As summer came to an end and fall began to creep in, we were never short of new music to accompany the changes. September Fridays brought us a plethora of new CDs to line our shelves, and songs to add to our playlists on and off air.
Think you missed some good ones? Don’t fret. We’ve got you covered. For September, 2021, WFNP recommends these albums…
Sometimes I Might Be Introvert – Little Simz
Released 9/3 via AGE 101 MUSIC
British-Nigerian rapper Little Simz delivers us this brilliant work, its title actings as a “backronym” for part of her real name, Simbi. Wikipedia references an interview with Little Simz in The Guardian in which the rapper chatted about the album’s meaning; “Thematically, Sometimes I Might Be Introvert is about Simz ‘being this introverted person that has all these crazy thoughts and ideas and theories in my head and not always feeling like I’m able to express it if it’s not through my art.’” For all of us introverted or shy artists out there, and for everyone else too, this album is a must-listen.
Deja – Bomba Estéreo
Released 9/10 via Sony Music Entertainment
Columbian group Bomba Estéreo sought peace and refuge from the unrest in their home country via the force of nature in Deja, “a concept album foregrounding the environment as a means by which we can heal ourselves politically, socially, and spiritually,” (Pitchfork). The songs on this one are just beautiful. My personal favorite track on the album is one called “Agua” that gets stuck in my head in the best way possible.
Local Valley – José González
Released 9/17 via Imperial Recordings
A couple of months ago, I was wondering why I hadn’t felt truly relaxed in quite some time. Then I remembered it had been over five years since the release of Vestiges and Claws from José González. And since then, there’s been a global pandemic and a whole lot of other… stuff. So this summer when I read that he’d be releasing a new album, I was ecstatic. Plus, this one would have a first for the Swedish indie folk singer-songwriter José González – Spanish lyricism on some songs, including the gorgeous single “El Invento” that is a meditation on the known and unknown. And while, honestly, Local Valley may not live up to the strength or the eventual longevity of his previous albums, it relaxed me in a way I forgot was possible (thanks to all that… stuff). Its hits, like “Head On” and “Visions” will live on in my playlists for years to come.
A Beginner’s Mind – Sufjan Stevens and Angelo De Augustine
Released 9//24 via Asthmatic Kitty Records
I mean… talk about a dynamic duo. These two have always reminded me of one another musically, with their soft voices, folk influence and poignant lyricism. So it was no surprise that these two would become collaborators. The album is a beautiful duet of what the two do best.
Music Director Emma hosts “Off the Record” every Friday from 8-10. And she wants you to write for the blog! Help me pick WFNP Recommends… October!
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