Robin James Hurt’s “A Song, A Story Told” arrives with a sound you can almost run a thumb over, like worn corduroy. In an age of sterile, diamond-polished productions, this album is a defiantly handmade thing, tracked onto vintage cassette machines. The result is not a flaw, but an ingredient. A faint, persistent hiss breathes alongside the instruments, a ghost in the machine who...

Aubryanna’s first single, “CoverGirl,” is a fresh air. Aubryanna seamlessly mixes the R&B attitude with the pop dynamics to create a sound that is indeed refreshing and resonant. With a bouncy beat and a catchy chorus, “CoverGirl” is an instant attention grabber. The production mixes polished modern pop with a touch of classic soul and serves as a perfect background for Aubryanna’s passionate singing. With...