The Round-Up: Best Songs of The Week – ft. Knxwledge, Snoh Aalegra, Nick Hakim, and More

Anchored by sleek and sweet r&b anthems, spaced-out soul alchemy, lo-fi pop experiments, and so much more.

Tame Impala and Justin Bieber may share today’s major label marquee with respective studio outings, but there’s a grip of notable long-plays that won’t get the sprawling benefits of big-league backing.

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Navy Blue’s debut album, Àdá Irin, blasts glitchy, spaced-out soul with ace penmanship and off-kilter melodics. Blvck Spvde’s Svmthngz & Nvthngz Sessions is another interstellar transmission from one of R&B’s most vetted and venerable alchemists. Rejoicer enters the decade with his own spacious synth-driven suite on the new album Spiritual Sleaze. And zack villere’s Carboard City plays host to a playful and heart-bearing batch of lo-fi pop experiments.

The singles carry their share, as well. Knxwledge puts a title and a date to his sophomore Stones Throw studio album with a pair of polished lead-offs. Snoh Aalegra and Pharrell connect on a sleek and sweet two-stepper. Nick Hakim and Onyx Collective put a ghostly spin on a beloved Valentine’s Day anthem. Kota The Friend keeps the streak alive with a hazy and introspective loosie. Zeroh beams in with a warped wonder. Joël’s latest is a late-night vibe incarnate. And that’s just half the script.

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Hear it all in this week’s episode of The Round-Up below. Hit the link to follow Okayplayer’s Spotify channel, where the notes are always true and the plug is never hidden.

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