Bon Iver, featuring Daniel Heim, said, “If I could wait.”
Doubt and longing, as well as electronics and distortions, threaten to overcome Justin Vernon, who plays as Bon Iver. He wonders. /Am I really really afraid of this? “It's one of his imposing hymn-like melodies, set on edgy electronic drums and interrupted by stray guitar lines. Daniel Heim arrives with dating and sympathy. But their lines of poetry and voice clash. By the time they find harmony, they conclude that they are “the most lonely” and more than before. Parel
Willie Nelson featuring Rodney Crowell, “What a Beautiful World”
Willie Nelson's next album, April 25th, is packed with songs from Rodney Crowell's catalogue. It's a lighthearted, well-traveled reflection on the ups and downs of life – “It's a walk in the park, or a shot in the dark” – delivered with a mixture of kind acceptance and tenacity in Nelson's Grizzle. Parel
Joy Oradokun, “Always My Time”
Joy Oladakun reassures his distant lover that “even when I'm miles away, my watch is set wherever you are,” and promises to share with him, “Ride this human roller coaster / Weaving my sweet dreams.” The rhythm guitar grooves are muted, but bright – a road song running around – and as the clock leaves the moment, her voice sounds enthusiastic about reunion. Parel
Matt Benninger, “The Bonnet of Pins”
Matt Berninger doesn't make a fundamental departure from the sound of his longtime band The National with his second solo album, “Bonnet of Pins.” A robust folk rock with orchestra backup. Sean O'Brien, a producer and songwriting collaborator at Berninger, is also working on albums across the country. “The Pin Bonnet” sketches a troublesome encounter with the original. “I thought you could find me much faster than this,” she says after finishing his drink. “You must have thought I didn't exist – poor, I will.” It's immeasurable what will happen next, but the guitar hook is confident. Parel
David, “I'm still there.”
Nigerian songwriter Davido flaunts his success and delves into “Be There There.” He boasts, “12 years, I'm still on the top,” predicting, “fast forward, no rewind.” The production (Nigeria's Marvey Muzique and Black Culture, and South Africa's DJ Maphorisa) combines the tendrils of South Africa's Amapiano, Nigerian Afrobeat and Congolese guitars. Parel
