The music scene is abuzz this month with great releases and scandalous backstories. Across the spectrum, May is looking like an emotional month for musicians, and we know just what albums Texans will be talking about this month. Many of these artists are household names and staples in the industry, but rest assured we’ve found a talented Texan to introduce you to as well. Grab a glass of wine and savor the sounds that May is bringing this year.  

Beyoncé — Lemonade

Beyoncé is back at it again, and this time she’s not holding anything back. Following the success of her surprise Formation album, she has awed audiences once again with another unannounced album. The Houston native bares it all in this album with an eclectic sound and guest appearances from Jack White, James Blake and The Weeknd, to create an emotional narrative to the more human side of her life. While the album is indeed personal for Beyoncé, much of the inspiration for the album came by way of her grandmother, Agnéz Deréon, and Jay Z’s grandmother, Hattie White, who can be heard at the end of a track on the album. Just about every track from this album pulls listeners in with eerie, emotional connectivity that’s not easily found in this day and age. Although the album became available on Tidal at the end of April, the full release is set to hit stores early in the month.

Blake Shelton — If I’m Honest

The country fans are in for a treat this month coming from this album from Blake Shelton. For If I’m Honest, Shelton has teamed up with Scott Hendricks once again to produce what seems to be his most personal album to date. Fans hoping to find answers to questions regarding Shelton’s divorce from Miranda Lambert might be in luck, with Jessi Alexander and Jon Randall helping on at least one sensitive song. With some edgier composition this time around and 15 tracks filled with heartfelt lyrics, this album should be a hit with fans new and old.

Keith Urban — Ripcord

After about a year in the making, Keith Urban is finally ready to present his latest project to the masses. The 13 track album has been a serious undertaking for Urban, who sought the assistance of producers such as Jeff Bhasker, Nathan Chapman and Greg Wells to name a few. Ripcord looks to make quite the impact on the radio for a while, having already had success with “John Cougar, John Deere, John 3:16″ landing just inside the Top 5 last year, and “Break on Me” reaching the top sport to become a hit on the charts. If the singles he’s already released are any indication of the rest of the album then fans will be hearing a lot more from Urban for a long time.

Drake — Views

The Toronto native turned honorary Houstonian is on top of the rap game these days, and right now it looks like he’s enjoying the view. Coming off an easy win over Meek Mill in a short-lived beef, Drake and the OVO team released Views on the final Friday of April, giving fans plenty to talk about throughout the month of May before kicking off the Summer Sixteen Tour in Austin, Texas in June. Drake keeps to his usual form with this album, dismissing fake friends and kicking himself over lovers past, but there are definitely some notable tracks including last year’s hit, “Hotline Bling” and the newly popular “One Dance.” With a nice range of samples and creative minds behind the project, Views looks to be a strong addition to Drake’s body of work. For the moment, it’s only available on iTunes, but hopefully that will change soon.

EREZ — The Rose of Jericho

Hailing from Austin, Texas, EREZ is bringing his sophomore album to the stage in The Rose of Jericho. This pensive 10 track journey through the thoughts and emotions of the artist is an intimate exploration of the conflict between one’s necessity to move on and the inability to let go of the emotional attachments of the past. His album also released in April, but if you’re a fan of local talent, then EREZ is someone to listen to.