Charli XCX, Chet Faker, Brent Faiyaz, Jill Scott Albums Reviewed

Friday the 13th and somehow the music algorithm smiled. Charli XCX scoring Wuthering Heights has the internet spiraling, Jill Scott is reminding everyone what real soul feels like, Brent Faiyaz is back in his beautifully brooding bag, and ’s revival is focused, letting nostalgia take a back seat. If last week’s New Music Friday ignited a spark, this week’s drops are officially fire.

Queue it up. The vibes are layered.

Charli xcx — Wuthering Heights:

After a year dominated by the neon-green “Brat” aesthetic, Charli xcx is taking a sharp, gothic turn into the world of period drama. Partnering with director Emerald Fennell, Charli has crafted an original soundtrack that swaps hyper-pop synths for atmospheric tension and orchestral weight. Featuring collaborations with legends like John Cale, the project proves that Charli’s true talent lies in her ability to soundtrack any subculture she touches.

The 12-track album is a moody departure that aligns perfectly with the dark romanticism of Emily Brontë’s classic novel. Tracks like “Wall of Sound” and “Dying for You” suggest a soundscape that is both claustrophobic and grand. It’s a bold move for an artist at the height of her commercial powers, choosing to lean into the “weird” and the “gothic” rather than playing it safe with more club-ready anthems.

Chet Faker — A Love For Strangers

Nick Murphy has officially stepped back into the Chet Faker persona, and the timing couldn’t be better. A Love For Strangers marks his first full project under the moniker in four years, reclaiming the hazy, soul-drenched electronic sound that first made him a global sensation. It is an album that feels deeply personal, designed for the quiet hours between midnight and dawn where the line between loneliness and solitude begins to blur.

The record leans heavily into moody atmospheric pop, utilizing Murphy’s signature smoky vocals over textured production. With standout tracks like “Far Side of the Moon” and the sprawling “Just My Hallelujah,” Faker explores the complexities of human connection in a digital age. It’s a sophisticated comeback that reminds listeners why the Chet Faker name carries such weight in the indie-electronic scene.

Brent Faiyaz — Icon

Brent Faiyaz continues his reign as the enigmatic lead of modern R&B with Icon. Released through his own ISO Supremacy label, the project is a masterclass in the “toxic-yet-tender” lyricism that has become his trademark. Faiyaz remains one of the few artists capable of making arrogance sound like poetry, and Icon leans into that duality with sleek, minimalist production that lets his vocal harmonies take center stage.

Across the 10-track project, Faiyaz moves through themes of fame and fleeting romance, as well as the isolation that comes with success. Tracks like “Vanilla Sky” and “Butterflies” showcase his ability to blend late-90s R&B sensibilities with a modern, gritty edge. It’s a concise, impactful release that solidifies his status as a tastemaker who operates entirely on his own terms.

Jill Scott — To Whom This May Concern

The return of Jill Scott is nothing short of a cultural event. To Whom This May Concern marks the soul legend’s first full studio effort in years, and she hasn’t missed a beat. The album is a lush, sprawling journey through Neo-Soul, Jazz, and Spoken Word, proving that Jilly from Philly remains the gold standard for vocal storytelling. It’s an album that demands your full attention, rewarding listeners with intricate arrangements and deeply felt wisdom.

What makes this project stand out is Scott’s willingness to collaborate with the new school, featuring artists like Tierra Whack and JID alongside veterans like Trombone Shorty. From the defiant energy of “Dope Shit” to the soulful introspection of “A Universe,” the album is a reminder of Scott’s versatility. It is a warm, essential addition to her discography that feels both timely and timeless.

Active

1998-Present

Date of Birth

April 4, 1972