bradley, Weezer, The Last Shadow Puppets + more.
Between Pet Shop Boys and Weezer, we have some longtime heavy hitters on the list today. But for those who want to try something new, we've also included Lukas Graham's latest. Here are the Top 5 Albums to listen to this week.
The Last Shadow Puppets - 'Everything You've Come To Expect'
After what felt like ages and extremely busy schedules, The Last Shadow Puppets are back with the the follow-up to 2008's The Age of Understatement. Everything You've Come to Expect reunites Alex Turner and Miles Kane with James Ford (drums and production) and Owen Pallett (string arrangements). Know for their harder rock repertoire with Arctic Monkeys and the Rascals, The Last Shadow Puppets return to their '60s pop rock flow with the new album and prove that they can not only write well-thought-out lyrics but also harmonize with the best of them. Recorded at Rick Rubin's Shangri-La studio in Los Angeles, the album doesn't necessarily sound like it's something out of the Sunshine state. "The Dream Synopsis" and the title track are evidence of the tenderness that Turner can bring out in his vocals. "Miracle Aligner" gives off doo-wop vibes while the bass-led "Bad Habits" is probably one of The Last Shadow Puppets' more aggressive songs, which we're sure will play out onstage once the band hits the road on April 10 in Philadelphia's Union Transfer. After listening to Everything You've Come to Expect from beginning to end, it'll leave you not only wanting to start all over again but also hope that the guys won't wait too long till they drop their third album.
Charles Bradley - 'Changes'
If there's a singer who leaves a lasting impression on you onstage or in the recording, it's Charles Bradley. Rooted in soul and funk, Charles returns with Changes. Like his last two albums—No Time for Dreaming (2011) and Victim of Love (2013)—this one touches on rising up from life's struggles. However, Changes' somber tone stems not from lost romances or making it in the streets. Instead, it's dealing with the loss of his mom, who he dedicates this record to. After doing a mini-monologue on "God Bless America" to open, Charles takes you on an emotional roller coaster that will make you feel like you're going nowhere but down. But he brings you back up with a renewed outlook with "Change for the World" and "Ain't Gonna Give It Up." The mood switches gears again with the closing song, "Slow Love."
Pet Shop Boys - 'Super'
Celebrating 30 years of synth-laden sounds, the Pet Shop Boys are back with their strongest album yet. Super will be celebrated by longtime followers of Neil Tenant and Chris Lowe. Known for making just about anyone move, Super will make even the newest of electronic music appreciators something to dig into. "The Pop Kids," which was the LP's first single, delves into the actual transition Tenant's friend went through when he went to college. While tunes like "Groovy" and "The dictator decides" will transport you back to the earlier '80s and '90s dance club days, "Inner Sanctum" and album closer, "Into Thin Air" show how Pet Shop Boys have evolved in their arrangements of sounds.
Weezer - 'White Album'
If it ain't broke, don't fix it. At least that's what Weezer's latest album feels like. For its fourth self-titled record, aka The White Album, the California rock band does what it does best and, more importantly does well. While some may say that's poor form on Weezer's part, it's the fact they have been consistent with their sound for so long that keeps their fans coming for more. The White Album is full of loud guitars, nerdy undertones and lots of West Coast vibes on songs like "Wind in Our Sail," "Endless Bummer" and some extra Beach Boy feels with "(Girl We Got a) Good Thing," and we're not mad about it. "California Kids" is a clear winner for a summer song contender while "L.A. Girlz" will be the soundtrack for every guy that feels like he always finishes last. You'll want to lay by the pool with your favorite frozen drink with this one.
Lukas Graham - 'Lukas Graham'
Lukas Graham has been heating up the charts with the single, "7 Years," and now fans have the chance to hear more from the Danish band with the release of its self-titled album. Bridging the gap between pop and R&B, the album features piano melody-driven songs "Mama Said," "Drunk in the Morning" and the tearjerker, "Better Than Yourself (Criminal Mind Pt. 2)." Perhaps the most surprising tune on the album is "Strip No More." It starts off sounding like Sheena Easton's "Morning Train (9 to 5)." However, as Forchhammer begins to sing, the tune takes an unexpected turn when you find out he's in love with a stripper. Definitely not as straightforward as T-Pain's track, but has a little bounce to its step. If your a fan of smooth vocals that can be naughty but mostly nice, this is the record for you.