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17 albums to look forward to in 2017

As the world seemingly crashed down around us, musicians pulled through in 2016 - releasing ...
Newstalk
Newstalk

15.23 9 Jan 2017


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17 albums to look forward to i...

17 albums to look forward to in 2017

Newstalk
Newstalk

15.23 9 Jan 2017


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As the world seemingly crashed down around us, musicians pulled through in 2016 - releasing a bumper crop of stellar records.

While few artists have confirmed release dates for their new records, it's heavily rumoured that some pop juggernauts are planning on dropping albums this year - including Lorde, Katy Perry and Taylor Swift.

Here's what we know so far about this year's potential drop:

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Ed Sheeran - ÷ (Divide) - Release date TBA

Image: John Stillwell PA Wire/PA Images

After taking two years out (and a brief social media hiatus) to work on music, Ed Sheeran returns this year with '÷' - pronounced 'Divide'. There's been no confirmed release date for this yet - but the singer-songwriter released two singles in the lead-in to the LP to satiate fans.

He's currently being held back from securing the number one spot ... By his own song, naturally. 

Listen to both below:

Sampha - Process - February 3rd

Serial collaborator, producer and all-round good guy Sampha has finally nailed down a release date for his first record after what seems like an age.

You're probably already familiar with his work with SBTRKT, Kanye West, Jessie Ware and Drake. Expect big things from the London wonder boy.

Ryan Adams - Prisoner - February 27th

Ryan Adams has a habit of releasing albums at a rate of knots (seriously - he's released 15 since 2000).

He's finished covering Taylor Swift's doe-eyed brand of pop in favour of releasing some original tunes - expect much of the same angsty sad-man rock from his 16th studio album next month.

Kehlani - SweetSexySavage - February 27th 

2016 gave us a new brand of popstar in Kehlani.

Having weathered a very public break-up, cheating scandal and suicide attempt, the 21 year old is looking to set the record straight on her debut album.

Questionable title aside, 'SweetSexySavage' will make for an interesting listen.

Erik Hassle - Innocence Lost - February 27th

The Scandinavians are great at two things - making flat-pack furniture and producing immaculately polished popstars. 

Erik Hassle has been knocking around the scene for some time - this is his fourth album - but his experience in the field doesn't impede on his ability to produce classic pop like a newcomer. 

The Shins - Heartworms - March 10th

Following their rollick around the stage at last summer's Electric Picnic, indie darlings The Shins are back with their long-awaited follow-up to 'Port Of Marrow'.

'Heartworms' is available from March 10th - listen to recently debuted 'Name For You' below:

Lorde - TBA - TBA

 

a tough as guts balloon veteran

A photo posted by Lorde (@lordemusic) on

Lorde is continuing to test her fans patience, as the wait for her sophomore album continues.

Her debut album Pure Heroine boasted one of the earworms of 2013 - Royals - but it's been radio silence ever since.

On her 20th birthday, however, she did confirm on Facebook that her upcoming album contained the best lyrics she's ever written in her life. So, there's that.

Katy Perry - TBA - TBA 

Image: Jordan Strauss AP/Press Association Images

Katy Perry took a breather from dismantling chart records to continue her rivalry with former friend Taylor Swift and start going out with Orlando Bloom.

Between that, she did manage to release a song for the Olympics - Rise - but there's no word yet as to whether she'll be taking that tone through to the new record.

Watch this space...

Beck - TBA - TBA 

Kanye's second favourite person to interrupt, Beck is poised to release a follow-up to his Grammy-award winning 'Morning Phase' this year.

Dreams was released as part of the FIFA '16 soundtrack, and marks a significant departure from his usual sound. 

Get your dancing shoes on - 2017 is looking like a funky one.

Arctic Monkeys - TBA - TBA 

Image: Anthony Devlin PA Wire/PA Images

Sheffield sweethearts Arctic Monkeys have regrouped following members' respective solo projects. BBC’s Shamir Masri broke the news with a tweet earlier this morning. “Alex Turner told me during an interview for BBC Sheffield they are coming back to Sheffield to pen a new album,” Masri wrote. “It IS happening!”

The band last released an album in 2013, with 'AM' solidifying their place in musical history as the first independent label band with five consecutive number 1 albums in the UK.

Will it be sixth time lucky this year?

Gorillaz - TBA - TBA 

The cartoon comeback has been all but confirmed by band member Damon Albarn last year.

As well as that, the band have been implementing a seriously mysterious social media campaign. Lead guitarist (and fictional character) of the supergroup Noodle recently dropped her own 30-minute playlist made up of music by "kick-ass women".

Keep your eyes peeled on their social media accounts for further updates.

London Grammar - TBA - TBA

A band who were inescapable in 2013 remained relatively quiet until this year. The band recently released the typically-ethereal Rooting For You, with a sophmore album of similarly dreamy sounds-scapes to follow.

Expect the song to be featured in every second TV advertisement/television drama this year.

Nick Minaj - TBA - TBA 

Image: Matt Sayles AP/Press Association Images

New year, new Nicki! The leading female figure in hip-hop confirmed this week she's ditched rapper boyfriend Meek Mill and is currently working on new music for 2017.

On her most recent release, she put her own spin on the song most famously associated with the Mannequin Challenge, name-checking Donald Trump on the stomping Black Barbie.

Taylor Swift - TBA - TBA

Image: Charles Sykes AP/Press Association Images

T-Swizzle's attempted to keep a relatively low-profile following the saturation that was her last album 1989, and a well-publicised falling out with Mr and Mrs Kardashian-West.

She usually releases albums every two years, but broke that pattern last year in order to take some time away from the stage. However, she's since featured on the soundtrack for 50 Shades Darker with former-One Direction star Zayn Malik.

If she is to release something this year, we're expecting the clapbacks of all clapbacks - and maybe a tune or two about Tom Hiddleston. 

Phoenix - TBA - TBA

Image: Joel Ryan AP/Press Association Images

Rumblings surrounding French favourites Phoenix continue to grow following the announcement that they will be headlining the Governor's Ball in New York City in June.

As well as that, they mysteriously changed their social media themes to a TV holding screen image.

The plot thickens...

The Killers - TBA - TBA

Having recently performed with Paul McCartney and releasing a Christmas compilation album, The Killers are looking to get back in the saddle with a 2017 LP release.

Their last record as group 'Battle Born' was suitably slaughtered by critics and fans alike, with Brandon Flowers' second solo effort inciting middling reactions.

In 2013, the band played Phoenix Park with support from Haim, Two Door Cinema Club and Frank Ocean.

Haim - TBA - TBA

Image: Jack Plunkett AP/Press Association Images

Speak of the devil, Haim's sophomore record was pushed back to this year, with eyes at a summer release date.

They were supposed to perform at Electric Picnic, but cancelled their appearance to focus on the new album.

Producer Ariel Rechtshaid and former Vampire Weekend member Rostam Batmanglij have already been listed as collaborators.

 


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