Listening to Little Oblivions is like reading a great novel - the songs develop from simple concepts to deep complex narratives that will leave you sensing the emotional labor that Baker puts into each note and lyric.

The Hold Steady return with their eighth studio album 'Open Door Policy,' recorded with producer Josh Kaufman. It's the second record in their current six-piece lineup that frontman Craig Finn fondly refers to as "Hold Steady 3.0".

Motivated to recreate the classic songwriting of Harry Nilsson and production from timeless albums like Pet Sounds, Weezer delivers a release that adds sounds from the history of orchestral pop but still sounds exactly like Weezer. 'OK Human' is 30 minutes of expertly paced new material from the architect of alt rock who continues to chase the perfect song.

The Staves return with twelve new tracks for their best album yet. The third release from the sibling trio showcases raw emotion poured over intense ballads and sophisticated melodies.

Medicine at Midnight sees Foo Fighters doing what they do best, laying down killer riffs and expressive drumming, lifting the spirits of us all. Listen for influences from the band's favorites - they love their fellow musicians, they love rock and roll, and they're just plain psyched to share that love.

Parks captures the sonic heartbeat of downtempo from the 90s with a new distinct voice that will make your ears do a doubletake.

With their ears attuned to building songs for celestial beings, We Will Always Love You is beautifully constructed with sounds from the past century to help you dance into the future.

There's a thesis of sorts to be found in the midway point of Sault's Rise. "The Beginning and The End" with the lyrics, "We shall reclaim our joy/We shall remuster our strength, through millennia/Bathed in the tears of a thousand ancestors, we shall rise." And there is joy in this album, it's the most danceable record of the four released in the last two years, but that joy is also an act of resistance.

A surprise release for their fans, Fleet Foxes' sixth studio album is one of the perfect headphone listens of the past year.

Live Drugs is an essential document of the War on Drugs in every sense, giving us a wonderful dream to get lost in.