9 New Albums You Should Listen to Now: Playboi Carti, Charley Crockett, and More

Playboi Carti – Music [AWGE/Interscope]

After much anticipation and multiple delays, Playboi Carti has finally unveiled Music, his latest album following Whole Lotta Red. This release includes several tracks that longtime fans will recognize, such as “K Pop,” “HBA,” and “Evil J0rdan.” Featuring collaborations with industry heavyweights like Kendrick Lamar, Travis Scott, and Young Thug, Music continues Carti’s trend of pushing sonic boundaries.

Listen on: Apple Music, Spotify, Tidal, Amazon Music

Charley Crockett – Lonesome Drifter [Island]

Grammy-nominated country musician Charley Crockett makes his debut on Island Records with Lonesome Drifter. Following his 2024 releases $10 Cowboy and Visions of Dallas, this album offers a rich blend of blues, country, and folk storytelling. Standout tracks include “Game I Can’t Win,” the evocative “Jamestown Ferry,” and the title track, all co-produced by Crockett and Shooter Jennings.

Listen on: Apple Music, Spotify, Tidal, Amazon Music

Whatever the Weather – Whatever the Weather II [Ghostly International]

Loraine James returns under her ambient alias, Whatever the Weather, with Whatever the Weather II. This project features a collection of introspective electronic compositions that blend IDM and ambient textures. Crafted through a live mix of synths and pedals in her London studio, the album, mastered by Telefon Tel Aviv, explores different atmospheric temperatures through sound.

Listen on: Apple Music, Spotify, Tidal, Amazon Music, Bandcamp

Circuit des Yeux – Halo on the Inside [Matador]

Haley Fohr, the mind behind Circuit des Yeux, releases her eighth album, Halo on the Inside. A balance of gothic romance and industrial experimentation, this album builds upon the sound of 2021’s -io. Tracks like “Canopy of Eden” and “Megaloner” showcase Fohr’s deep and dramatic vocals, while “Truth” explores the higher end of her range. The album effortlessly merges art-pop and experimental elements.

Listen on: Apple Music, Spotify, Tidal, Amazon Music, Bandcamp

DJ Elmoe – Battle Zone [Planet Mu]

Chicago footwork producer DJ Elmoe delivers Battle Zone, a collection of tracks that seamlessly blend classic jazz and soul loops with intricate footwork beats. As a former contributor to the Bangs & Works compilations, DJ Elmoe crafts an album that feels both nostalgic and forward-thinking, making it an essential listen for footwork enthusiasts.

Listen on: Apple Music, Spotify, Tidal, Amazon Music, Bandcamp

Nels Cline – Consentrik Quartet [Blue Note]

Wilco guitarist Nels Cline shifts gears once again with Consentrik Quartet, an improvisational jazz project featuring saxophonist Ingrid Laubrock, bassist Chris Lightcap, and drummer Tom Rainey. The album’s free-flowing compositions, including “The 23” and “Slipping into Something,” highlight the chemistry between these talented musicians and reinforce why Blue Note remains a vital force in jazz.

Listen on: Apple Music, Spotify, Tidal, Amazon Music

Curren$y & Harry Fraud – Never Catch Us [Jet Life/Srfschl]

New Orleans rapper Curren$y continues his prolific output by teaming up once again with producer Harry Fraud for Never Catch Us. This marks their fifth collaboration in five years, blending smooth, jazz-inflected beats with Curren$y’s laid-back yet sharp lyricism. Lead singles “Dream Machines” (featuring Premo Rice) and “Airport Industries” (featuring Wiz Khalifa) set the tone for this effortlessly cool project.

Listen on: Apple Music, Spotify, Tidal, Amazon Music

Bambara – Birthmarks [Wharf Cat]

Brooklyn-based trio Bambara fuses post-punk and shoegaze influences in their latest album, Birthmarks. Their dynamic range sets them apart from the crowded genre landscape. Tracks like “Letters From Sing Sing” explode with almost power-pop intensity, while “Face of Love” takes a murkier, trip-hop-inspired approach. Frontman Reid Bateh’s haunting vocal delivery guides listeners through the album’s dark and immersive world.

Listen on: Apple Music, Spotify, Tidal, Amazon Music, Bandcamp

Hekla – Turnar [Phantom Limb]

Icelandic electronic musician Hekla Magnúsdóttir brings an eerie, otherworldly sound to Turnar, where she masterfully incorporates the theremin alongside cello, organ, and voice. The album’s atmosphere is both chilling and hypnotic, with “Ókyrrð” standing out as one of its more subdued yet still powerful moments. Turnar is a must-listen for fans of experimental electronic music.

Listen on: Apple Music, Spotify, Tidal, Amazon Music, Bandcamp

Each of these albums showcases a unique artistic vision, ensuring there’s something new and exciting for every type of music lover. Whether you’re into hip-hop, jazz, country, electronic, or post-punk, this week’s releases offer a diverse selection of sounds to explore. Happy listening!