By: Neil MacAlister, and Eva Zhu

Scum Fuck Flower Boy by Tyler, The Creator (Officially just called Flower Boy)

For years Tyler, The Creator hid behind a myriad of personalities, populating his first three albums with manifestations of his most violent, self-loathing impulses. Through a series of Slim Shady-esque characters, Tyler was able to circumvent actual vulnerability by hiding behind alter-egos and shocking imagery, but with Scum Fuck Flower Boy, the former Odd Future head has finally shined a light on Tyler Okonma himself.

     Tyler’s anxieties are presented with frank sincerity: his fears of never solidifying his legacy, being cheated by his manager, and losing his already tenuous friendships by breaking character and showing his true colours. Tyler’s struggles with intimacy and sexuality are the centrepiece of the album, as he admits that his loudmouth, larger-than-life personality is a front to conceal his deep-rooted loneliness and romantic confliction.

     It’s a shockingly personal album from one of rap’s most unique, uncompromising young voices. Tyler’s production is the best it’s ever been, refining the experimental choices he made on Cherry Bomb into lush, coherent, Hans Zimmer-esque soundscapes, and complemented by excellent collaborations with Frank Ocean, Kali Uchis, Lil Wayne, and more. – NM

Something to Tell You by Haim

The Haim sisters are rock goddesses. They’re talented multi-instrumentalists, they write all of their lyrics and melodies, and they’re one of the best live bands I’ve heard in a long time.

     This album is splendidly written, with catchy yet thought-provoking lyrics and melodies that make you bop your head and reach for an air guitar. Their lead single, “Want You Back” is the poppiest track, and even so, it sounds like it was written by a rock band. The snappy guitar licks in the chorus keeps the song from sounding ultra repetitive. Every song has a guitar riff either in the melody or as a solo and I find myself listening intently for them.

     However, I wish they would branch out from only writing about love. Even though the album is magnificent, the subject feels overdone by them. I still highly recommend “Something To Tell You,” and urge you to buy or stream it. – EZ