Planning a long drive over the holidays? Here are 10 albums to listen to along the way.

Soul of a Woman by Sharon Jones & the Dap-Kings

Influential rhythm and blue singer Sharon Jones died nearly a year ago, but it’s only now that we can we hear her final creation. Soul of a Woman captures a singer and a band at the peak of their power – together, they stretch the limits of their soulful sound in all directions, offering a sophisticated album.

So Frenchy So Chic 2018 by various artists

There is something for everyone in this year’s So Frenchy So Chic. More than ever, this compilation represents the colourful diversity of the current French scene and how it travels in myriad interesting directions. Chanson, jazz, cool electronica and genre-blurring music feature in an enjoyable mix of new musical trends and timeless melodies.

Spinifex Gum by Spinifex Gum

Created by the Cat Empire’s Felix Riebl and Ollie McGill for the Cairns-based Indigenous choir Marliya, the Spinifex Gum song cycle features guest vocalists Adam Briggs (of A. B. Original fame), Peter Garrett and Emma Donovan in a work reflecting the dramatic contrasts of the Pilbara region of northern WA. Its unique musical landscape comprises treated field recordings, programmed rhythms, organic instrumentation and the overarching power of human voices.

Lotta Sea Lice by Courtney Barnett & Kurt Vile

News of the inspired and unexpected pairing of these indie rock darlings sent the music world into a tizzy, and the resulting collaboration delivers in spades. Intertwining their idiosyncratic guitar playing and skewed humour, Barnett and Vile deliver a wonderful record. Well worth the wait.

Blue Maqams by Anouar Brahem, Dave Holland, Jack DeJohnette & Django Bates

Tunisian oud master and composer Anouar Brahem excels within a small ensemble, combining folk, classical and jazz with ease. This time around he has the dream rhythm section of Dave Holland (bass) Jack DeJohnette (drums) and fast-rising UK piano player Django Bates. Nine lengthy tracks allow all players to stretch on this collection of bluesy and atmospheric compositions.

Life is Fine by Paul Kelly

It’s good to have Paul back. After a few side tracks into concept albums and collaborations, Life is Fine is a return not only to a solo album and original recording, but also to Paul Kelly at his best. A lot of years have passed since Paul Kelly and the Messengers, but this album is an attempt to recapture that sound.

This Sweet Old World by Lucinda Williams

So This Sweet Old World positioned Lucinda Williams as a performer of world-weary Americana? ‘Blame it on my youth’, she says 25 years later, re-recording it as a glorious ragged Neil Young record laying ghosts and pointing the Pontiac at tomorrow. THAT Sweet Old World was then. This This Sweet Old World is now.

Second of Spring by Beaches

Iconic Australian psych rock quintet Beaches returns with a fantastic double album. Second of Spring builds upon their much-loved 2013 release, She Beats, and creates an enveloping sonic landscape filled with extended instrumentals, overdriven psych-outs and propulsive pop nuggets.

A Deeper Understanding by The War On Drugs

It was never going to be an easy task to top 2014’s masterpiece Lost in the Dream, but Adam Granduciel and co. have come damn close with A Deeper Understanding. Picking up right where he left off, Granduciel has crafted another sprawling, gorgeously produced indie rock road record.

Utopia by björk

Ruling art-pop queen björk returns with her long awaited follow-up to 2015’s acclaimed Vulnicura. Rich, poignant and utterly captivating, Utopia sees the Icelandic artist journey to the heart of newfound courtship and romance, delivering another ethereal soundtrack.