Genesis Owusu – STRUGGLER

Genesis Owusu is the moment. He truly is. If you listened to his debut album “Smiling With No Teeth” or have seen him live over the years then you are well aware that he is the real deal. He’s a visionary artist through and through, who is continually bringing a new perspective to audiences through his music and live shows. The multi-ARIA award-winning Ghanaian-Australian artist has now released his highly anticipated sophomore album “STRUGGLER”, which is a visual eleven track record that serves as a celebration of persistence. The metaphoric story is about a Roach, that runs and runs, trying not to get stepped on by God. Using that as a reference for human-kind, he shows how stubborn we are and the persistence we have to make something happen. 

It’s hard to compare “STRUGGLER” with “Smiling With No Teeth” because they are truly two completely different records. This new body of work is intended to be listened to from start to finish. You are meant to take in every lyric, every beat, and every vocal run. It’s an experience that will then be transformed onto the stage for his forthcoming national tour. There is an increasing importance put on the band production on this record, with live guitars and drums making their appearance throughout the eleven songs. There’s a grit and darkness to the songs that are amplified by the pulsating and growing production. It’s an engaging listen from start to finish, and it’s one that you will need to have a few listens to grasp everything that is going on as there are so many different elements and intricacies. 

MUST LISTEN TRACKS: Stay Blessed, What Comes Will Come, The Roach 

Renee Rapp – Snow Angel

Renee Rapp is in her debut album era, and she’s ready to introduce herself to you in the boldest way possible. “Snow Angel” is a bold, confessional, queer, and cathartic body of work that immediately captivates you with its poignant songwriting and stunning harmonies. Throughout the twelve tracks there are moments of loudness, as well as moments of softness where every lyric is meant to hit you heavy in the chest. Produced and co-written with Alexander 23, he implements little production quirks that feel unique to his style and genuinely complements Renee so well. The songwriting is so personal and vivid where it feels at times like pages ripped out of her diary. But at the same time it also feels super universal, and songs like “Talk Too Much” and “I Hate Boston” feel like she’s stolen pages out of your diary instead. She’s really proved herself with this record as an artist you have to keep an eye on, as this debut album will become a cult favourite in the pop world.

The songwriting on this record is truly a pop masterclass, so here are some of my favourite lyrical moments;

“It’s hard to laugh when it’s hard to breathe” – Snow Angel

“How’d you make me hate Boston? It’s not its fault that you don’t love me” – I Hate Boston

“I’m here again, talkin’ myself out of my own happiness” – Talk Too Much

“You’re so fucking annoying, you could poison poison” – Poison Poison 

“Do you lie and say you don’t wanna see me again? Cause I do it too” – So What Now

“I was ten years old when I realised some goodbyes are forever” – I Wish

MUST LISTEN TRACKS: Talk Too Much, I Hate Boston, So What Now, Pretty Girls

Ciara – CiCi

New Ciara music was way overdue, so she’s decided to make it up to us by dropping her brand new EP, “CiCi”. The seven track collection is a nod to eclectic style of RNB-Pop with sensual RNB moments, hard hitting pop melodies, and some hip-hop influenced moments too. “BRB” is a clear standout on the body of work, and is for fans of “Level Up” with its fast production that is undoubtedly going to get some strong choreography popping off to it soon. While the sensual “Type A Party” intertwines a trap beat, and “Forever” gives you THE sensual grind song. It really feels like an EP for the fans as a thank you for waiting so long for new music. It’s a bit of retrospective to what she’s already successfully done over the years, and reminds you that Ciara is still here, so don’t count her out. 

MUST LISTEN TRACKS: BRB, Type A Party, How We Roll