Essential New Music: Albums You Can’t Miss This Week

CHICAGO, IL — As music enthusiasts gear up for the weekend, several noteworthy albums have dropped for streaming this week. Among the highlights are releases from Perfume Genius, Destroyer, Lucy Dacus, and more, promising a diverse listening experience for fans across genres.

Perfume Genius, known for his unique blend of pop and indie sounds, returns with his seventh studio album that marks a shift back to a conventional singer-songwriter style after the cryptic compositions of his previous work. The lead single ‘Your Body Changes Everything’ sets the tone, providing both emotional depth and lyrical introspection.

“This album is the quietest thing I’ve done in over a decade,” said Mike Hadreas, the artist behind Perfume Genius. “Yet, it still holds moments of immense beauty, like ‘Me & Angel,’ which nods to my influences.”

Canadian musician Destroyer, led by Dan Bejar, also joins the fray with his latest project, exploring a mix of sounds including balearic pop and sci-fi film soundtracks. “The Same Thing as Nothing at All” serves as an opening track that encapsulates the album’s emotional heft.

“Fools rush in, but you’re the only one with guts,” sings Bejar, illustrating a mixture of irony and sincerity in his songwriting.

Lucy Dacus has made a notable return with her highly anticipated fourth studio album titled ‘Forever Is a Feeling.’ The album features significant tracks that highlight Dacus’s growth as an artist, including the visually stunning lead single “Kissing Lessons,” which premiered alongside a vibrant music video shot in Paris.

“This project serves as my exploration of identity, blending my trans self with my former self,” Dacus explained regarding the creative process behind her album.

On the electronic front, London-based DJ Aya has unveiled her second studio album ‘Hexed!’, a ten-track hyperpop affair buoyed by explosive percussion and refined textures. The lead single “Unholy House” demonstrates the artist’s artistry at its peak, drawing listeners into a vibrant sonic landscape.

Yorkshire rapper YT has released his latest project, ‘Oi!’, building on the success from his previous work ‘#StillSwaggin’. Tracks like “Burner” and “Street Stories” highlight YT’s signature humor blended with keen observations about life.

Tokyo-based composer Eiko Ishibashi also adds a sweeping project titled ‘Antigone’ to this week’s lineup, recorded alongside a dynamic ensemble of musicians. Ishibashi’s project follows her film score work, providing a rich canvas of cinematic soundscapes.

Black metal band Deafheaven has signed with a new label for their upcoming album ‘Infinite’, showcasing a departure from their previous sound and edging toward a broader musical palette, while the Seattle indie-rock group Great Grandpa celebrates their long-awaited return with their third album, promising to blend nostalgic influences with contemporary sound.

With exciting new releases from a range of artists this week, music lovers are encouraged to dive into the mixes and find their new favorite tracks. These artists promise to deliver a blend of authenticity and innovation, making them worth a listen.