Love Is Like – Maroon 5
Maroon 5 has established itself as one of the greatest pop-rock bands in history, winning three Grammy Awards, topping the charts on multiple occasions, and recording legendary hits with artists such as Cardi B, Wiz Khalifa, and Christina Aguilera. The release of their eighth album, Love Is Like, marks the band’s return to music after four years of absence. The album features Lil Wayne, LISA, and Sexxy Red, all part of a tracklist of 10 songs. LISA had an amazing feature on Priceless, which I would say is the best song on the album. Overall, the album was well done, but it had a very homogenous sound that seemed to dim the light cast on individual songs. Maroon 5 is kicking off their US tour and will be performing in Phoenix on October 6th at the PHX Arena.
God Does Like Ugly – JID
JID has become a well-respected rapper, originally signed to J. Cole’s Dreamville Records before catching his first ‘breaks’ rapping on hits like Enemy with Imagine Dragons and Surround Sound with 21 Savage and Baby Tate. His rapping flow and wordplay have been praised by music critics and fans alike, with his 2022 album, Forever Story, well-liked among hip-hop fans. JID’s long-awaited album, God Does Like Ugly, finally dropped on August 8th, with artists like Ty Dolla $ign, Don Toliver, Ciara, Clipse, and more all making noteworthy appearances. Overall, the album was excellent, with most of the songs telling enticing stories—a nearly forgotten element of hip-hop. The best song is arguably Wholeheartedly, which delivers a soft, R&B-like sound with powerful lyricism. JID will soon begin his God Does Like Paradise Tour, taking him to the Arizona Financial Theatre on November 20th.
A Matter of Time – Laufey
Laufey (pronounced LAY-vay) is one of the most talented jazz-pop artists of the century, bringing classical jazz to the modern-day world of pop. Her identical twin sister, Júnía, is both her creative director and a featured violinist in much of her music. Since her last album, Bewitched, Laufey has become a viral sensation, largely due to her hit song, From The Start. On August 22nd, Laufey released her newest album, A Matter of Time, which was well-received by the public and marked a new era in the jazz-pop singer, songwriter, and musician’s career. The album was jam-packed with emotion and excellent instrumentals, and even featured a ballet interlude conducted by Laufey herself. I would say the best song on this album is Castle In Hollywood, with its rhythmically pleasing sound and emotionally powerful lyrics. Laufey will be in town on September 23rd, playing at the Desert Diamond Arena.
Man’s Best Friend – Sabrina Carpenter
Sabrina Carpenter’s career has grown significantly in the past five years, winning two Grammys and releasing the hit song of the summer in 2024: Espresso. She became the first artist since The Beatles to chart their first three top-five hits in a single week, and her Short n’ Sweet Tour (named after her hit album) took her around the world, creating a lasting impact both on stage and online. On August 29th, Sabrina Carpenter released her seventh album, Man’s Best Friend, which adds an 80s twist to her typical raunchy pop music. I believe Nobody’s Son is the best piece on this album, as it has a steady 80s-like melody to it, matching perfectly with Carpenter’s vocals. While it has a similar sound to her last project, Short n’ Sweet, Man’s Best Friend does exactly what it set out to do, adding a well-produced and pleasing album to her catalogue and catering to Carpenter’s ever-growing fan base.
