We’re at the beginning of a new year where everything seems fresh and promising. There’s no doubt that music lovers are excited to see what new music lies ahead.
Last year, we saw a number of major players like Katy Perry, Demi Lovato, Kelly Clarkson, Taylor Swift, Kesha, Fergie, Sam Smith, Ed Sheeran, Pink, and many more, released new records. 2018 will be no different. Icons from the past as well as hot favourites are expected to return to the pop charts with their new albums.
Here are our top picks:
1. Justin Timberlake
At the start of the year, Justin Timberlake dropped the first bombshell of 2018 – he’ll be debuting his 5th solo album just 2 days before halftime set at Super Bowl LII. Titled “Man Of The Woods”, the 37-year-old singer describes this record as a “personal album” and it is a tribute to his 2-year-old son, Silas, which means “living in the woods”.
According to Billboard, Silas’ will be making a cameo on the album’s closing track, “Young Man”. However, we’re most excited for “Morning Light” and “Say Something”, which feature Alicia Keys and Chris Stapleton respectively. “Man Of The Woods” will be available on 2nd February.
2. Kylie Minogue
Ready or not, dance goddess Kylie Minogue is gracing us with a new single (“Dancing”) and a brand new album (“Golden”).
“I promised my fans that I would be putting my heart and soul into this record, and I stayed true to my word. I was able to do that, which was challenging and fun and rewarding and it’s ended up with a different direction for sure. But essentially I’d still say it’s very much a Kylie record,” the 49-year-old Aussie entertainer was quoted as saying. “Golden” will mark Minogue’s 14th studio album.
3. “Fifty Shades Freed” soundtrack
“Fifty Shades Freed” is bound to be one of the sexiest soundtrack released this year. The first 2 catchy singles “For You” (by Liam Payne and Rita Ora) and “Capital Letters” (Hailee Steinfeld with BloodPop) have already hit the internet. In addition, pop artists like Sia, Dua Lipa, Julia Michaels, and Jessie J are also featured on the official soundtrack.
Oh, did we mention that there’s also a song by Jamie Dornan? Yep, Christian Grey himself will singing a cover version of Paul McCartney’s classic love song “Maybe I’m Amazed”.
4. The One Direction alums
Both Harry Styles and Niall Horan released their debut albums last year. While Zayn Malik’s “Mind of Mine” solo record was released in 2016, he and the remaining two members – Liam Payne and Louis Tomlinson (also the first two members to enter fatherhood) – are expected to drop their new albums this year.
In addition Payne’s duet with Ora, Malik’s “Dusk Till Dawn” (feat Sia) and Tomlinson’s singles (“Back to You” and “Miss You”) have also been well-received by Directioners. It’s been amazing to watch each of these former One Direction members come into their own artistry separately. Fans can be rest assured that their upcoming albums won’t disappoint.
5. Rita Ora
The news keeps getting better. Liam Payne’s collaborator, Rita Ora, is also hoping to drop her album soon. After so many delays (she kickstarted her sophomore album campaign in 2014), Ora’s long overdue record is finally coming out this year. “I’m aiming for March,” she recently told South China Morning Post, adding that the album will including the already-released singles “Your Song” and “Anywhere”.
“The album is quite personal. I’ve written a lot about my journey and the experiences I’ve had with people while getting to where I am today, being able to be free with my music,” the 27-year-old added, referring to her new label with Atlantic Records after parting ways with Roc Nation.
Last week, Ora even released an LGBTQ anthem, “Proud”, that encourages acceptance. “My whole life has been very weird in a lot of places and people thought I was a crazy person and would look at how I dressed and think I was crazy—all that type of stuff. The only people who didn’t think that was the LGBTQ community. Since even before I became a public figure. I’ve always felt like I owe a lot to the community because I’ve always had a family there. It’s helped me to become the person I am today,” the singer told Out Magazine.
6. Charlie Puth
The biggest difference about Charlie Puth’s upcoming second album from his debut album, “Nine Track Mind”, are the lyrics. The 26-year-old singer previously shared that there will be less “love ballads”. On why he chose to name his sophomore album “Voicenotes”, Puth shared, “The reason why is because every song — I produced the whole album – every song came about from the Voice Notes app on my iPhone.”
“Voicenotes” was originally slated for release on 19th January, but it has since been pushed back to 11th May, because well, he’s “producing this album all myself” and the hitmaker is known to be a perfectionist. Three songs have been released so far – “Attention”, “How Long”, and recently, “If You Leave Me Now” featuring Boyz II Men.
7. Selena Gomez
The past two years have been rough on Selena Gomez. The former Disney star took a much needed break due to health reasons. After a successful kidney surgery, Gomez has finally found her way back to the recording studio and has been working on her highly anticipated LP. The pop star’s singles from 2017 include “It Ain’t Me”, “Bad Liar”, “Fetish”, and “Wolves”. Fingers crossed we’ll get a full-length album before the year ends.
8. Jay Chou
In celebration of his 39th birthday, Jay Chou (周杰倫) released a new single titled, “Waiting For You (等你下课)”. His new song is about a teenage boy who has a crush on a girl at school, but he’s too afraid to profess his love. “This is to encourage my fans to study hard and get into the same school as their crushes!” joked the Mando-pop King.
To echo Bandwagon, the Taiwanese musician has been sampling his early styles in his music composition and lyrics. His focus has also shifted to his role as parent. Perhaps this is an indication of the type of record fans will get to hear on his upcoming LP.
Other honorary mentions:
- Ariana Grande
- Carly Rae Jepsen
- Avril Lavigne
- Arctic Monkeys
- Cardi B
- Vampire Weekend
- Troye Sivan
What about you guys? Which upcoming albums are you most excited for this year? Leave us a comment and let us know ?
