Steven Hyden’s Favorite Music Of July 2025

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Every month, Uproxx cultural critic Steven Hyden makes an unranked list of his favorite music-related items released during this period — songs, albums, books, films, you name it.

1. Alex G, Headlights

This is Alex’s 10th record and the first for major label RCA, but it might be the best entry point yet for one of the most consistent catalogs in contemporary rock. After two recent albums, 2019’s House Of Sugar and 2022’s God Save The Animals, that stand as his most experimental and strangest efforts, the 32-year-old singer songwriter has refocused on the Elliott Smith-style, indie-folk sound of his earlier records. The result is one of the year’s best albums.

2. Ryan Davis and The Roadhouse Band, New Threats From The Soul

Even when this Louisville native appears to work with more traditional song forms, like the rousing highlight “The Simple Joy” (which has backing vocals by Will Oldham, the Adam Duritz to Davis’ Jakob Dylan), his songs frequently surprise with sly one liners that smuggle pathos inside jokey Trojan horses. “My skull was a dunk tank clown for some schoolyard lass to chastise,” he drawls in one line. “I learned that time was not my friend or foe / more like one of the guys from work,” goes another. Davis’ songs go on (and on) like that, like an extended serio-comic monologue accented by occasional pedal-steel licks. The shortest track on New Threats is just under six minutes; the longest is nearly 12. That one is called “Mutilation Springs,” and it includes references to “sarcophagus mornings,” “hair metal afternoons,” and “forsaken punks” who “flip for police force work and worse.” He might come off like a show-off if the songs weren’t so authentically conversational or genuinely, pleasingly weird.

3. Oasis, “Half The World Away” (Live at Wembley Stadium, July 25)

I saw Oasis at Wembley Stadium last week, and I’m going to post a column about it later this week, and I don’t want to big foot that column by writing too much about it here. So, for now I’ll just say this: The band sounds great and I expect them to sound great when the tour hits America next month. But I don’t think it will be as great as seeing Oasis in England. It’s all about the audience. The level of adoration Oasis commands over there has to be seen to be believed. You can get a sense of it from this clip of Noel Gallagher singing a 1994 B-side. It’s a beloved B-side, sure, but B-sides don’t normally inspire 81,000 people to sing along this loudly.

4. Tyler Childers, Snipe Hunter

The first album I put on after I got back to the United States. After a series of albums that broke dramatically from the duo off-center country classics he put out in the late 2010s, Purgatory and Country Squire, Childers is back to making music that shakes up the Americana format with various squiggles outside the lines (including drop-ins from Nick Sanborn of Sylvan Esso). But in the end, this is a Rick Rubin production, and as his custom when he works with country artists, he subtly repositions Childers as a rock star. Similar to how he made the Dixie Chicks sound like Fleetwood Mac, Snipe Hunter feels like a modern reimagining of John Mellemcamp’s 1987 masterwork The Lonesome Jubilee.

5. Geese, “Taxes”

Possibly the fastest rising indie band of the moment. The gnarled and emotionally charged psych-rock ballads collected on Cameron Winter’s 2024 solo effort Heavy Metal have blown a lot of minds — I wrote about it here — though I’m still partial to Winter’s last album Geese. 3D Country is yet another slow-burn favorite — it generated positive but not ecstatic reviews upon release, perhaps because some critics (like me) weren’t all that crazy about Geese’s 2021 debut, Projector. On that album, they seemed like just another NYC post-punk band in thrall to the city’s past musical greats. But on 3D Country, they showed they were capable of following their Pablo Honey with a The Bends-style reinvention. A wild, druggy, jammy, and exhilarating ride, 3D Country made my year-end list in 2023 but only in the low 20s. I now consider it one of my favorite rock records of the 2020s. All of this is to say that I’m excited for the upcoming Getting Killed, which was teased this week with a great single, “Taxes,” spotlighted in a truly deranged music video that has serious “Darren Aronofsky’s Mother” vibes.

6. Cory Hanson, I Love People

Like Winter, Cory Hanson fronts an excellent psych-rock band, Wand. And also like Winter, he has a thriving solo career — his previous LP Western Cum was another entry on my 2023 year-end list. That record was a pleasure cruise through the sounds of 1970s FM radio, like the first Boston album refracted via a punk-rock sensibility. Hanson’s latest I Love People exists on the opposite end of the radio dial, delving the luscious soft-rock soundscapes outfitted with warm-toned pianos and jangly guitars. As always, Hanson’s unerring pop sense is on display, and with I Love People it’s like he’s made a lost prime-era McCartney album.

7. Andy Boay, You Took That Walk For The Two Of Us

You might recognize Boay from yet another really good psych-rock band, Tonstartssbandht. Their most recent record Petunia made my year-end list from 2021, and I still listen to the utterly beguiling “What Has Happened” on a regular basis. Boay functions like a lo-fi Brian Wilson, stacking vocal harmonies in a manner that creates both great beauty and extreme creepiness. Both are in abundance on this album.

8. Neu Blume, Let It Win

I read about this band originally in Josh Terry’s essential newsletter No Expectations, which you should check out after reading this. They’re a duo from Detroit that’s on a similar “chill back patio country rock” wavelength to fellow Michiganders Bonny Doon. There’s also plenty of pedal steel, so it goes without saying that Let It Win goes down like a Miller High Life tucked inside a treasure koozie this time of year.



source https://uproxx.com/indie/steven-hydens-favorite-music-of-july-2025/

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Hip Hop and Music: A Cultural Evolution

Hip Hop and Music: A Cultural Evolution and What Listeners Look For Hip hop is more than just a genre of music; it is a cultural movement that has deeply influenced the world for over four decades. Originating in the South Bronx during the 1970s, hip hop was birthed from the creative expression of marginalized communities. What started as a fusion of DJing, breakdancing, graffiti art and MCing (rapping) quickly became a global phenomenon. Over the years, hip hop has expanded its reach, influencing various aspects of society, from fashion and language to politics and social movements. But what exactly do listeners seek when they tune in to their favorite hip hop tracks? Let’s explore.

The Evolution of Hip Hop Music

The Evolution of Hip Hop Music At its core, hip hop music is built on rhythm and lyricism. Early pioneers like DJ Kool Herc, Grandmaster Flash, and Run-D.M.C. laid the foundation for what we now recognize as hip hop. They mixed disco, funk, and soul beats with rhythmic rapping to create a unique sound. Through the 1980s and 1990s, iconic artists such as Tupac, The Notorious B.I.G., Nas, and Jay-Z further shaped the genre, adding deeper narratives that explored social issues, struggles, and triumphs.
In the 2000s, hip hop saw its golden age evolve into new sub-genres, from Southern hip hop (e.g., OutKast and Lil Wayne) to the rise of trap music (led by artists like Future, Gucci Mane, and Migos). Today, artists continue to experiment with hybrid sounds, blending trap with pop, rock, and electronic music, creating a more diverse landscape for the genre.

What Listeners Look for in Hip Hop Music

What Listeners Look for in Hip Hop Music While the genre has evolved, the heart of hip hop music still beats with certain core elements that listeners continue to seek. Here’s what attracts audiences to hip hop music:

1. Authenticity

One of the most important qualities of hip hop is its authenticity. Listeners are drawn to artists who stay true to themselves, their roots, and their experiences. Whether an artist is rapping about overcoming hardship, life in the streets, or personal triumphs, their genuineness resonates with fans. Authenticity gives hip hop its raw edge, connecting the artist's voice with listeners on a deeply personal level.

2. Lyricism and Wordplay

Hip hop has always been a platform for storytelling, and the craft of lyricism is highly valued. Fans look for clever wordplay, metaphors, punchlines, and deep storytelling in their favorite tracks. Rappers like Kendrick Lamar, J. Cole, and Nas are revered for their intricate lyricism and ability to convey powerful messages through their words. A song with sharp bars, vivid imagery, and emotional depth can elevate a listener’s connection to the music.

3. Beat and Production Quality

The beat is often the first thing people notice in a hip hop song. A catchy, hard-hitting beat can make or break a track, and producers play an integral role in shaping the sound of hip hop music. Producers like Dr. Dre, Kanye West, and Metro Boomin have become household names for their distinctive production styles. From boom-bap beats to trap drums, the instrumental elements are essential in drawing listeners into the rhythm and groove of the song.

4. Innovation and Evolution

Hip hop is known for its constant evolution. Fans of the genre are often on the lookout for artists who push boundaries and experiment with new sounds. This spirit of innovation keeps the genre fresh and exciting. From the rise of auto-tune with artists like T-Pain to the blend of electronic and rap seen with artists like Travis Scott, listeners are eager for new music that challenges the traditional limits of hip hop.

5. Vibe and Energy

Hip hop isn’t just about the lyrics or the beat—it’s also about the energy the music brings. Whether it’s a party anthem, an introspective track, or a political statement, the vibe and energy of a song play a crucial role in how it resonates with fans. Artists like Drake, Cardi B, and Lil Uzi Vert have mastered the art of creating tracks that make listeners feel a certain way, whether it’s hyped up, laid back, or reflective.

6. Relatability and Emotional Connection

Hip hop has always been an outlet for self-expression and commentary on life experiences. Because of this, listeners often gravitate toward songs that reflect their own lives, struggles, and aspirations. Whether it’s a song about the challenges of growing up in a tough environment, the celebration of personal success, or the experience of love and heartbreak, hip hop has the unique ability to connect emotionally with audiences. Fans often seek songs that speak to their individual journeys and provide comfort, validation, or empowerment.

The Global Reach of Hip Hop

What was once confined to the streets of New York City has now become a global cultural force. From Tokyo to Paris, hip hop has spread across continents, influencing artists and listeners worldwide. In recent years, artists from outside the U.S. have brought their own cultural influences to the genre, blending hip hop with local sounds, languages, and traditions. The genre’s global reach is a testament to its universal themes of struggle, self-expression, and empowerment.

Conclusion

Hip hop music is an ever-evolving cultural powerhouse that has grown from a localized subculture into a global sensation. The authenticity, lyricism, production quality, innovation, energy, and emotional depth are the main ingredients that attract listeners to hip hop. While the genre continues to change, its core values remain consistent—offering a space for self-expression, storytelling, and connection. As hip hop continues to evolve, it will undoubtedly remain a major force in shaping the future of music. Whether you’re a fan of classic boom-bap or modern trap, hip hop’s diverse range offers something for everyone, proving that its cultural impact is here to stay.