Before she was Anohni, she was the androgynous Antony Hegarty of the celebrated chamber cabaret act Antony and the Johnsons. As if to make the transition complete, with the exception of Anohni's unique vocal style, very little on her solo debut album Hopelessness (Secretly Canadian) bears any resemblance to what came before. The focus here is on electronics and experimentation, which in a way softens the blow of the some of the subject matter, in "4 Degrees" (climate change), "Drone Bomb Me" (warfare), "Watch Me" (sexual abuse), "Execution" (threats from abroad), "Obama" (political dissatisfaction), and so on. Not quite as visceral as Transgender Dysphoria Blues by Against Me! led by trans musician Laura Jane Grace, Hopelessness is nevertheless an inspiring new chapter in Anohni's story.
Much occurred between the release of Gwen Stefani's second solo album and her new one This Is What the Truth Feels Like (Interscope). Stefani ended one relationship and started another. She regrouped with her No Doubt bandmates and released an album, and became a TV personality. The dozen songs on Truth, co-written with gay songwriter Justin Tranter and his songwriting partner Julia Michaels and others, sound like she's trying to bring us up-to-date. After everything she's been through, it's not surprising that the disc is something of a downer. Misery loves company, so anyone who's experienced heartbreak will find something to relate to in "Truth" and "Used To Love You." The bubbly "Make Me Like You" is the only song that sounds like the kind of hit we're used to from Gwen.
Often mythologized as the "godfather of punk," Iggy Pop has been making music for more than 50 years, as a member of psychedelic rock band The Stooges as well as being a solo artist. On Post Pop Depression (Loma Vista), his 17th solo album, Pop's joined by what amounts to a band, led by Josh Homme and Dean Fertitia of Queens of the Stone Age and Matt Helders of Arctic Monkeys. More new wave than punk (like his late-70s albums with the recently departed David Bowie), "Gardenia," "American Valhalla," "Chocolate Drops" and "German Days" rank among Pop's best, most memorable work.
You might recognize Kristin Kontrol (aka Kristin Welchez), who also goes by Dee Dee, as the lead singer of the Dum Dum Girls. Her solo debut X-Communicate (Sub Pop) is an accessible set of 80s new wave-inspired electro-pop. A few of the songs, including "Skin Shed," are custom-made for club play. "X-Communicate" has Tea Dance diva written all over it. Others, such as "(Don't) Wannabe," "Going Thru the Motions" and "Drive the Night," do a sensational job of inspiring nostalgia, whether you remember the 1980s or not.
Possessing too much talent and energy to be contained in Squirrel Nut Zippers or his band Andrew Bird's Bowl of Fire, Andrew Bird has stuck to being his own man for most of the 21st century. Are You Serious (Loma Vista), Bird's latest solo flight, has the string play we expect from him and his violin, as well as his trademark whistling. There is an increasing accessibility and commercial energy at work that comes through on "Puma" and "Roma Fade." "Bellevue" is a deceptively simple love song, and Bird's duet with Fiona Apple on "Left Handed Kisses" shouldn't be missed.
Not surprisingly, Clairy Browne (of Clairy Browne and the Bangin' Rackettes) has stepped out on her own in sky-high heels for her solo debut Pool (Vanguard). Browne, who sang a duet with RuPaul on his track "Born Naked," sounds poised to cash in on the Adele and Andra Day followers who want something just a little sassier. She serves it up hot, fresh and wet on "Love Song to the World," "Califalling for You," "Birthday Suit" and the dance track "With You." Dive in, y'all!
Zayn (Malik) of One Direction didn't do too badly for himself on Mind of Mine (RCA), his solo debut. The first single, "Pillowtalk," was a certifiable hit. If Zayn wants to put the One Direction chapter of his career and youth behind him, he's headed in the right direction. A more sophisticated album than one might expect from a former member of 1D, songs "Befour," "Rear View" and "Lucozade" bode well for his future.
Love Letter for Fire (Sub Pop) is a lovely collaboration by Iron & Wine's Sam Beam & Jesca Hoop. A folky affair that works to the benefit of both, with Beam and Hoop's voices complementing each other. Beam grounds Hoop on "Soft Place To Land," "We Two Are the Moon" and "Bright Lights and Goodbyes." Hoop gets Beam to cut loose in "Chalk It Up to Chi" and "Midas Tongue."