Mitski – “The Land Is Inhospitable and So Are We”

Mitski makes an apocalyptic return to form on “The Land Is Inhospitable and So Are We.” Coming off of last year’s synth-pop experiment “Laurel Hell,” Mitski returns to her indie folk and rock roots on this somber love letter of a record. Though this is classic Mitski through and through, there is a greater sense of atmosphere and openness than any other record of her’s thus far. Mitski’s writing is also much more personal, vulnerable, and bittersweet than it’s been in a long time. Tracks like “Heaven,” “Star,” and “My Love Mine All Mine” come to mind first with their calm sense of foreboding hope.

Though on the other side of the coin, Mitski still lets rock elements shine through. Tracks “Buffalo Replaced” and “The Deal” have great raw energy while still staying true to the themes of dread and melancholy. Then the closer “I Love Me After You” really lets things go out with a bang, musically and thematically. Mitski is finally able to overcome her fears and demons that have haunted her for the entire record up to this point and just in time for an invigorating, guitar-heavy sendoff.

This album was an enchanting whirlwind of an experience for Mitski and a welcome return to some of her roots.

My rating: 8.2/10

Laufey – “Bewitched”

Icelandic indie darling Laufey goes all in on bossa nova and jazz pop and it pays off in dividends. “Bewitched” chronicles Laufey’s relationship with love, heartbreak, and growing up all while sounding straight out of a ‘50s jazz club.

Laufey’s pen stands out the most on tracks like “Second Best” and “Letter to My 13 Year Old Self.” The former makes for a great ballad of unrequited love and the latter details the growing up aspect of the record so well. The production is strongest when there is a greater use of orchestral elements like on “California and Me,” which actually features the Philharmonia Orchestra, as well as “Lovesick,” as it’s quite grand in appearance.

I will say the record could start to sound stuck in a box or unoriginal near the end but that still doesn’t take away from the sheer brilliance Laufey has conjured up on this album. Single “From the Start” is probably my favorite track here with the more upbeat melody yet the lyrics are still melancholic and unwanted. The closing title track is also the perfect cherry on top for this sweet little album. I came into this record not knowing much about Laufey, but left a full-fledged fan.

My rating: 8.4/10

Nas – “Magic 3”

3 decades into his career and coming off one of the most impressive album runs in modern rap, Nas is still sounding as young and hungry as ever. Since his debut with “Illmatic,” Nas has been considered one of the best to ever do it. So far in the 2020s, Nas has exclusively worked with producer Hit-Boy on two album trilogies, first with “King’s Disease” and now capping off “Magic.”

“Magic 3” finds Nas in a very light-hearted and reminiscent state, feeling content and fulfilled with his career, decisions, and life thus far. Tracks like “Speechless Pt. 2,” “Never Die,” and “Sitting with My Thoughts” encapsulate these themes perfectly. Nas also makes room for his impeccable story-telling ability on tracks like “Based on True Events.” Parts 1 and 2 respectively, but especially 2, it’s like you’re the passenger and Nas is the driver in a high-speed chase sequence.

Since this is the third, and kind of the sixth, part in a series there are bits and pieces that can feel underwhelming or recycled, but it is still an enjoyable ride throughout. It’s nice to see an artist of Nas’s caliber still releasing quality music after all these years and this album felt like a nice victory lap for these two great collaborators and the series’ they created. 

My rating: 8.0/10