The music scene has been sparkling for the last few years with some truly exceptional new artists rubbing shoulders with a host of established A-list bands, like U2, as they conclude seemingly never-ending tours. 2020, in contrast, looks to be the year of the indie and new-wave revival, and sees exciting new releases and tours by some of the most influential musicians of the era. Let’s check out three of our favourites.
Tears For Fears: The Tipping Point
The Tipping Point, Orzabal and Smith’s first album together in 18 years is not, as many anticipated, a trip down memory lane for the legion of Tears for Fears fans who have been starved of new material. Instead, it represents a new chapter for one of pop’s most gifted songwriting duos. The title track is a tribute to Orzabal’s late wife and recalls in tragic detail, his pain and suffering. Opening with the acoustic track, No Small Thing, the album goes on to unfurl a mix of intimate ballads and foot-stomping tunes that will no doubt be huge hits on the band’s 2022 Stadium Tour.
Eddie Vedder: Earthling
The wait for Pearl Jam’s highly acclaimed vocalists’ third solo album is finally over. Earthling is a no-holds-barred rock album through which Eddie expresses life, grief and getting old. In a world filled with division, he openly uses each song to plead for empathy; the quality he says makes earthlings human. The subject matter might be a bit deep and reflective at times, but the production is anything but. It’s fun and has 13 tracks that will remind the listener of Pearl Jam’s early punk energy. The album also features some surprise inclusions like Stevie Wonder playing the harmonica on Try and a duet with the incomparable Sir Elton John on Picture
Willow Kane: Playground Antics
As well as being a platform for established artists, Spotify gives exposure to raw and exciting new music and talent like Willow Kane, a young British artist who appears unafraid to cross musical and lyrical boundaries. Playground Antics is Kane’s new, genre-blending recording. Both joyful and sassy the six-track EP seamlessly skips through hip-hop, pop, punk, pop and jungle. Her often lighthearted lyrics strike a chord about life in the modern world. On the track Jealous, she pokes fun at her haters, “I don’t even know any of their names / But I know that they all know mine”, whilst on Two-Seater, her life philosophy is laid bare.
