This year has been a landmark for music that feels new and unique. This month’s releases from Remi Wolf, Clairo and Lava La Rue add to the vibrant landscape of innovative music with their latest albums Big Ideas, Charm and STARFACE. Childish Gambino also serves us his final album, which doubles as the soundtrack to his upcoming movie Bando Stone and The New World.
Big Ideas by Remi Wolf
Remi Wolf’s sophomore album Big Ideas, is refreshing. It’s 43 minutes of fun, energy, and raw creativity, carrying forward the unique energy that defines her discography. Remi Wolf’s unique blend of sarcasm and humour, combined with her introspective exploration of the world, makes Big Ideas a standout moment in her career.
I first encountered her music at 14 when I heard her hit “Photo ID” featured in Netflix’s Grand Army—a must-watch series. In 2022, the Netflix series Boo, Bitch featured “Guerilla” and would become an essential part of the series. These placements highlight how Remi Wolf’s music resonates beyond streaming platforms. Additionally, Remi Wolf has collaborated with Dominic Fike on the remix of “Photo ID” (a pair we didn’t know we needed). Last year, she made a brief appearance on “Bodies” from Fike’s album Sunburn (2023), still managing to radiate her main character energy in 7 seconds. Big Ideas continues this trend, offering a soundtrack for both introspection and the ups and downs of everyday life.
Standout Tracks
Big Ideas is an album that thrives on its cohesiveness; each track contributes to the overall vibe, making it difficult to single out any specific songs. The seamless blend of fun and introspection, make this album a compelling listen from start to finish. Whether you’re drawn in by Remi’s playful lyrics, creativity, or underlying introspective moments, Big Ideas offers a full-bodied experience that’s best appreciated in its entirety.
Charm by Clairo
Clairo’s journey from self-made bedroom pop to cosy alternative music is a trajectory I’ve been happy to witness over the years. If 2021’s Sling is a warm embrace, Charm is the gentle glow that lingers, offering a deeper warmth and intimacy.
Clairo has charmed us a third time, with an album that feels like a natural progression in her artistic evolution. Charm delves into the grey area of human connection—a crush. It embodies that dreamy, surreal feeling where every interaction is filled with possibility. The groovy sway and whimsical wind instruments mirror this emotional uncertainty, creating a vibe that feels light and captivating. Every sound and lyric is carefully crafted to resonate on a personal level, inviting listeners to lose themselves in the hazy, enchanting space between what is and what could be.
Standout Tracks
Juna – This track stands out with its dreamy production and introspective lyrics, offering a glimpse into Clairo’s evolving sound and emotional depth. The line “you make me wanna go dancing/go buy a new dress” playfully captures the idea of making light-hearted changes for someone special. This is reminiscent of SZA’s “Pretty Little Birds”, where the lyric “I wanna be your golden goose / I wanna shave my legs for you” similarly conveys the same sense of transformation. Juna features dreamy, atmospheric instrumentation that complements the reflective mood of the lyrics.
Sexy to Someone – Released in May as the first single from Clairo’s Charm, “Sexy to Someone” offers a captivating glimpse into the album’s nuanced sound and emotional depth. The repetition of “I want to be sexy to someone (is it too much to ask?)” is delivered in a close whisper, adding an intimate and vulnerable quality to the song. This refrain highlights the playful yet earnest exploration of how sexiness impacts one’s sense of identity. The warm, woody tones of the clarinet create a rich, atmospheric backdrop that sets a sophisticated tone which perfectly aligns with the song’s reflective mood.
STARFACE by LAVA LA RUE
LAVA LA RUE brings their one-of-a-kind creativity to the forefront with their debut album STARFACE. Combining their genre-bending abilities with a truly out-of-this-world imagination (LITERALLY) they’ve crafted an album that pushes boundaries and challenges expectations.
From the start of the album, LAVA takes us to a sci-fi world that’s as imaginative as it is immersive. With synths and punchy drums, the album’s intergalactic soundscape comes to life, creating a vibe that feels both futuristic and otherworldly. As STARFACE, LAVA LA RUE observes the world’s ugliness with the detachment of an alien, offering sharp commentary while keeping the music undeniably captivating. Alongside these cosmic explorations, the album delves into the complexities of sapphic romance, adding an intimate and personal dimension to the otherworldly narrative.
Standout Tracks
Poison Cookie (feat. AUDREY NUNA) – The collaboration with AUDREY NUNA injects a burst of energy with her rap verse, elevating the track’s dynamic range. “Poison in the cookies but I’m gonna eat that chip anyway,” reflects a fearless approach to confronting societal challenges. The fusion of dreamy synths with punchy beats creates a compelling sonic experience, making it a standout moment on the album.
Second Hand Sadness (feat. yuné pink) – STARFACE is a Sci-Fi-inspired adventure that explores what it means to be human from an alien perspective. “Second Hand Sadness” stands out as a moment where LAVA LA RUE’s deep empathy brings us back to earth. The track captures the raw, grounding reality of experiencing and processing emotions, with yune pink’s contribution adding an extra layer of introspection and authenticity. It’s a powerful contrast to the album’s cosmic themes, highlighting the universal experience of feeling deeply.
Bando Stone and The New World by Childish Gambino
Donald Glover has always seamlessly navigated between his roles as a musician and an actor. With his final project, Bando Stone and The New World, he brings these worlds together in a groundbreaking way. The album, which also serves as the soundtrack for his upcoming film, represents a pivotal moment in his career, blending his distinctive musical innovation with a compelling visual narrative.
The album’s journey began with the debut of the film’s trailer at the BET Awards, generating anticipation and excitement. Shortly thereafter, Gambino released the single “Lithonia,” a precursor to the full album, which followed just ten days later. Bando Stone and The New World not only continues Glover’s tradition of merging music and storytelling but also stands as a testament to his ability to create rich, multi-layered experiences. This final album underscores his unique approach to artistry, offering a vast exploration of themes through both audio and visual elements, and providing a fitting conclusion to his musical career.
Standout Tracks
Lithonia – This track stands out as a main character anthem, resonating with or without an accompanying film. The realisation that “nobody gives a fuck” echoes the existential themes found in Because the Internet (2013), capturing a sense of disillusionment and introspection. The lyric “I did my job, I paid my dues” underscores a contemplative mood, reflecting on personal efforts and the quest for meaning. With its introspective tone and reflective lyrics, “Lithonia” not only embodies the Bando Stone’s thematic depth but also serves as a liberating close to Childish Gambino’s musical career.
Running Around (feat. Fousheé)-In the trailer for Bando Stone and The New World, we see characters sprinting from danger, a scene that’s mirrored in this track’s high energy. This song combines intense, driving rhythms with a pop-rock sound, keeping the mood unexpectedly light. Fousheé’s bright vocals infuse the track with an uplifting quality, contrasting its urgency. While the album shines on its own, the anticipation of the film adds a layer of excitement, allowing listeners to envision their own stories and scenes that align with this vibrant soundtrack.
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July’s releases have not disappointed. While this year has seen a lot of music releases, all of them feel individual and high quality. Next month, I’m looking forward to releases from beabadoobee and Ravyn Lenae, as they’ve been dropping singles from their upcoming albums. What have been your favorites so far?
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