The Hives' "The Death Of Randy Fitzsimmons" marks their return after 11 years with raw, energetic songs. Anthems abound, though some tracks suffer from excessive repetition and brevity. Capturing a rebellious spirit akin to perpetual teenagers, this album is 32 minutes of raucous and unapologetic rock.

Album Highlights: #1 Bogus Operandi, #3 Countdown To Shutdown, and #8 Two Kinds Of Trouble.

"Ley" by Approaching Mountains crafts an ethereal odyssey through a wide variety of wind and string instruments found in Lithuanian folk music. The album's sound is what I'm calling "oppressively peaceful" and it leans more towards the style of Tim Hecker than Sigur Rós. It's a complex gem worth recommending.

Album Highlights: #2 Ignited in a Field of Bright, #3 Weeping in Radiance, #4 Aerial Thyme Reverie, and #5 Mossophonics.

Crypta's "Shades Of Sorrow" is a bleak and somber album, driven by very impressive guitars and drum work. The quartet impresses with the number of guitar solos, given the genre. Another surprise was the inclusion of three calm piano tracks, framing the experience and adding variation to the album's intensity.

Album Highlights: #4 The Outsider, #6 The Other Side Of Anger, #10 Agents Of Chaos, and #12 Lord Of Ruins.

Humanity's Last Breath lives up to the band's name with the somber hopelessness the lyrics consistently delve into. "Ashen" presents its dense soundscapes and atmospheric aggression in a very heavy-handed approach: walls of sound, lulls, and breakdowns. This formula produces highlights, but it offers little variety.

Album Highlights: #6 Labyrinthian and #8 Death Spiral.

Julie Byrne's "The Greater Wings" is a serene and intimate journey, the comforting kind that lulls you into a peaceful slumber - not because it's boring, but incredibly soothing. The introspective lyrics evoke a sense of existential connection, immersed in some greater power. The "low" was the instrumental missing her voice!

Album Highlights: #1 The Greater Wings, #4 Summer Glass, #6 Lightning Comes Up From The Ground, and #9 Hope's Return.

Gabriels' "Angels & Queens" opens powerfully, and continues evoking real emotions throughout. While some tracks lack strong character, Jacob Lusk's powerful soulful vocals shine amidst the lush production. However, I feel like the appeal could be elevated by leaning even more on Lusk's unique vocal prowess.

Album Highlights: #10 Love And Hate In A Different Time and #11 Glory.

Travis Scott's "Utopia" misses the mark for me. Not the genre nor the artist, the album: the psychedelic and atmospheric vibe severely lacks substance. While some tracks shine with a stronger focus on rapping and the features, the majority feels simply bland and boring. At least the overproduction serves as makeup!

Album Highlights: #6 Sirens, #7 Meltdown, #10 I Know?, #12 Circus Maximus, and #16 Looove.

I have a soft spot for Taylor Swift's early pop rock albums. It's a genre that really tickles my fancy and her passionate and nostalgic approach to it always had me hooked. The storytelling, the catchy music, the powerful vocals, and I'm just sold. "Speak Now (Taylor's Version)" was a delightful return to these songs!

Album Highlights: #1 Mine, #2 Sparks Fly, #3 Back To December, and #9 Enchanted.

NewJeans' 2nd EP "Get Up" offers a couple of vibrant and lively songs, with pleasant vocals and fitting tunes. Unfortunately, this EP suffers from uninspired song progressions and repetitive lyrics, it just feels like lazy songwriting. The lack of further development of some cool ideas left me both curious and unsatisfied.

Album Highlights: #2 Super Shy and #4 Cool With You.

Carly Rae Jepsen's "The Loveliest Time" is another of the great dance pop releases of the year. The highs have infectious energy and mellow vocals over psychedelic electronic tunes, but some songs lack impact and compelling lyrics. The opener and closer were rather lackluster choices for this enjoyable album.

Album Highlights: #5 Shy Boy and #8 Psychedelic Switch.

Paris Texas' "Mid Air" blends rap and rock, showcasing moments of genre blending success. Some tracks excel with great energy, bars, and experimental elements, while others falter due to repetition and delivery. I enjoyed Felix's vocals more than Louie's, but this is a duo with both bright spots and room for growth.

Album Highlights: #3 DnD, #8 Panic!!!, #9 Everybody's Safe Until..., and #16 ...We Fall.

Blur's "The Ballad Of Darren" is a bittersweet and melancholic album with some livelier moments. The catchy choruses, emotional lyricism, and interesting guitar arrangements make tracks stand out. However, the album's soft and mellow nature overall really left me wanting more emotional and musical intensity.

Album Highlights: #2 St. Charles Square, #3 Barbaric, and #6 The Narcissist.

George Clanton's "Ooh Rap I Ya" presents a mix of atmospheric and ethereal tunes, leaning heavily on hazy vibes and buried vocals. While the tracks are very immersive and some have moments of interest, the album's inspiration takes a dip in the rather underwhelming second half. Given the hype, this was a letdown.

Album Highlights: #2 Justify Your Life, #3 Punching Down, and #4 I Been Young.

After a slightly worrisome start, TURQUOISEDEATH's "Se Bueno" becomes an enthralling, hypnotic album. The breakbeats and some intense moments add welcomed dynamic to the ethereal vibes, but the dreamy and relaxed nature of the music's foundation might dilute its overall impact for some listeners.

Album Highlights: #5 Dive, #6 Guessabelle, and #7 Starfields.

Limp Bizkit's "Chocolate Starfish And The Hot Dog Flavored Water" offers infectious energy, but mostly accomplishes mixed to poor results. There's a couple of actual bangers here, but Fred Durst poses a real challenge for the album and lots of headbanging drops, guitar hooks, and turntable scratches go to waste.

Album Highlights: #6 Rollin' (Air Raid Vehicle), #9 Getcha Groove On, and #10 Take A Look Around.

Agriculture adds shoegaze elements to black metal in an intense and atmospheric album. The dense and wild opener and finale were the highlights here, but there's still room for further blending and transitions without losing out on the unrelenting aggression displayed throughout. A very promising debut!

Album Highlights: #1 The Glory Of The Ocean and #6 Relier.

Ludwig Göransson's "Oppenheimer" live score is a dramatic, intriguing, and grand experience. The music masterfully weaves unsettling and ominous tones, with urgent and anxious moments, which engrosses the listeners. The soothing moments also provide a respite for an intense and captivating 94-minute journey.

Album Highlights: #2 Can You Hear The Music, #6 Meeting Kitty, #12 Fusion, #16 Trinity, #18 Power Stays In The Shadows, and #21 Kitty Comes To Testify.

Nas' "Magic 2" blends great pace, energy, and boastful rapping with conscious lyrics and drops of wisdom. Standout tracks showcase excellent beats, flow, and attitude. Despite the unnecessary intro and the contrast between the strongest songs and the album average, it delivers a satisfying experience.

Album Highlights: #5 Motion, #8 What This All Really Means, #10 Pistols On Your Album Cover, and #11 One Mic, One Gun.

"After The Magic" is a captivating journey, that excels in transitions from ethereal passages to walls of noise, creating an experience that is engaging and fascinating. Language barriers vanish as music speaks to the soul, with the right balance of melody, density, noise, and energy. What an introduction to Parannoul!

Album Highlights: #3 Arrival and #4 We Shine At Night.

Anohni And The Johnsons' "My Back Was A Bridge For You To Cross" offers soulful and grand moments, and a diverse emotional journey while touching on serious subjects. While lyrics vary in depth, the album's blend of melancholic and brighter moments leaves a delightful and pleasant impression.

Album Highlights: #7 Rest.