Our girl Sylvia June brings you recently released albums each week that she thinks you might enjoy. Or not. Whatever...

Kesha, “High Road”

Release date: Jan. 31, 2020

Why I like it: Kesha Sebert is fucking fantastic and her music is, too. She’s a good time girl who knows how to have fun, but even in her more lighthearted tunes you can tell she’s smarter than the dudes she is singing about. Grrl knows how to write a song.

Top 3 songs:

• “Tonight” — It has this night out at the gay club vibe that I can’t resist.
• “Raising Hell” feat. Big Freedia — The video is weird, but this song is actual fire. Still LOL at “bounce it up and down where the good Lord split it” every time.
• “Resentment” feat. Sturgill Simpson, Brian Wilson & Wrabel — Anyone who has ever been in a failed/failing relationship will understand.

Honorable mention: “Cowboy Blues” — It’s all about obsessing over missed chances, which is something I could compete in as a professional sport. What makes this song better is that you can’t really tell if it’s all tongue in cheek or not. Sometimes it’s better not to know.

Allie X, “Cape God”

Release date: Feb. 21, 2020

Why I like it: I was hooked within the first 30 seconds of the opening track — I have respect for an artist who knows how to craft a good metaphor. The whole album is easy to groove to while I’m working. Some of it is fairly ordinary, but I think the good stuff is worth the time.

Top 3 Songs:

• “Fresh Laundry” — This is the metaphor I’m talking about, the desire for a refresh when your life is depressing and stale. It evoked a real Massive Attack vibe for me.
• “The Devil I Know” — Staying is always easier than leaving. The lyrics are not completely original, but the song itself is an earworm.
• “Love Me Wrong” feat. Troye Sivan — This was the first song I heard off the album, on a playlist of music by LGBT artists and allies. I’m not sure I really understand what it’s about, but I do enjoy it. The last part, especially. “I’ll never be how you remember me, so I’d rather be in your memory.”

Honorable Mention: “Sarah Come Home” — It reminds me of being in high school and having the kind of friendship/relationship the song is describing. It’s not necessarily a happy song, but its upbeat enough to keep me coming back to chill with the feelings.