Album review overview: Tyler, the Creator, Cory Hanson and more
Dozens of new albums arrive at Maxazine’s editorial staff every week. There are way too many to listen to them all, let alone review them. It ensures that too many albums are left behind. And that’s a shame. That is why today we post an overview of albums that arrive at the editors in short reviews.
Samantha Schmütz & Adrian Younge – Samantha & Adrian
Brazilian actress Samantha Schmütz and American composer Adrian Younge have created something special with their collaboration “Samantha e Adrian”. This album emerged from a meeting during a Jazz Is Dead event and developed into a beautiful musical dialogue between Rio and Los Angeles. Recorded in Younge’s fully analogue Linear Labs studio, it forms a bridge between Brazilian MPB tradition and the elegance of seventies LA soul. The most striking aspect of this record is how effortlessly both artists let their cultural backgrounds merge. Schmütz displays a beautiful singing voice that is framed by Younge’s lush arrangements with layered psychedelic guitars and opulent string arrangements. Just like with classics by Jorge Ben or Astrud Gilberto, you find here that warm, intimate atmosphere that makes MPB so characteristic. Highlights are the spatial groove “Depois do Amor” and the disco-inspired “More Than Love”. The subtle “Quando Sol Chegar” with floating keyboards and elegant brass arrangements proves that both artists know their craft. A rare album that sounds contemporary while simultaneously radiating nostalgic perfection. (Norman van den Wildenberg) (7/10) (Linear Labs)
Richard Thompson – Havana Echoes
Richard Thompson, the 75-year-old British folk-rock legend, returns with his ninth studio album since his departure from Fairport Convention. “Havana Echoes” follows the successful “Ship to Shore” from 2024 and shows an artist who is still hungry for new musical adventures. The album breathes a warm, Mediterranean atmosphere reminiscent of the rustic charm of his classic “Rumor and Sigh” from 1991. Thompson’s characteristic guitar playing remains inimitable – a mixture of Celtic drones and American country influences that no other guitarist masters like this. His voice, matured by the years, tells stories with an authority that only experience can give. Just like “1952 Vincent Black Lightning” once enchanted listeners, you find on this album songs that are immediately recognisable as Thompson classics in the making. The production has been deliberately kept restrained, emphasising songwriting and instrumentation. Although the album is less experimental than his recent work, and also far less exciting, Thompson compensates for this with a refined emotional depth that has always characterised his best work. A solid addition to an impressive catalogue. (Jan Vranken) (6/10) (Van Jo)
Freddie Gibbs & The Alchemist – Alfredo 2
Five years after their Grammy-nominated collaboration, Freddie Gibbs and The Alchemist return with “Alfredo 2”, a sequel album that is just as rich and satisfying as the original. This time Gibbs sounds exhausted, remorseful and simultaneously charged up, navigating through the grey area of uncertainty thanks to growth and a series of contemplative ALC beats. The Alchemist once again proves himself a master at finding memorable samples, dusting them off and rebuilding them into lush soundscapes. On tracks like “Lemon Pepper Steppers” and “Shangri-La”, you hear production that is simply smooth as fuck. Gibbs, on the other hand, proves why he is one of the most talented rappers of his generation. His lyrical highlights are numerous, from sharp punchlines to introspective moments like on “Ensalada”, where Anderson.Paak handles the hook. The album feels like Gibbs’ answer to Kendrick’s “GNX”, a raw successor to a cinematic opus. Just like with Wu-Tang’s best work, you find here that perfect symbiosis between rapper and producer. An essential purchase for any lover of contemporary hip-hop. (Elodie Renard) (8/10) (ESGN LLC / ALC Records)
Cory Hanson – I Love People
Cory Hanson, known from the psychedelic rock band Wand, proves with his fourth solo album “I Love People”, that his creative well is far from dry. After the more experimental “Western Cum” from 2023, Hanson here embraces pure songwriting and more organically sounding songs. The result is an album that honours the seventies singer-songwriter tradition while remaining contemporarily relevant. Opener “Bird on a Swing” is completely lush; a truly memorable melody, fine playing and vocals, enhanced by a floating background choir. The album balances between light and dark, where the music often sounds sunny and accessible, but the lyrics deal with more complex subjects. Songs like “Bad Miracles” tackle desire and despair, while the gentle “Old Policeman” is a cinematically narrative track built around slowly burning piano melodies. Just like Neil Young’s, Hanson combines folky storytelling with floating soul melodies. The production radiates luxury and comfort, even in the darkest moments. An album that proves the American singer-songwriter tradition is alive and kicking. (Anton Dupont) (7/10) (Drag City)
Tyler, the Creator – Don’t Tap the Glass
Just nine months after “Chromakopia”, Tyler, the Creator surprises with “Don’t Tap the Glass”, a compact 28-minute dance album that trades all introspection for pure body movement. Tyler tempers expectations by tweeting that this is “no concept thing”, and indeed this album feels like his most unforced work in years. This is Tyler’s party record, laser-focused on moving hips more than thoughts. From the nostalgic synth-funk of “Sugar On My Tongue” to the straight-up rave beats on “I’ll Take Care of You”, Tyler shows his versatility as a producer. On tracks like “Big Poe” and “Stop Playing With Me” you hear Tyler’s hardest beats and bars simultaneously. Just like Daft Punk’s “Random Access Memories” rediscovered the dancefloor, Tyler challenges us to dance away our limitations. The album is nicely positive, focused on breaking through male stoicism in hip-hop. Although shorter than his recent masterworks, “Don’t Tap the Glass” proves that Tyler’s creativity remains boundless. A perfect soundtrack for the summer of 2025. (Elodie Renard) (7/10) (Columbia Records)
