Album of the Week – Page 16 – New Zealand Net Radio

Album of the Week: The Strokes – The New Abnormal

New Zealand Net Radio plays a song from our irregularly updated #albumoftheweek every hour from 9am to 12pm Monday to Friday. Listen in @tunein at https://tunein.com/radio/New-Zealand-Net-Radio-s305138/ or using iTunes/Apple Music here.

Some of the critics have been a bit equivocal about this album. Jon Pareles in the New York Times said “It’s not the early, edgy Strokes, but what they’ve grown up into. Maybe the Strokes won’t make new friends with this album, but old friends can get closer.”

We think this a strong hooky rock album, especially the first half, and look forward to checking it out in full over the week. The track listing:

The Adults Are Talking
Selfless
Brooklyn Bridge to Chorus
Bad Decisions
Eternal Summer
At The Door
Why Are Sundays So Depressing
Not The Same Anymore
Ode To The Mets

Album of the Week: John Prine – John Prine (1971)

It was with great sadness that we heard of the passing of John Prine last week from the COVID-19 virus. John was a songwriter of the highest quality who told unique stories with wonderful poetic lyricism and great musicality. An icon of the Americana scene he achieved the highest levels in the genre although never broke through to mainstream chart success. Ann Powers wrote a beautiful tribute for NPR. We’ll enjoy tracks from his first and greatest album, the self titled John Prine from 1971. The stories on these songs, ones of thought for the aged (“Hello In There”), the struggles of returning veterans from Vietnam (“Sam Stone”) and perhaps autobiographical resignation (“Quiet Man”) speak to us now as much as fifty years ago. RIP.

Album of the Week: Dua Lipa – Future Nostalgia

Just in case that album cover isn’t argument enough, this album avoids any concerns over the dreaded ‘second album’. It convincingly delivers track after track of unbounded joy, great melodies blended with 80s synths and a few well chosen samples. Although “Break My Heart” has been chosen as the third single, that honour really belongs to track three, the catchy “Cool”.

Album of the Week: 5 Seconds of Summer – CALM

An aptly titled album in the middle of a pandemic, 5SOS bring another album of inspired pop. Less than two years after their smash hit album Youngblood this one might not have quite had the exposure of that album but still features some strong singles – Wildflower, No Shame and Teeth in particular.

Album of the Week: Yumi Zouma – Truth or Consequences

Acclaimed Kiwi pop quartet Yumi Zouma have come up with another pearler. Recorded in Los Angeles, London and Christchurch, AllMusic describes this album as “sweet, cozy and melodically engaging”. We think you’ll enjoy this sweet album in these crazy times.

Album of the Week: Nadia Reid – Out Of My Province

Nadia Reid is based in Port Chalmers, New Zealand. On this, her third album, she offers a polished and sweet selection of heartfelt songs. Hypnotic!

Album of the Week: Little Big Town – Nightfall

New Zealand Net Radio plays a song from our #albumoftheweek every hour from 9am to 12pm Monday to Friday. Listen in @tunein at https://tunein.com/radio/New-Zealand-Net-Radio-s305138/

A beautifully crafted country album – we’re looking forward to playing this very consistent album. AllMusic describe it as possessing a ” delicate richness; it’s music for meditative mornings or for afternoons in need of a dose of consolation and comfort”.

Category: Album of the Week