Michael Kiwanuka, “Small Changes.” His album may be called Small Changes, but it was actually some fairly significant ones that informed singer-songwriter Michael Kiwanuka’s fourth album. The Mercury-Prize-winning artist, whose song “Cold Little Heart” was made the opening theme for HBO’s “Big Little Liars,” became a parent of two and moved…

U2, “How To Re-Assemble An Atomic Bomb.” Rock and roll is dead? Please. Every year, the “Kids Don’t Care About Guitars Anymore” narrative drives clicks—or, in the ancient times, sold magazines. Inevitably, Newton’s Third Law kicks in, and guitar bands, both new and old, push back with equal force.…

Mary J. Blige, “Gratitude.” Nine-time Grammy winner Mary J. Blige has released her 15th album, Gratitude, coming on the heels of her October induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Gratitude Mary J. Blige 300, Nov. 15 7/10 Get the album on Amazon Music. Blige has been…

Shawn Mendes, “Shawn.” Shawn Mendes opts for a moodier, more organic and acoustic sound on his fifth album, Shawn. It’s a quiet giant, entering with a soft-spoken murmur, but delivers a quiet confidence. These dozen tracks avoid expansive production and sleek pop arrangements and instead are often nothing more…

Gwen Stefani, “Bouquet.” Gwen Stefani turns over a new leaf, or petal, on her fifth solo album, Bouquet. Known for her work in ska-punk with No Doubt and later pop, she’s been a bonafide hitmaker for decades. But this album plays a very different tone. Bouquet Gwen Stefani Interscope, Nov…

Linkin Park, “From Zero.” Linkin Park created its eighth album, From Zero, with the pressure of carrying on the legacy of Chester Bennington and its own storied alt-rock catalog. But it was able to accomplish this in secret, without the bright lights and fanfare, over several years. With Dead…

Father John Misty, “Mahashmashana.” “After a decade being born, Josh Tillman is finally dying,” reads a tagline for Mahashmashana, the sixth album by Father John Misty. Mahashmashana Father John Misty Sub Pop, Nov. 22 9/10 Get the album on Amazon Music. It’s cryptic, but of course, singer-songwriter Josh Tillman…

Dwight Yoakam, “Brighter Days.” For the first time in nine years, Dwight Yoakam has returned with new material. Brighter Days is a 14-track offering with 11 originals  and three artfully made covers. It’s a showcase of his unique rock-country style and his songwriting ability. Brighter Days Dwight Yoakam Via…

St. Vincent, “Todos Nacen Gritando.” How do you reinvent a nearly perfect album? St. Vincent’s Todos Nacen Gritando, the Spanish-language version of April’s All Born Screaming, offers a fascinating answer. Todos Nacen Gritando St. Vincent Total Pleasure Records and Virgin, Nov. 15 9/10 Get the album on Amazon Music.…

Tyler, the Creator, “CHROMAKOPIA.” Despite being one of the most prolific faces in hip-hop, Tyler, the Creator has always been intentionally opaque with his personal life, letting his artistic endeavors speak for themselves. On his new album, CHROMAKOPIA, he slowly begins to take off his mask. CHROMAKOPIA Tyler, the…