Since the last episode of New Music Friday in late November, a plethora of exceptional albums has emerged, captivating music enthusiasts across various genres. NPR Music's Stephen Thompson and Nate Chinen from WRTI Philadelphia have curated an eclectic mix of the best releases from December. This update covers a wide range of styles, from global pop to ambient detours, offering listeners a comprehensive overview of the month's standout tracks.
Exploring the Riches of December's Musical Landscape
In the heart of winter, as the year drew to a close, the music world welcomed a vibrant array of albums that resonated with diverse audiences. Global pop saw contributions from Carin Leon’s Palabra De To’s, TWICE’s STRATEGY EP, Stray Kids’ HOP, Myke Towers’ LYKE MIIKE, and Russ Millions’ OOAK Vol. 1. Elmiene’s For The Deported EP added a poignant note to this category.
The hip-hop scene was equally dynamic, featuring Bossman Dlow’s Dlow Curry, Smino’s Maybe in Nirvana, Roc Marciano & The Alchemist’s The Skeleton Key, Nettspend’s Bad Ass F****** Kid, and Mozzy & Kalan.FrFr’s LUCKY HER. These albums brought fresh beats and compelling narratives to the forefront.
Indie music enthusiasts were treated to Cameron Winter’s Heavy Metal, Kassie Krut’s self-titled EP, Julie Beth Napolin’s Only the Void Stands Between Us, Babymorocco’s Amour, Dungen’s Otis, and Amen Dunes’ Death Jokes II. Each album offered unique sounds and introspective lyrics.
Ambient music fans found solace in Saint Etienne’s The Night and Röyksopp’s Nebulous Nights (An Ambient Excursion into Profound Mysteries and True Electric). These albums provided immersive listening experiences, perfect for reflection and relaxation.
Experimental music also had its moment, with Fennesz’s Mosaic, Aphex Twin’s Music from the Merch Desk, Trent Reznor & Atticus Ross’ Queer OST, and Shinichi Atobe’s Discipline pushing the boundaries of sound and composition.
Live albums brought performances to life, including The Gits’ Live at the X-Ray, Dua Lipa’s Live from Royal Albert Hall, Natalia Lafourcade’s Live at Carnegie Hall, The National’s Rome, Tori Amos’ Diving Deep Live, Interpol’s Live at Third Man Records, and Laufey’s A Night at the Symphony.
Cover projects showcased reinterpretations of beloved classics, with Lucinda Williams’ Sings the Beatles From Abbey Road, Angel Olsen’s Cosmic Waves Vol. 1, and Timothée Chalamet’s A Complete Unknown OST offering fresh takes on timeless tunes.
From a listener’s perspective, this roundup of December’s best albums serves as a testament to the diversity and richness of contemporary music. It highlights the power of music to connect, inspire, and transport us to new realms of emotion and thought. Whether you’re a fan of global pop, indie, or experimental sounds, there’s something here for everyone, reminding us of the endless possibilities within the world of music.