I have been watching Twitter feeds, scouring forums, taking in every rumour on Tumblr and reading mainstream media articles to give some insight on who is releasing what in 2013, and already 2013 is going to blow 2012's slim pickings out of the water. With both major releases from some of the biggest stars to debuts from those up-and-coming darlings that only you hipsters may have heard of, here are my top 25 most anticipated albums of 2013
1.AlunaGeorge
The UK-based electronic duo came in second on BBCs Sound of 2013 poll and are set to release their first full length, Body Music in June. Their blend of futuristic pop and R&B has the industry speaking their praises so let's hope they live up to the hype and don't have the one hit wonder tag attached to them.
2.Justin Timberlake
It was a surprise to everyone when Mr. Justin Timberlake, who has only released 2 multi-platinum LPs in the last 10 years, was coming back to music (maybe Mrs.Timberlake knocked some sense into him). Even after serving up the basic and dated "Suit and Tie," I'm still expecting big things from "The 20/20 Experience"
3.Beyonce
The Queen B is looking to stage a comeback like no other. After 2011's "4" got critical praise, but didn't have the sales or single success to back it up, she went and had Baby Blue and laid low for a bit. Signing a multi-million dollar deal with Pepsi, reforming Destiny's Child for the Super Bowl and that uber-sexy GQ spread all seem to be the tip of the iceberg, as she plans to bring back 90s R&B for this era, working with the likes of Miguel and The Dream.
4.King Krule
It would be a major disappointment if this 18 year old soul didn't release anything in the new year. After serving listeners with a blend of jazz and surf rock on "Rock Bottom" and 50s soul with "Out for Ribs" we can only hope and pray that the full length debut that we have been promised sometime in the spring comes and greets us with more than open arms.
5.Jay Park
The former 2PM member turned solo phenom Jay Park had one of the best selling albums of 2012 in South Korea, with his blend of R&B, dance-pop, rap and placed #2 on the Best Albums of 2012 list. New Years he uploaded a video saying that a new album was in the works for 2013, made himself an Instagram account and has tweeted on numerous occasions the progress of the album. My body is ready...
6.Alexis Jordan
StarRoc's first lady is back! "Happiness," her first big hit was one of the best songs of 2011 and I only hope that she can somehow duplicate its success and has found a niche that she can stick with, as her debut was a bit on the lackluster side. First single, "Acid Rain" was penned by Sia and produced by Stargate, so I'm expecting nothing less than the best.
7.Hilary Duff
Rumours about the original Disney princess releasing a new album since 2007's "Dignity" have been around for years, but it was confirmed straight from the source that she was in the studio working on new tunes and she's within arms reach of serving us something fresh again. "Dignity" was already ahead of its time unlike one person who claimed her album was ahead of its time (looks at many unsold copies of "Bionic") and hopefully Miss Duff will be just as innovative as she was back then.
8.Britney Spears
She was on the X-Factor for one season. After announcing via Twitter that she planned on focusing on her music and has been back in the studio with the likes of Danja and Hit Boy, we are expecting either a finer-tuned version of 2007's "Blackout" or a whole new Britney, since she also stated she was working with some up-and-coming producers as well.
The fierce foursome have been promising a English debut produced by the likes of Will.i.am for what seems like an eternity now, but YG (their label) says that they going to be focused on their South Korean promotions this time around. They gave us the innovative "I Love You," one of the more memorable K-Pop songs of last year, so expect more genre bending, haphazardly full of swag K-Pop from CL, Bom, Minzy, and Dara.
The alt/rockers known as Cartel just finished mastering their fourth album, which will follow 2009's "Cycles" and 2011's EP "In Stereo". The band has consistently been able to maintain the powerpop/punk sound since their earlier days, but we are anticipating a bit more variety with this one. Either way, who doesn't like new Cartel?!
With the renewed popularity that "Give Your Heart a Break" gave her along with some much needed exposure via The X-Factor, the singer is looking to release her fourth LP. This time, she's looking to Grammy and Golden Globe winner Adele for inspiration.
I'm banking on Kanye having a child on the way to return him to true form. Even though both fans and critics ate up his last solo effort, "My Beautiful Dark and Twisted Fantasy,"I personally was turned off by the amount of arrogance that he was spewing (and let us not forget that atrocious album cover). However, it didn't turn me off Kanye completely, even if his rapping style has been a bit lackluster as of late (looks at lyrics from "Marvin Gaye and Chardonay", "Niggas in Paris" "Mercy") Maybe getting Kim Kardashian pregnant will give us some "Graduation" or "808s and Heartbreak" realness.
The trio who were the epitome of UK chaviness (more so than Cher Lloyd I believe) with cuts like "Betty Woz Gone" and the very graphic "Love Me". Progressively showed why they deserved their record deal with soulful Motown-esque cuts like "Black Heart" and "See Me Like This. With their self-titled debut to come out this March, I hope they continue the string of soulful songs rather than tounge-in-cheek rauch.
2012 promised us the long awaited third from twins Jessica and Lisa Origliasso. However, we were treated to one song, the dark pop-dub-club that was "Lolita" which fared decently on the charts. However, one song in how many years will not tide their fans for so long, so I'm going to need them to kick into high gear with a new single between now and March and "Life on Mars" to follow late spring.
If she could avoid getting into Twitter feuds with other female MCs and gossip bloggers, maybe we could finally get Banks' long talked about "Broke With Expensive Taste". The album has yet to have an official lead single or any information other than the fact that she had time to release an EP, slew of free tracks, and that she has been working with Paul Epworth. The hype can only go on for so long, so we need something cohesive or Miss B-A-N-K-S can remove the s and add R-U-P-T to the rest.
The Southern California collective released their debut album in 2010 and fans have been eagerly awaiting news on a brand new work. 2012 saw a few loose songs released here and there, but with the band's new top forty ready single, "Too Fucked Up To Call", we are patiently waiting for their sophomore set to snatch wigs and slay existences all over again.
Even though we weren't expecting any new Adele music for ages, the diamond-certified singer confirmed she had begun work on the follow-up to the highly successful "21", which is still selling like hotcakes almost two years late. Without any heartbreak in sight and a Golden Globe to add to many accolades, we see Adele writing about the joys of being a new mother, but still dishing out some emotional and heartfelt tuneage (Taylor Swift take note.)
The normally bubbly artist seems to be taking a darker route with her third studio effort "Girl Talk." if we can take any indication from songs like "Under-Estimate The Girl" and "Death Proof" we may have some rock-inspired girl anthems, in addition to some bouncy pop ala first single "3AM". This will also be Nash's first independent release.
2012 gave us Frank Ocean and his style of vulnerable R&B. 2013 is looking to be R&B crooner/ songwriter Elijah Blake's turn. With writing credits on songs from the likes of Keyshia Cole, Rick Ross, and Usher, he is looking to step out on his own and claim some of that singing landscape for Roc Nation. He released his "Bijox 22" EP to much praise, so let's see what the kid can do with a full set.
Alternative club queen Katy B left others in the dirt with her debut album, "On a Mission," which yielded three top ten singles, critical acclaim, and a Mercury Prize nom. She released the "Danger" EP at the end of last year, which caused an upset in many people's Best of lists. Katy will release her sophomore set with assistance from her supergroup of three: Geenus, Zinc, and Benga but we wouldn't be opposed to a Calvin Harris or Skream collaboration.
The soulful singer who was all over VH1's "You Oughta Know" back in 2009 has been hard at work on her follow-up her hit and miss, "Bible Belt," which spawned singles "Valentino" and "Nothing But a Miracle." Following a hectic tour schedule, she was able to tap Eg White (who wrote songs for Adele), and readying to release "Darklight" in early 2013.
2013 will be the year of Foxes. 2011 gave us the under the radar gem of "Youth". 2012 saw her release her first EP, "Warrior", one off single, "Echo" and a collaboration with DJ Zedd which is getting the mainstream push. We definitely see a long player from her, but another EP would satisfy as well.
Nine of South Korea's most popular idols are looking to the shores of the USA yet again to see if they can integrate themselves into the mainstream much like PSY did. The girls plan on releasing an English version of their hit album, "I Got a Boy" which was released earlier this month in their native country. If the sporadic, 5-songs-in-1 flawlessness that is the title track is any indication, maybe they have a chance at some longevity.
Autoheart is one of the artists that can hopefully make a bigger name for themselves in the new year. 2012 gave us "Control" which easily blew some of the major single releases out of the water, but didn't get the coverage or support. The band is gearing up to release their debut album, "Punch" sometime in the near future and Tracy Chapman-meets-The Smiths sound that we get from cuts like "The Sailor Song," you definitely want to check it out.
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