As delightful as it is to see our charts routinely led by the albums that we’re most looking forward to in the coming months (i.e. Khruangbin and Justice), there is something especially satisfying about having a New Music Friday LP lead the pack. Helado Negro’s eighth album, PHASOR, dropped on Friday, Feb. 9 and it’s been steadily flowing through these parts ever since. PHASOR’s luxurious soundscapes, gentle melodies, and meditative rhythms make it an ideal release for early February, as many of us slowly awaken and settle into the year that lies ahead.
New and notable: Believe it or not, one of the defining voices to emerge from the early ‘90s trip-hop movement, Beth Gibbons (Portishead), has yet to release a solo album. That all changes on May 17, when she drops Lives Outgrown. The lead single from that album, “Floating On A Moment,” appeared this week as if by magic, and we’re properly obsessed with its charmingly askew and minimalist structure which allows Gibbons’ signature vocals to assume the spotlight they deserve.
Top 30 Albums (2.13.2024)
| 1 | Helado Negro | PHASOR |
| 2 | Beth Gibbons | Lives Outgrown |
| 3 | BADBADNOTGOOD | Take What’s Given (Feat. reggie) [Single] |
| 4 | Brittany Howard | What Now |
| 5 | Justice | Hyperdrama |
| 6 | Future Islands | People Who Aren’t There Anymore |
| 7 | Aili | Nandakke? |
| 8 | Mexican Institute of Sound | Algo-Ritmo : Mexican Institute of Sound Hits 2004-2024 |
| 9 | The Smile | Wall Of Eyes |
| 10 | Bicep | CHROMA 001 |
| 11 | Little Simz | Drop 7 |
| 12 | Hiatus Kaiyote | Everything’s Beautiful [Single] |
| 13 | Brainstory | Sounds Good |
| 14 | Khruangbin | A LA SALA |
| 15 | Chicano Batman | Notebook Fantasy |
| 16 | Campus Christy | The Visit [Single] |
| 17 | Dina Ögon | Orion |
| 18 | Liam Bailey | Zero Grace |
| 19 | Thee Heart Tones | Forever & Ever [Single] |
| 20 | Wajatta | Waiting for the Get Down |
| 21 | Brittany Davis | Image Issues |
| 22 | Ghost Funk Orchestra | A Trip To the Moon |
| 23 | porij | Teething |
| 24 | Eric Hilton | Sound Vagabond |
| 25 | Tierra Whack | World Wide Whack |
| 26 | Alice Russell | I Am |
| 27 | Thee Sinseers | Sinseerly Yours |
| 28 | Gustaf | Package Pt. 2 |
| 29 | Kali Uchis | ORQUÍDEAS |
| 30 | Mount Kimbie |