Skinshape: Umoja (Funk,Soul) (2020)

Very breezy and summerlike in all. It does get too diluted and safe even with the obvious ethnic pull from guest features, but overall the music is chill and warm with some nice background funky tunes. Sue Alma, Sudan, Dourlé are highlights.






Ethnic Psychadelic/Funk/Neo-Soul/West African Funk Fusion

Mac Miller: Circles (2020) (Hip-hop,Pop,Soul)

In continuing Mac's 2018 album Swimming, Circles has blends of hip-hop and soul sung with a Tom Waits vagrant-like romanticism, however, this time with more intimacy and enduring song compositions. The production and drums being bright and punchy are tailored well to most songs, and Mac's singing though ragged manages to be effective in the more soul-oriented songs, giving off the slacker, downhearted feeling he is known for. It is worth noting that Good News may be one of the most emotionally potent songs of the year.

Best Tracks: Circles*, Complicated, Good News*, Everybody, Hand Me Downs, Once A Day



B+




Hip-hop/ Neo-Soul/ Pop Rap

Thundercat: It Is What It Is (2020) (Jazz-Funk, Neo Soul)

He has some charm and heart in this project, and the features are a nice addition considering his surgery vocals can get tiresome. The instrumentation is interesting but is hindered by the washed-out mixes leading to an intoxicating but often indistinct listening experience. 

Best Tracks: I Love Louis Cole, Dragonball Durag*, Fair Chance

C-

Jazz-Funk/Neo-Soul/Psychadelic

Yves Tumor: Heaven to a Tortured Mind (2020) (Pop,Rock,Soul)

Much more concise, cleaned and less experimental than his previous release. Sean Bowie aka Yves Tumor's newest record is his own spin of glam rock and psychedelic soul merged together in an accessible pop format. The instrumentation draws from art-rock, funk and soul sounds of past years yet still feels fresh and modern. The bass and drums are punchy throughout the record and the instrumentation remains bright and well produced. A few of the forays into soul are not as eventful as others (A Greater Love) and certain songs can feel unfulfilling whether it be through lack of structure or development but this issue is mitigated by the much more direct poppy approach. 

Best Tracks: Gospel For A New Century, Kerosene!, Romanticist, Dream Palette*, Super Stars



B

Art Rock/ Glam Rock/Psychadelic Pop/ Psychadelic Soul

James Blake: Assume Form (2019) (Pop,R&B,Soul)

James Blake maintains his moody detached introspection with a large dose of sentimental, spacey tracks. The production and album's aesthetic are largely nocturnal but very modern with nods to trap, ambient and art-pop and very ponderous songwriting. There are also poppier tunes but where James really shines is in his subtle but emotively powerful songwriting as shown in songs Into The Red, I'll Come Too, and Don't Miss It. 

Best Tracks: Into The Red*, Barefoot In The Park*, Where's The Catch?*, I'll Come Too, Don't Miss It*

B+

Nocturnal Vibes/Ambient Soul/Art-Pop/R&B/