On their dusty space-rap debut, Black Up, and then on its abstract follow up Lese Majesty, Seattle hip-hop duo Shabazz Palaces established their output as belonging more to the art gallery than the streets.

After an EP in 2012 and several singles released in 2015 and 2016, we finally have the full-length debut from the Brooklyn-based Cigarettes After Sex. The first thing the listener notices is vocalist Greg Gonzalez’s androgynous voice (with many thinking it is a woman singing).

Ever since starting as a bedroom recording project and debuting with American Weekend in 2012, Katie Crutchfield has edged closer to a full-band sound. On this, her fourth album as Waxahatchee, she and her bandmates not only achieve that, but produce what is unquestionably their best album to date.

In 1984, at perhaps the apex of his popularity, Prince was not simply a musician or a singer/songwriter. He was an enigma, a purple god with the uncanny ability to fill dance floors with songs of sexual liberation, apocalyptic imagery, and seductive rebellion.

When Japanese Breakfast first emerged into the world, it was to deal with the loss of Michelle Zauner’s mother. The solo project from Little Big League singer Zauner mourned with impeccable pop style on 2016’s Psychopomp. A year on and Soft Sounds From Another Planet finds Zauner seeking escape from trauma, shooting off to the stars for a synth-tinged autotuned adventure every bit as good as her debut.

Sheer Mag have built their reputation on monster guitar licks (think Thin Lizzy and AC/DC), a true DIY aesthetic, and the powerful, melodic caterwaul of lead singer Tina Halladay. On their first full-length, Need to Feel Your Love, the band attempt to take the short bursts of their three EPs into long format, with somewhat mixed result.

Hitchhiker is the rare archival release that can appeal to both rabid superfans and casual listeners. Recorded over the course of a single night in 1976, it captures Neil Young in a stony mood-just a man and his guitar, a piano (and a few mind altering substances) live in the studio.

One quarter century into their musical lifespan, Boris was ready to hang it up. An obligatory classic album tour in which they performed their landmark Pink was enough to re-energize the trio, leading to an album which makes nods to their entire discography.

The differences between HAIM‘s debut record Days Are Gone—released four years ago—and Something to Tell You are subtle. The band’s sophomore album is driven by the same staccato vocal delivery and percussion and quick guitar riffs that electrified their debut. Underneath this, however, you can hear Danielle, Este, and Alana Haim beginning to stretch out and play with new sounds.