In terms of noteworthy album releases, this summer was certainly one for the books.
Roger Waters prompted a resurgence of rock popularity with his new album “Is This the Life We Really Want?” and an extensive tour to match. Meanwhile, Calvin Harris and DJ Khaled both dropped LPs teeming with danceable bops, and JAY Z expanded his notoriety in the hip-hop / rap world with “4:44.”
Alternative artists, though, were undebatably the most powerful force to be reckoned with, churning out knockout albums ranging from Halsey’s “hopeless fountain kingdom” and LANY’s self-titled debut LP to Lorde’s “Melodrama” and alt-J’s “RELAXER.”
Even though summer’s discography may seem hard to beat, this upcoming fall is set to feature an impressive array of new albums that may surpass the prior season. Not all albums on the horizon have been given solid release dates yet, but here are 10 you can and certainly should anticipate in the semester to come.
10. Tegan and Sara — “The Con X: Covers”
This Grammy-nominated, indie pop duo — comprised of identical twin sisters from Alberta, Canada — has toured with the likes of Neil Young, The Pretenders and The Killers. They are perhaps most well-known for their thrumming 2013 electro-pop jam “Closer.” The band is set to release its ninth studio album with an interesting twist — 14 of their favorite artists will cover each of the tracks featured on their 2007 album “The Con.”
Scheduled Release Date — Oct. 13
9. The Pains of Being Pure at Heart — “The Echo Of Pleasure”
Vocalist and songwriter Kip Berman sits at the center of this New York City-based synthpop band. Since first putting itself on the map with a self-produced EP in 2007, the group has released three studio LPs under various labels. The nine-track album is set to amplify their characteristically smooth yet guitar-heavy sound.
Scheduled Release Date — Sept. 1
8. Shania Twain — “NOW”
This acclaimed country pop powerhouse has sold over 90 million records over the course of her extensive career — and it’s not just because of the iconic track “Man! I Feel Like A Woman.” Following a nearly 15-year release drought, Twain is poised to unleash her fifth studio album in a little over a month, after having already dropped the LP’s lead single “Life’s About to Get Good” on June 15.
Scheduled Release Date — Sept. 29
7. P!nk — “Beautiful Trauma”
P!nk has been a dominant presence in the pop rock scene since the early 2000s, and the 37-year-old shows no signs of stopping as she preps to drop her seventh studio album. As indicated by the album’s pre-released single “What About Us,” one can expect a whole lot of grit and plenty more belt-heavy tracks from this LP.
Scheduled Release Date — Oct. 13
6. The Killers — “Wonderful Wonderful”
Top alt-rock hits like “Mr. Brightside” and “Somebody Told Me” have earned this four-member, Las Vegas-based band international fame. The group’s fifth studio album, written partially in rented homes in San Diego and Joshua Tree National Park, will feature 10 tracks — including the palpitating, pre-released hit “Run For Cover.”
Scheduled Release Date — Sept. 22
5. Orchestral Manoeuvres In The Dark — “The Punishment of Luxury”
This English synth-pop band first gained ground in late-1970s Europe, and its song “If You Leave” was even featured in the acclaimed 1986 film “Pretty In Pink.” Nearly 40 years later, the timeless group is set to reinvigorate their fanbase with their thirteenth studio album. The album’s pre-released track “The View From Here” features the group’s same characteristically captivating sound — yet it also hints at artistic growth and a restructuring around music’s current electro trends.
Scheduled Release Date — Sept. 1
4. Jack Johnson — “All The Light Above It Too”
The former professional surfer and renowned singer-songwriter first gained attention after releasing his debut album “Brushfire Fairytales” in 2001. Since then, Johnson has dropped five additional studio albums and plans to release his first in four years with “All The Light Above It Too.” The folk-rock musician has already pre-released the LP’s first single “My Mind Is for Sale,” which reached the number 40 slot on the US Billboard Hot Rock Songs chart, as well as the second single “Sunsets for Somebody Else.”
Scheduled Release Date — Sept. 8
3. MØ — TBA
Perhaps best known for her feature in Major Lazer and DJ Snake’s chart-topping hit “Lean On,” this Danish breakthrough artist is gaining popularity quickly in the world of indie pop. This much-anticipated and presently untitled album will be her second LP to date, and it will expand her repertoire of dance-worthy, synth jams.
Scheduled Release Date — TBD
2. Miley Cyrus — “Younger Now”
Despite her initial country roots, this Tennessean superstar has found her niche in the world of pop music. Cyrus plans to depart from the booze-infused and overtly-explicit sounds of “Miley Cyrus & Her Dead Petz” and pursue a return to her younger self — as suggested by the album’s title. Pre-released tracks, including “Inspired” and “Malibu,” hint at a lighter, country-dusted tone.
Scheduled Release Date — Sept. 29
1. MUTEMATH — “Play Dead”
“Play Dead” is set to be the fifth studio album released by the New Orleans-originated, alternative rock trio. The first single off the album, “Hit Parade,” was pre-released on June 6 and foreshadows an album full of electro-heavy anthems, laced with layered harmonies and reverberating guitar riffs.
Scheduled Release Date — Sept. 8
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