Over the past few weeks, our most active record reviewers have had the task of choosing their 5 favorite recordings of 2023, and here they are. This selection is unique and quite different of all you can find on the web or through traditional medias.
Black Rainbows marks a daring departure for this already accomplished British singer-songwriter. At its core it is a sprawling work of rebellious art-pop marked by diligent craftsmanship and a daring spirit. Rae weaves together a patchwork of sounds from a vast landscape spanning rock, jazz, pop, and electronic genres. Each track exudes a tangible rebellious spirit, challenging norms and beckoning listeners to join Rae in questioning the established order. With Black Rainbows, Rae appears to adopt a workflow reminiscent of artists like Björk and Thom Yorke, treating the studio as both an instrument and an extension of her own voice. While the album may not introduce groundbreaking elements, it exudes a sense of liberation and is profoundly shaped by Rae’s lived experience as a black woman. At times, comparisons to Thundercat and Flying Lotus seem fitting, while other moments evoke parallels to Joni Mitchell and Sonic Youth. At the very least you ought to be intrigued by this curious and masterwork.
For the complete list, click here!For the complete list, click here!
