Editors' Choice for July 2017

Album cover for Bandwagonesque

Bandwagonesque

Atlantic / Canvasback / Turntable Kitchen

A lovingly executed re-recording of Teenage Fanclub's classic 1991 album.

— Matt Collar

Album cover for Universal High

Universal High

Marathon Artists

On their second LP, Childhood trade dreamy dance-rock that worked for a summery mix of '70s soul, psych-pop, and new wave that works even better.

— Marcy Donelson

Album cover for The Knife

The Knife

Rise / Rise Records

Singer John Feldmann strikes a self-reflective if still energetically punk tone with backing from MxPx's Mike Herrera, Story of the Year's Phil Sneed, and blink-182's Travis Barker.

— Matt Collar

Album cover for Ritual

Ritual

Atlantic / Roadrunner Records / WEA

Ritual is the goth-metal's troupe leanest set of material to date, and its moody charms are administered with both muscle and grace.

— James Christopher Monger

Album cover for All I Ever See in You Is Me

All I Ever See in You Is Me

Decca / New Rounder

A stripped-down yet emotionally rich feast of countrypolitan-tinged confessionals that find the sweet spot between balmy '70s FM pop and 21st century indie Americana.

— James Christopher Monger

Album cover for Content

Content

Hollywood

On their sophomore LP, the New York synth rock quintet delivers an engrossing set that provides both substance and satisfaction.

— Neil Z. Yeung

Album cover for Death Express

Death Express

Non-Delux

By turns thunderous and moody, the London power trio's fifth album is their toughest and most immediate-sounding to date.

— Tim Sendra

Album cover for Goodnight Rhonda Lee

Goodnight Rhonda Lee

Single Lock Records

Vocal performances shine on an unapologetically retro fourth LP, her first with producers Niles City Sound (Leon Bridges).

— Marcy Donelson

Album cover for The Queen of Hearts

The Queen of Hearts

Nonesuch

The debut collaboration between the Decemberists and Olivia Chaney is as committed a piece of retro-leaning English folk-rock as one could hope for.

— James Christopher Monger

Album cover for Words

Words

Born To Fly Records

A smart, quietly rebellious collection of mature country, all written by female songwriters.

— Stephen Thomas Erlewine

Album cover for Bad Baby

Bad Baby

Kirtland Records

The Texan electropop songstress delivers her most confident release to date.

— Timothy Monger

Album cover for With You in Mind

With You in Mind

Cool Green Recordings

The Galactic drummer's trio and a host of NOLA luminaries pay a heartfelt, soulful tribute to the late Allen Toussaint's music and genius.

— Thom Jurek

Album cover for Good

Good

Chapter Music

The Australian quartet's second album is a (near) duplicate of their first, with the same pleasing ratio of hooks and scruff.

— Tim Sendra

Album cover for The Autobiography

The Autobiography

Roc Nation
Rap

Remarkable proper debut from the multidimensional Grammy-nominated Roc Nation signee.

— Andy Kellman

Album cover for Out in the Storm

Out in the Storm

Merge

On her most assertive album yet, Katie Crutchfield examines a damaging relationship with the aid of a full band and production by John Agnello.

— Marcy Donelson