Allen Stone
Radius
(Capitol Records)

Singer Allen Stone returns with his Capitol Records release, Radius, a sincere package of pop, soul, and R&B tunes. Having re-released his self-titled indie debut with ATO Records in 2012, one could only imagine what sounds would ignite from a major release three years later. Fears aside, though Radius is more polished than its predecessor, it still has Stone’s signature hippie-with-soul vibe of self-awareness. Most particularly on “American Privilege,” where he states, “Everyday I piss money away/I’m a material slave.” Throughout the album, there’s a blend of love, self-doubt, hope, and spirituality in its content. Songs such as “Barbwire,” a bleeding ode to a particular female, the official first single “Freedom,” and the lovely “Guardian Angel” bring about a certain sincerity that’s natural for the Chewelah, Washington-native. Stone, 28, is still a new artist in the pop arena, so seeing his musical growth over the last few years has been quite exciting. Either way, recommended spins include “Barbwire,” “Where You’re At” and “Love.”