AMY STROUP
ALOE BLACC
LYKKE LI
WYE OAK
TUNNEL
LIFT YOUR SPIRIT
I NEVER LEARN
SHRIEK
[MILKGL A SS]
[STONES THROW RECORDS]
[LL RECORDINGS]
[MERGE RECORDS]
“We finally found our way,” sings Nashville-based singersongwriter Amy Stroup on the opening song for her third solo album, Tunnel. With songs popping up on every CW drama known to man and an angelic voice that only hints at her blues roots (she is also in the duo Sugar & The Hi-Lows with Trent Dabbs), Stroup seems poised for pop greatness.
“Wake Me Up,” Aloe Blacc’s collaboration with Avicii, took over airwaves last summer, and on his third full-length album, he revisits the hit with an acoustic version. The song is a good example of Blacc’s sound—it’s soulful and dance worthy, somehow both old-school and modern. And it’s not the best song on the album, though it’s hard to decide what is—almost every song will have you hooked.
Lykke Li’s third album is a sweet and soaring divination. She’s expelling a few demons here— namely, the ones related to being typecast as a pop princess. “No Rest For The Wicked” expresses regret about breaking someone’s heart. “Gunshot” starts with a siren set low in the mix. The song reveals the real point here: She’s vulnerable, flawed and slightly desperate, but there’s still hope.
For the latest Wye Oak release, singer Jenn Wasner set down her electric guitar and picked up a bass. That leaves Andy Stack playing drums with his right hand and synth with his left. The duo create a dreamier, fuller sound emphasizing the lower register. “The Tower” captures their new essence nicely: a luscious thumpthump slog, all dance grooves and electropop perfection.
THINK SEMINARY IS
ONLY FOR PASTORS? THINK AGAIN. Christ has a unique role for each of us within His Kingdom. Are you equipped to respond? Ashland Theological Seminary can prepare any leader for a life of ministry—not just those behind a pulpit.
Visit seminary.ashland.edu/ThinkAgain to begin your unique journey. Ashland Theological Seminary equips leaders for kingdom impact by blending solid theological training and dynamic spiritual formation.
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