Jonas Brothers, “Happiness Begins.” It’s been 10 years since the release of the last Jonas Brothers album, Lines, Vines, and Trying Times. In 2013, the band was close to releasing a follow-up before an untimely split. The personal growth of Joe, Nick and Kevin Jonas during this break is summed…

Carly Rae Jepsen, “Dedicated.” Carly Rae Jepsen has come a long way since coming in third on 2007’s “Canadian Idol.” “Call Me Maybe” from 2012’s Kiss has more than a billion views on YouTube, and 2015’s Emotion stayed on track with flirtatious bangers. Fourth album Dedicated plays that role as…

Following 2017’s This Old Dog and 2014’s landmark album Salad Days, Canadian singer-songwriter Mac DeMarco continued to elaborate on his established qualities. Folky guitar and introspective lyricism have come to define his self-proclaimed “jizz jazz,” but Mac DeMarco always provides a fresh twist to push beyond his previous works. On…

Attendees at Sol Blume in Sacramento on April 27, 2019. SACRAMENTO – Sol Blume’s two stages and unique festival fashion culminated with Miguel’s first Sacramento show in seven years Sunday. Entering the stage with no introduction, he began with the acoustic strums of “Criminal,” off of 2017’s War &…

Alecia Beth Moore’s ability to juggle badass, reflective and dancey vibes has made her a shining star in modern pop as P!nk. She’s assertive and strong but maintains convincing vulnerability. Following 2017’s chart topper Beautiful Trauma, P!nk brings her revealing lyricism and firecracker attitude to Hurts 2B Human. P!nk looks…

Cage the Elephant, “Social Cues.” After winning a Grammy Award for Best Rock Album with 2015’s Tell Me I’m Pretty, expectations are high for Cage The Elephant‘s fifth album. Social Cues introduces the band’s most toned-down and subdued collection of songs. It gets personal with singer Matt Schultz’s personal life, detailing the unraveling…

Following 2012’s Rhythm and Repose, 2015’s Grammy-nominated Didn’t He Ramble and 2018’s Between Two Shores, Irish singer-songwriter Glen Hansard delves into his mind and emotion on This Wild Willing. Accompanied by expressive classical guitars and orchestral arrangements, Hansard tells vivid stories of love, determination and understanding. This Wild Willing Glen Hansard ANTI-, April 12…

Weyes Blood, “Titanic Rising.” Natalie Mering, better known as Weyes Blood, made waves from Santa Monica with 2011’s The Outside Room, 2014’s The Innocents and 2016’s Front Row Seat to Earth. Mering’s sultry and commanding voice is now joined by harmonious violins, synths and piano on her Sub Pop…

English singer-songwriter Lucy Rose returns with a beautifully ethereal fourth album filled with gorgeous acoustic guitars, piano, harmonies and strings. Coming two years after Something’s Changing, No Words Left‘s poignant and poised lyrics feel personal and reflective. Somber thoughts and elegantly layered instrumentation brings the record to life as a reflection of Rose’s…

Sigrid, “Sucker Punch.” Norwegian singer-songwriter Sigrid Solbakk Raabe follows up two EPs with her debut full-length, Sucker Punch. Big, catchy and anthemic choruses are Sigrid’s strong suit, supported by feel-good pop production. Continuing this approach, Sucker Punch centers on relationships; whether it’s friends, lovers or breakups. With an album this enthusiastic…