Different sounds from Young, Minaj, H.E.R.

The Chronicle’s guide to notable new music.

NEW ALBUMS

Neil Young, ‘Before and After’ (Reprise)

When Neil Young played a concert at Berkeley’s Greek Theatre this past July, it was as notable for its “deep cuts” as it was for the singer’s move to play the entire set by himself. What fans likely didn’t notice that evening, though, is that Young’s performance was largely an onstage rendition of “Before and After,” his album of acoustic reinterpretations that comes out Friday, Dec. 8. In fact, the first six songs of the Berkeley show — “I’m the Ocean,” “Homefires,” “Burned,” “On the Way Home,” “If You Got Love,” and “A Dream That Can Last” — mirror the opening sequence of the new album.

“The feeling is captured, not in pieces, but as a whole piece — designed to be listened to that way,” the musician said of his latest album in a statement. “This music presentation defies shuffling, digital organization, separation. Only for listening. That says it all.”

Nicki Minaj, ‘Pink Friday 2’ (Young Money/Republic)

There’s been months, even years, of hype surrounding Nicki Minaj’s forthcoming fifth studio album, her first since 2018’s “Queen.” The New York City rapper has been baiting “Pink Friday 2” since a 2019 press run. But now after one last sneakily calculated delay announcement, it’s set to drop on Minaj’s 41st birthday, Dec. 8.

And there are some seriously contrasting sounds on the album’s early singles.

“Super Freaky Girl,” which first surfaced last year, sees Minaj delivering her signature raunchy raps over a bouncy Dr.

Luke-produced beat. But on “Last Time I Saw You,” Minaj takes an introspective turn for an R&B pop song where she longs for a lover who slipped away from her grasp. It’s a dynamic tune and a show of tender expression from the usually hardcoated star.

SONGS OF THE MOMENT

Foo Fighters and H.E.R., ‘The Glass’ (Roswell Records)

Last month, Vallejo native H.E.R. made a surprise appearance on “Saturday Night Live,” joining Foo Fighters for a rendition of the band’s song “The Glass.” Now, the collaboration is official as the pair have released a studio version of the single, polishing the edges of that first

live performance, with H.E.R. assuming lead vocal duties from Foo’s frontman Dave Grohl.

The track is a deeply emotional paean to the band’s late drummer Taylor Hawkins, with H.E.R. flashing her unique ability to shape-shift easily from R&B singer to flat-out rock star.

Björk and Rosalía, ‘Oral’ (One Little Independent Records)

Icelandic avant-pop icon Björk and world-sweeping Spanish singer Rosalía have joined forces for their first-ever collaboration.

“Oral” was first written by Björk more than two decades ago, shortly after the release of her masterful 1997 album, “Homogenic,” which explored the natural beauty of the world and love’s role as the ultimate polarizing force. Now with Rosalía on the track, their seesaw duet is downright ethereal.

“Oral” also features production by Irish Chilean producer Sega Bodega, whose electronic drums call to mind the “Homogenic”-era beats of British DJ Mark Bell.

Proceeds from the single benefit the Icelandic Wildlife Fund and its legal action against open-pen salmon farming practices by Norwegian companies that are impacting Icelandic ecosystems.

HOLIDAY SONG OF THE MOMENT

Larry & Joe, ‘Mi Burrito Sabanero’ (Independent)

Larry & Joe are an unexpected pair. A noted Venezuelan llanera music harpist and multifaceted strings player, Larry Bellorín was forced into exile from his native land and fled to North Carolina. It was there he met

Grammy-nominated bluegrass and old-time strings man Joe Troop. Together, they fuse Appalachian folk and traditional Venezuelan music in dizzying ways.

A departure from the same ol’ holiday music that play on repeat at malls this time of year, their latest single is a whimsical spin on Venezuelan harpist Hugo Blanco’s 1975 Christmas tune. It’s an alluring display of their multi-instrumentalism, with Bellorín setting aside his usual Venezuelan harp in favor of his country’s four-string cuatro guitar and Troop on twin fiddles.

While forged in South American tradition, the festive song also features familiar melodies of classic North American Christmas carols.

NBCUniversal Media Foo Fighters and special guest H.E.R. perform “The Glass” on “Saturday Night Live” on Oct. 28. A studio version of the single has been released.