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Sturgill Simpson, PJ Harvey and Royce 5'9" are just some of this week's new LPs.

Hip-Hop, country, rock, it's quite the eclectic mix we've got this week. Find out more about new albums from hitmakers like PJ Harvey, Royce 5'9", Sturgill Simpson and more.

 

Royce 5'9" - 'Layers'

It's been five years since we've heard any solo material from Royce 5'9". Now the wait is over, and he's back with his new album, Layers. Instead of rhyming about B's and H's or making that paper, Royce takes a hard look at life—his experiences and those he's observed to craft a thought-provoking collection of music that will make you think and hopefully inspire to make something of yourself. Starting the album with "Tabernacle," Royce lays down his autobiography in five minutes and 20 seconds. On "Hard," we don't only get to hear his rap flow but also his singing skills, which add another emotional layer as he talks about seeing beyond the superficiality of achieving material things.

He also gives a shoutout to Broadway's hit show of the moment, Hamilton. "This song was inspired by a Broadway play called Hamilton / It changed my life right away / So my next move is to either screenwrite a movie or write a play," he delivers on one of the verses. Royce also recruits a number of talents to do features on the record including Tiara, Mr. Porter and K. Young. He teamed up with Pusha T and Rick Ross on the title track, which is one of the must-listens on the new LP.

Sturgill Simpson - 'A Sailor's Guide to Earth'

Since the release of his 2014 sophomore album, Metamodern Sounds in Country Music, Sturgill Simpson has been a renegade in the country world and has been showing everyone that country isn't just for ones donning cowboy boots and a 10-gallon hat. The Jackson, KY artist brings that same energy and even takes some risks on his third record, A Sailor's Guide to Earth. Initially gaining buzz with the widely hyped cover of Nirvana's "In Bloom." He turned the gritty and noisy tune into a bluesy, and at times gospel-esque, track and gives the 1991 tune an interesting facelift that we can't hate on.

Sturgill continues the groovy momentum with the horn-heavy "Keep It Between the Lines" and the bass-driven "Brace for Impact (Live a Little)." While he brings the energy on a number of tracks on the album, Sturgill has some crooning tunes that will make you want to get close to the one you love like "All Around You" and "Breakers Roar."

Bear Hands - 'You'll Pay for This'

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In a world filled with six-second Vines and unlimited Instagram selfies, Bear Hands want to grab your attention for more than two minutes. And with their third album, You'll Pay for This. From the moment you press play on the first track, "I Won't Pay," the Brooklyn band mix up punk rock sounds with electronic elements with intention. Recorded in Westchester and Brooklyn, NY, each song gives you a different flavor of the band from the catchy yet pop friendly "Boss" to the '80s style track, "Marathon Man." The album is filled with fun tunes that will life your spirits and put you in that happy place. Not sure about it? Take a deep breath and play "Purpose Filled Life."

PJ Harvey - 'The Hope Six Demolition Project'

Remember that time when PJ Harvey allowed everyone who visited the Somerset House in London and watch her record new music? Not only did fans and the occasional tourist really get a sneak peak at what goes into recording an album, but it also gave birth to her latest record, The Hope Six Demolition Project. Inspired by trips to Afghanistan, Kosovo and the not-so-nice parts of Washington, DC, the album is filled with continuous heavy drumming and lots of other vocals—to give you a sense that this album isn't just about her but everyone around her.

PJ is on a mission with this album and wants people to be aware of the devastating things that are happening around the world. "The Wheel" has an upbeat melody that sounds more like a battle cry more than anything else. "Hey little children don't disappear / (I heard it was 28,000) / Lost upon a revolving wheel / (I heard it was 28,000)," the British singer as well as a number of backup voices deliver on the chorus. Meanwhile, her single, "The Community of Hope," is an uplifting tune that is conveyed in the video for the track, which you can watch above. PJ Harvey wants the world to change its negative ways, and The Hope Six Demolition Project may be a good start to inspire people to get to that point.

Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros - 'PersonA'

Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeroes are back with their fourth effort, PersonA. While this is not a new ride for the Los Angeles folk band, the record comes with one major change to their dynamic—the departure of founding member Jade Castrinos.

Now that lead singer Alex Ebert couldn't share the vocal parts with Jade anymore, he had to approach this album in a different way. While you still feel the Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeroes signature, it does feel different though refreshing to focus on Alex's vocals alone and makes one think if "Uncomfortable" was inspired by the new changes to the band. "Hot Coals," "No Love Like Yours" and "Perfect Time," which puts Alex's voice on full display and gives you a little bit of the Frank Sinatra, crooner vibe. PersonA might sound a wee bit left of center, but there's nothing wrong with going off the rails a little bit, especially if it'll take you an even better place.

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