Carte Blanche
DJ Snake first entered most people’s libraries via his 2015 Major Lazer and MØ collaboration “Lean On.” Quite literally one of the 21st century’s most listened-to songs, it put the Frenchman in front of the world’s most gilded decks and mixing desks. It’s commendable, then, that this second album—like its title suggests—sees an emboldened artist challenge his sonic horizons. The atomic-bomb-sized drops and elite US guest stars are still present to offer his urgent EDM its crossover appeal —keep ears peeled for everyone from Selena Gomez to Bryson Tiller via Cardi B and 21 Savage—but the real thrill from this confident record comes from its weirder moments. The staccato “Made in France” is a thrilling electro joyride, while “Frequency 75” could be lifted from an imperial-era Ed Banger compilation.