The real reason we’re obsessed with audio is to get closer to the music. Yes, that means the classics that we know by heart (and still find new nuances in with the right gear). But it also means new music, and there’s more new music than ever, for better and worse. It’s harder to find what you like when there’s more of everything and the algorithm feeds you only more of the same. Listening to new music can introduce you to new and exciting artists and genres that you may not have discovered otherwise.

Here are a dozen recent albums worth a listen. Can’t say we didn’t give you anything.