While not as ambitious as his previous 3 albums, this is arguably Kendrick Lamar's best: lean, mean, hook-savvy and forward-thinking, with minimal "features" and focus squarely on lyrics and his formidable rapping skills.
Chuck Berry's "CHUCK" is a darn fine leisurely, enjoyable album, and while it doesn't have much of the drive of his biggest hits, there is plenty of great guitar chops and lyricism. A fitting capper to a remarkable career.
While not as bold as Phoenix's previous album "Bankrupt!", "Ti Amo" has plenty of assertive, grooving songs that sound perfect for playing loud during the summer, preferably at a beach or city street near you.
Dylan's "Triplicate" is really 3 separate albums in one tight package, though all are focused on Great American Songbook standards. It's laid-back, entertaining, and occasionally moving. You'll be glad it exists; you'll also hope that "Triplicate" is Dylan's own unique way of exhausting his distraction so he can start writing his own material again.
"Hardwired" is Metallica's best album since their self-titled '91 masterpiece, a double-album of exceptionally focused metal aggression - no ballads, no chasing trends, no concessions for a pop audience. A long overdue return to form.
Run The Jewels 3 is a knockout, one of the best hip-hop albums of the decade. The first 4 songs make for one of the most stunning album openers I've heard in a long time. Worth the money!
"Prisoner" marks Ryan Adams' third knockout album in a row following his 2014 self-titled statement of renewed purpose and 2015 full-cover of Taylor Swift's "1989". Its deeply felt, purely American heartache/heartbreak guitar rock, bolstered by catchy melodies, tight arrangements, focused lyrical and musical songcraft, and underlying confidence, is evidence that his last two albums was no fluke: Ryan Adams is on the biggest winning streak of his 20 year career.
Japandroids' "Near to the Wild Heart of Life" is a potent follow-up to their 2012 beast "Celebration Rock." A little more crisp and clean than its predecessor though with no loss of anthemic hooks, bar-punk guitar riffs and pummeling drums. Buy today and tell your friends you were listening to them first.
Okay, so Paul Simon's "Stranger to Stranger" isn't up there with his masterpieces (you should already know those). It's still a fun, challenging, and ridiculously catchy pop album full of experimentation and wit; the proof is audible in singles "Wristband" and "Cool Pappa Bell". Not an ideal introduction into his work though mandatory listening for any fan.