The second album of emo rapper iann dior, to better things, topping this week’s shortlist for top albums released on January 21.
Joseph Morrison/Courtesy of the artist
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Joseph Morrison/Courtesy of the artist
After exploding on Soundcloud, emo rapper and singer iann dior is trying to take over the world with a seamless and blurry mix of rock, pop and rap guitar genres. His second feature film, to better things, includes collaborations with Travis Barker, Lil Uzi Vert and more. We spin the record of this week’s show and talk about dior’s often melancholic but ultimately hopeful musings on mental health, youth and identity.
We also have a heavyweight from rapper Che Noir, a beautiful and moving album from pianist Simone Dinnerstein, singer-songwriter Jana Horn and many more. NPR Music‘s Ann Powers joins contributor Christina Lee, WXPN’s John Morrison and NPR’s Tom Huizenga, and host Robin Hilton, as they share their picks for top albums on January 21.
Featured Albums:
- iann dior to better things
Featured Songs: “V12” and “Hopeless Romantic” - Black Che — food for thought
Featured Song: “Communion” - Simone Dinnerstein Undersinging
Songs featured: “Gnossienne No. 3” by Erik Satie and “Mad Rush” by Philip Glass - Aifé O’Donovan — The age of apathy
Featured Song: “Sister Starling” - Jana Horn — Optimism
Featured Song: “Optimism” - Tanya Tagaq— Languages
Featured Songs: “Earth Monster” and “Colonizer”
Other notable January 21 releases:
Aurora – The gods we can touch
Boris— O
Harder Boy – The runner (Original Sound Track)
Jake Xerxes Fussell — Good and green again
Janis Ian — The light at the end of the line
Pedro the Lion — havasu
Young T & Bugsey— The truth must be told
