2023 Album Roundup: March

March 2023 served up a real musical buffet with something for everyone. Whether you're into R&B, hip-hop, or indie vibes, this month had standout albums that had us all hooked. Let's dive into some of the gems that made March a musical playground we didn't want to leave.

6LACK- Since I Have A Lover

You've got to give it up for Atlanta's 6LACK. His emotionally raw, melancholic melodies have cemented him as a master of introspective R&B, and on his third studio album Since I Have a Lover, he takes his artistic storytelling to new heights. What's most impressive is 6LACK's growth in production. Across the album's 19 tracks, he pairs vulnerability in lyrics with captivating beats that enhance his emotional storytelling. Each track seamlessly builds upon the last, immersing the listener deeper into his explorations of love, loss and self-discovery. From the opening sample of "Coldfeet," it's clear 6LACK is creatively leveled up. His pitch-perfect vocals robotically blend with the hazy, midnight mood setting. He takes the listener on a journey into his emotive hip-hop realm. But the true magic lies in experiencing Since I Have a Lover as a continuous listening session. The track sequencing gradually peels back layers of personal revelation, pulling the listener further into 6LACK's psyche with each song. It's a full experience, not just an album.

It's the perfect soundtrack for late nights with windows down, lost in thoughts and feelings. Through honesty and vulnerability, 6LACK's presence will linger long after the final track fades.

Give this album a listen - you won't regret the intimacy of its late-night heart-to-hearts (now with way more synths and fewer awkward pauses). 6LACK has taken another step in mastering emotionally charged music, so do yourself a favor and immerse in his growth.

slowthai - UGLY 

Since breaking out with his punk-infused debut Nothing Great About Britain, slowthai has established himself as one of today's most unflinching cultural commentators within hip-hop. On his third studio album UGLY, he trains an uncensored lens inward and outwards with confronting yet breathtaking results. Sonically, UGLY is just as abrasive and discomforting as its subject matter promises. Beats feel corrosive and frayed at the edges, matching slowthai's delivery which veers from intense aggressive flows to emotionally tortured melodic turns. 

While not for the faint of heart, UGLY's merit lies in its unvarnished unwillingness to turn away from darkness, either within the artist or without. In exposing society's many flaws through chaotic self-reflection, slowthai creates one of 2023's most unique albums.

JPEGMAFIA & Danny Brown - SCARING THE HOES

Experimental rapper JPEGMAFIA teams up with underground legend Danny Brown for the delightfully unhinged collab album SCARING THE HOES, and the result is nothing short of volatile chaos. This album isn’t for the faint of heart – it's a fever dream of distorted beats and off-kilter flows. Opening track "Lean Beef Patty" sets the tone immediately with pounding percussion and the rabid energy of the rappers' high-register flows. Danny and Peggy trade verses like rabid dogs fighting over a bone, bouncing across the twisted beats like they're possessed by the ghost of a glitchy arcade machine. Every track is a new sonic adventure, forget polished pop hooks and predictable structures – this is pure, unadulterated chaos. 

Honestly, the less you know about this album, the better. It's not for everyone – think of it as a secret handshake for those who crave the weird and wonderful. But for its intended audience, it's a goddamn masterpiece. Peggy and Danny have poured their souls into this thing, crafting a sonic experience as polished as a rusty nail but with the raw power of a volcanic eruption.

So, if you're down for a musical adventure that'll leave your brain tingling and your speakers begging for mercy, dive headfirst into SCARING THE HOES. Just be warned – you might never look at hip-hop the same way again.

Sabrina Carpenter - emails i can't send fwd:

I totally get it, sometimes you just have to cheat a little to talk about an album that's worth discussing. And let me tell you, Sabrina's latest release is absolutely worth it. In this brave departure from formulaic pop, she dives headfirst into the realm of deeply personal singer-songwriter territory, and the result is nothing short of emotionally resonant. Clocking in at just over 51 minutes of pure emotional intensity, emails i can't send fwd: plays out like a heartfelt diary of heartbreak, longing, and self-reflection. Each track feels like a snapshot of Sabrina's innermost thoughts, whether it's the stripped-down beauty of "because i liked a boy" or the swelling emotions of "fast times." The production remains sparse yet poignant, allowing Sabrina's vocals to take center stage. Her narrative songwriting truly shines on this album as she takes intimate lyrical details and transforms them into stories that anyone can relate to. While there aren't many featured artists on the record, Sabrina's raw vocal talents are more than enough to carry the weight of each cathartic track. Her breathtaking range allows lyrics of anguish, regret, and ultimately acceptance to hit with piercing clarity. 

emails i can't send fwd: marks Sabrina's evolution as a mature artist who delves deep into the depths of human emotion. It serves as a beautiful reminder that even our most painful moments can blossom into something extraordinary when filtered through the lens of creativity. This album is proof that some of the most powerful art is born from our ugliest tears. And hey, we can't forget to mention "feather" as a standout single—it would be a crime not to include it in the conversation.

CALL ME IF YOU GET LOST: The Estate Sale 

I'd argue that when an artist delivers 8 new tracks and 3 new features, it's more than enough to justify some serious attention. Tyler, The Creator's latest masterpiece, CALL ME IF YOU GET LOST, is a sonic vision like no other. This time around, Tyler has truly outdone himself, crafting his most well-rounded and cohesive body of work to date. With "The Estate Sale," extending the track count to a solid 24, Tyler manages to blend his eccentric humor with soul-baring vulnerability, creating a creative statement that hits all the right notes. Songs like "LUMBERJACK," "DOGTOOTH," and the funkified "STUNTMAN" featuring Vince Staples are absolute bangers, with infectious melodic hooks and dizzying flows that will have you nodding your head in no time. "STUNTMAN" in particular showcases Tyler and Vince trading bars over a groovy backdrop that's destined to become legendary in automotive circles. When it comes to production, CALL ME IF YOU GET LOST radiates with lush, sample-based beauty, a testament to Tyler's deep understanding of hip-hop. Even within its winding tapestry of sounds, Tyler's eccentric spirit shines through on each and every listen.

It's evident that this labor of love took Tyler years to achieve, resulting in his most fully-realized artistic vision to date. CALL ME IF YOU GET LOST is an album that will undoubtedly stand the test of time. Tyler's inimitable talents and unique perspective come into stunning focus, making this a project that demands your attention.

These are just a few of the March releases that have captured our attention and earned a spot on our regular playlist. I'm excited to hear what other albums were the soundtrack for your year. Share your favorites in the comments below, and continue the conversation.