From Niall Horan to Dua Lipa, here are 5 albums that dropped during the COVID-19 outbreak
Niall Horan — Heartbreak Weather: Niall Horan’s second album is a feel-good, full-bodied effort that remains stubbornly buoyant despite its theme of overcoming heartbreak. The singer-songwriter delivers melodic nostalgia on the titular track, acoustic essentials on ‘Dear Patient’, R’n’B-lite on ‘Bend the Rules’ and ‘New Angel,’ high-energy rock on ‘Arms of A Stranger’ and uplifting pop on ‘No Judgement’. Piano-driven ‘Put A Little Love On Me’ remains our standout.
The Weeknd — After Hours: It takes a bold artist to step out on a formula that has worked for years and add an experimental flare to the mix. But it takes a compelling artist to actually pull it off. Abel Tesfaye delivers a delicious, rich and layered album with ‘After Hours’; he retains his melancholic backbone made up of excess and solitude, but refreshes its interface with synth-pop and electro beats.
Childish Gambino — 3.15.20: Childish Gambino has become a divisive figure, with some hoisting him on a pedestal and others putting annoyed asterisks into his name on social media. His futuristic new album, named after the date it was dropped, is an experimental, ambitious and disorienting affair that features guest appearances by Ariana Grande and 21 Savage.
Jhene Aiko — Chilombo: Jhene Aiko delivers a largely satisfying break-up album, juxtaposing explicit and frank lyricism against sugared melodies and her own dreamy vocals. Chilombo also features appearances from Big Sean, Future, Miguel and more.
Dua Lipa — Future Nostalgia: Dua Lipa asserts herself as a musical force on second album ‘Future Nostalgia’, fuelling her usual pop sound with gallons of disco, funk, electro and dance-pop influences. Lipa’s smoky and playful vocals are more confident than ever, making this a blazing, bold and belligerently bubbly antidote to daily doom and gloom.
Source: Gulf News