We are only one quarter into 2019 and there have been so many fantastic music releases. With the speed of how new music is being released in this time and age, it seems impossible to keep up with it all. This is where KEFWHAT comes to save the day for music lovers. Allow us to narrow down to five albums highly recommend to add to your playlists that are available on various streaming platforms. We have got a solo US debut EP by a member from one of the biggest Kpop girl group to the thirteenth album by an American pop rock band that has been active since the ‘90s. Let’s have a listen, shall we?

Kehlani – While We Wait

It has been two years since her debut album SweetSexySavage and there have been many things that happened since then. Kehlani has collaborated with a slew of artists like Cardi B, Charlie Puth, Eminem and Khalid; went on tour with Demi Lovato, as well as a baby on the way. Before the next album is released, she teases us with this mixtape aptly titled While We Wait and it already feels like an album to us without giving us the usual gap-filler moments. She invited Musiq Soulchild, Dom Kennedy, Ty Dolla $ign and 6LACK to collaborate on a few good songs with her, but she still manages to shine on her own through emotionally intelligent lyrics that gives us a taste of how she is feeling at the moment. If this is what she is capable of delivering right now, we cannot wait to hear the great music Kehlani will give us post-pregnancy.

James Blake – Assume Form

The fourth album by James Blake is a lot more upbeat than his previous work and we are here for it. Assume Form features appearances by Travis Scott, Moses Sumney, Rosalía, and André 3000, but still manages to keep the essence of what James Blake represents as an artist. Mixing electropop with R&B and hip-hop, James Blake is more open and honest with his emotions as he sings about his girlfriend, actress Jameela Jamil. Assume Form is a refreshing shift from Blake’s artistic music because he has chosen love over sadness. We are slowly seeing sides of James Blake that we have been craving for after his collaborations with Beyoncé on Lemonade in 2016, Jay-Z on 4:44 in 2017, then appeared on the Black Panther soundtrack with Jay Rock, Kendrick Lamar and Future last year.

Tiffany Young – Lips on Lips EP

As a member of one of K-Pop’s leading groups, Girls’ Generation, Tiffany Young is stepping out on her own and bold with this English debut solo EP. The California girl is taking a chance by going back home to try her luck in the US music industry. After giving us infectious singles like “Over My Skin” and “Teach You”, Lips on Lips finally came out. This 5-track EP that also features the legendary singer and producer Babyface sees Tiffany Young baring her soul for her K-Pop image. She has gained so much more confidence than we have ever known with catchy and emotionally-driven tunes. This is only the beginning for Tiffany Young. 

Weezer – Weezer (Black Album)

Band members Rivers Cuomo, Patrick Wilson, Brian Bell and Scott Shriner return with their thirteenth studio album. This is Weezer’s sixth self-titled album or also known as the “Black Album” because of the cover art. The Black Album was teased in 2017 but the eleventh album Pacific Daydream was completed instead. Produced by TV on the Radio’s Dave Sitek, Weezer brought out a more pop-oriented album despite the darker exterior. The songs are fun and unique for Weezer level, but the 10-track album is still an enjoyable journey with a tinge of electronic approach for the future. Weezer proves that they are still relevant and one of the most exciting bands out there even having a career that started in the ‘90s.

Solange – When I Get Home

This is the follow-up fourth studio album by Solange after the incredible A Seat at the Table release in 2016. When I Get Home contains deeper cuts that showcased her as a matured songwriter. Solange invited some friends to join her on this album such as Tyler the Creator, Sampha, Gucci Mane, Playboi Carti, Panda Bear, The-Dream, Dev Hynes, Earl Sweatshirt, Metro Boomin, Pharrell Williams, Scarface and so much more. Her collaborations elevated her artistry to make When I Get Home a no fillers through a collection of dreamy yet powerful songs over her fragile vocals and funky productions. This is sounding like a contender for album of the year already.

What other albums have you been listening to?

Cover Credit: Surya Urs / Unsplash

Kevin was the former editor of two music and lifestyle platforms in Malaysia. He is an all-round music enthusiast from the '90's R&B to K-Pop.