The Music Sorce: February Albums

With the Lunar New Year, Black History Month and Valentine’s Day, February packs a lot in its short time frame — new music being no different.

While big stars like Charli xcx and Baby Keem made their voices heard, many records went unnoticed in the crowded release calendar. Here are some of the albums The Phoenix missed coverage on.

‘The Fall-Off’ — J. Cole

As the title suggests, hip-hop legend J. Cole has had a tumultuous few years in the public eye. From his feud with Kendrick Lamar to a string of underwhelming releases, Cole appeared to be on “The Fall-Off” — a narrative culminating in the titular project’s release Feb. 6.

The 24-track double album is billed as the rapper’s seventh and final record.

While smooth beats and relaxed vocals channel Cole’s early 2010s prime, tracks like “SAFETY” offer immature apologies for homophobia — the singer admitting to cutting off a childhood friend over their sexuality. The mournful regret came after the same friend died from AIDS. Cole’s shoddy writing extends beyond the track, making “The Fall-Off” true in more ways than one.

‘THE FUTURE IS SAFE’ — Katjay

A rising voice in underground hip-hop, Katjay’s self-produced debut album “THE FUTURE IS SAFE” released Feb. 6.

Highly inspired by the synth-backed production style of Pharrell Williams and Tyler, the Creator, the release largely fails to carve a distinct identity for the emerging artist, but does enough to prove his potential.

While “IGOR”-esque pop-rap melodies dominate the first half of the release, hyper rap breaks like “ION KNO HER” and “I HOPE WE’RE COOL” offer a welcome detour.

‘Piss in the Wind’ — Joji

Released Feb. 6, lo-fi singer Joji’s fourth album came and went like a “Piss In The Wind.”

The songwriter remains one of only a few former YouTubers to successfully shed his prior persona for a more fulfilling artistic venture, peaking at No. 8 on the Billboard Hot 100 for his 2022 single “Glimpse of Us.”

Unfortunately, Joji seems to have hit his limit. 

“Piss in the Wind” repeats the same tired, pensive melodies the singer’s already found success in. Despite industrial-influenced singles “PIXELATED KISSES” and “Sojourn,” the record fails to commit to the unfamiliar grit.

‘the apple tree under the sea’ — Hemlocke Springs

From near-immediate success on TikTok in 2022 to touring alongside Chappell Roan and Doja Cat, indie-pop singer Hemlocke Springs released her long awaited debut record “the apple tree under the sea” Feb. 13.

The full-length release doubles down on Springs’ maximalist production style in a glossy, modern reimagining of ‘80s new wave.

Using her Christian upbringing, Springs threads religious motifs through art pop pieces “moses” and “sense (is)” to disavow the restricting expectations of others.

‘VOL. 3’ — Novulent

Concluding their story-driven album trilogy, grungegaze artist Novulent released their major label debut “VOL. 3” Feb. 13.

Growing up with Zimbabwean parents, rock music was initially prohibited in their household for religious reasons, according to an interview with Creative Loafing. Pursuing music at 17, Novulent found early success on TikTok for their 2023 single “scars,” debuting at No. 45 on the Billboard Hot Rock & Alternative Songs chart. 

Tracks like “rip” and “sacrifice” obscure themes of heartbreak and loss behind a wall of sound, making “VOL. 3” a mature journey of self-discovery and fulfillment.

“petal black rock” — WILLOW

Released Feb. 17, post-rock R&B artist WILLOW surprise dropped her seventh studio album “petal black rock.”

The self-written and produced record is a testament to her artistic prowess and dedication.

“petal black rock” borrows the neo-soul and jazz ingredients that comprise her 2024 record “EMPATHOGEN,” but is structured loose and free in comparison. This flexibility may be messy, but it reflects WILLOW’s unyielding trust in her craft.