Weekly Round-Up 52

May 11 - May 17

A FULL YEAR OF POSTING ON SUBSTACK 😭

1. Artist: Stephen Sanchez

   Album: LOVE, LOVE, LOVE

   Year Released: 2026

   Rating (Out of 5 Stars): 4.3

   Best Song On First Listen: FORGETTING YOUR KISS

   Travie Says: One thing about Stephen Sanchez is that he can sing DOWN, okay? This 23 year-old Californian is kind of like a Gen Z Michael Bublé, with classic style and romance at the forefront of his artistry. My favorite song here is the late-album gem, “FORGETTING YOUR KISS.”

2. Artist: Mack Keane

   Album: Wide Eyed

   Year Released: 2026

   Rating (Out of 5 Stars): 4.6

   Best Song On First Listen: Bloodshot

   Travie Says: On his sophomore album, Los Angeles native Mack Keane follows in an alternative R&B lineage of Frank Ocean and Steve Lacy, and establishes himself amongst contemporaries such as Leven Kali, Ruel, and Malcolm Todd. The defining moment of Wide Eyed is the mid-album track, “Bloodshot.”

3. Artist: WRABEL

   Album: up above

   Year Released: 2026

   Rating (Out of 5 Stars): 3.7

   Best Song On First Listen: surrender

   Travie Says: WRABEL has been writing emotionally gripping tunes for a long time, including some of my favorites by him - “11 Blocks,” “Poetry,” “london,” and a host of others. He’s also written pretty songs for fellow artists, such as “Rose Gold” for Pentatonix and “Flowers & Superpowers” for Wafia. On his 3rd album, up above, WRABEL adds more endearing songs to his catalog, most notably the catchy “surrender.”

4. Artist: Tank and The Bangas

   Album: The Last Balloon

   Year Released: 2026

   Rating (Out of 5 Stars): 4.4

   Best Song On First Listen: Move

   Travie Says: On the last iteration of the ‘balloon’ series, Tank and The Bangas continue to bring New Orleans flair, spoken word, and gorgeous vocals. The Last Balloon has a number of highlights, including “Jealous,” “Honeycomb,” and my favorite song here, “Move” alongside Lucky Daye.

5. Artist: Zay Dante

   Album: TASTE

   Year Released: 2026

   Rating (Out of 5 Stars): 4.1

   Best Song On First Listen: TASTE

   Travie Says: Social media sensation Zay Dante seeks to prove he’s more than just a funny guy on his latest album, TASTE. Zay Dante discusses his strained relationship with his mother, his online success, and sexual exploration. His singing voice is present here, but his rapping ability is what takes center stage. The strongest moments here are the title track, “ASKIN TOO MUCH,” and “DGAF.”