Since debuting in 2011, English-born polymath Devonté Hynes has shaped the sounds of pop stars Solange, Mariah Carey, and Kylie Monogue. His loving and artful approach to music-making laces R&B with New Wave and jazz. But as Blood Orange, his musical name, a synthy gossamer binds his influences and belies their boldness. The music is equal parts pleasing and disquieting, with lyrics that echo the sonic ambivalence while exploring subjects such as race and gender. A single Blood Orange song might be a bop to dance to or a ballad to cry to. Or perhaps both at once. —C.J.F.