Editors' Choice for December 2021

The second volume of the producer's Kick series focuses on reggaeton, but breaks some boundaries along the way.

— Heather Phares

A sanguine, vibrantly creative companion album to 2020's A Celebration of Endings that also stands on its own.

— Matt Collar

Three previously unissued concerts at the Seattle jazz club showcase the great Brazilian guitarist at the peak of his powers solo and with his trio.

— Thom Jurek

Exciting live recordings from the winner of the 2021 International Fryderyk Chopin Piano Competition, often showing that less is more.

— James Manheim

Expansive yet concentrated second solo album from the singer/songwriter, supported again by Sault partner Inflo.

— Andy Kellman

The 50th anniversary edition of the debut solo album from the Zombies lead singer includes 14 additional demos and studio tracks from the same time.

— Fred Thomas

An impressive debut of tightly wound post-punk and wiry rhythms from this young Brooklyn band.

— Timothy Monger

The fifth in John Dwyer's series of home-recorded group improvisations, and perhaps the best one yet.

— Paul Simpson

On his second solo guitar offering, the guitarist explores his private soundworld through vintage and new originals and jazz standards.

— Thom Jurek

The iconic Brazilian singer's overtly political second solo album is a sumptuous rhythm collision with lyric contributions from many collaborators.

— Thom Jurek

Mezzo-soprano Crebassa is in fabulous voice on this collection of Spanish and Spanish-influenced material.

— James Manheim

The roots of riot grrrl can be traced back, in part, to this Australian punk band's sole 1989 album.

— Fred Thomas

A warm, rambling record that captures Crazy Horse finding solace and comfort in the noise they make.

— Stephen Thomas Erlewine

Vocal performances shine on these revisions of songs from 2020's Italian Ice (plus one original), recorded live in the studio with an acoustic trio.

— Marcy Donelson

A chamber program shot through with memorials and mentorship, with a superb performance of Dvořák's String Quintet, Op. 97.

— James Manheim

A brilliant, pathbreaking realization of an unknown opera by Rameau.

— James Manheim

Impressive sibling dynamics are on display in this album of works by Barber and Rachmaninov.

— James Manheim

Thrilling debut album from a band who combine vintage style with biting and sad guitar pop that's equal parts girl group drama and punk attitude.

— Tim Sendra

Nelsons and the Gewandhausorchester Leipzig celebrate Gubaidulina's 90th birthday with rousing performances of three later-life works.

— Keith Finke

The second essential, joyous volume in Gilles Peterson's and Stuart Baker's Cuba series extends the reach of its predecessor.

— Thom Jurek