FOLK ROCK

Hadsel
By Beirut

Following recurring health issues and career-threatening throat problems that led to a cancelled tour in 2019, Beirut’s Zach Condon took himself to a cabin in Hadsel, in northern Norway, to rest and recover.

With minimal daylight and living in a secluded cabin, he took inspiration from the beauty of the region and the local Hadsel kirke (church) organ, that eventually bore fruit as the sixth Beirut album – Hadsel.

Dealing with a difficult personal period, one would expect the music to reflect a sullen and sombre tone, but Condon, through the cathartic creation process, manifests an adeptly crafted album that’s melancholic, hopeful and uplifting.

Opening with the title track, Condon’s voice basks in the beautiful orchestral backdrop that keeps building throughout the record.

On Arctic Forest and several other songs, the aforementioned organ accompanied with his rich baritone harmonies brings an almost hymnal and heightened quality to the arrangements.

While the impassioned So Many Plans, sonically and lyrically expresses a range of emotions from distress to acceptance.

The splendid use of trumpets, low-pitched ukulele tunes, old drum machines and modular synthesisers on the album especially on tracks such as Spillhaugen, January 18th and The Tern are riveting.

POP/R&B

Good People
By Majid Jordan

Good People is the fourth studio album from Majid Jordan, an alternative R&B duo from Toronto, Canada, consisting of singer Majid Al Maskati (originally from Bahrain) and producer Jordan Ullman. Signed to OVO Sound label, they first gained exposure for writing and coproducing Drake’s Hold On, We’re Going Home – Majid’s backing vocals are a clear highlight of the track.

Recorded in the Kingdom and Toronto, the tight nine-track album’s production incorporates soul, synthpop, new wave and neo soul elements reminiscent of their roots. While vocally and lyrically still doing what they’ve consistently done best – evoking emotions of love.

The album opens with Tears In Your Eyes a heartfelt declaration of devotion to a lover. Followed by the smooth sounding Waiting For You (feat. Naomi Sharon) which is a standout. Hands Tied, a moody atmospheric bop, offers the grooviest bassline moving masterfully through the track with Majid’s vocals gently floating over it.

While the gratifyingly synth-driven Violet could easily fit in alongside songs from Daft Punk’s Random Access Memories.

On the closer Sunset, Majid tenderly croons as the song gracefully encapsulates the relaxed listening mood of the album. An undoubtedly good creation!