A new year means a new slate for albums being released. Given that music releases often fluctuate throughout the year, it was a bit challenging to pin down a concrete list of new releases that were both relevant and interesting to me personally. However, I have compiled a list of five of the most intriguing albums either confirmed or rumored for a 2023 release.
Zach Bryan - Untitled Album (TBA)
There are two guarantees with Zach Bryan: his lyrics are going to be gut-wrenchingly beautiful and his releases will be announced seemingly at random. Bryan has been known to simply reply to tweets on Twitter about releasing new music and then drop the songs the same day. Little is known about the length, artwork or name of this upcoming album. Bryan originally announced on Twitter the album will be ready in Feb. However, he recently announced on Twitter that the album will release at a later date. This album will most likely contain his latest hit “Burn, Burn, Burn” as well as some other previous releases such as “Starved,” “Fifth of May” and “Dawns.” Bryan has teased a seemingly countless number of songs on Twitter and TikTok over the last couple of months. This means that the record will likely have a wide variety of different tracks that he has been working on since his last studio release, “Summertime Blues,” back in July.
2. Dua Lipa - Untitled Album (TBA)
Pop star Dua Lipa has a tough task trying to top her massively successful 2020 sophomore album, “Future Nostalgia.” The record is chalked full of fun, incredibly catchy tracks such as “Don’t Start Now,” “Break My Heart” and the smash-hit “Levitating.” Following a Grammy-winning album is never easy, but I’m more than confident that Lipa can deliver. There is no set date for this album yet. However, Lipa has posted pictures of her in the studio as recently as Jan. 20. She has also expressed in an interview with Variety that she wants this upcoming album to be more lyrical than her prior disco-pop influenced records. Being a lyrics-first music listener, I am very excited to see what Dua Lipa has to offer on this record.
3. Jordan Davis - “Bluebird Days” (Feb. 17)
Jordan Davis is one of the most enjoyable mainstream country acts at the moment. Davis often rides the fine line between pop and country and blends them beautifully. He continuously makes fun, summer country songs that have clever lyrics with fun, light grooves. “Bluebird Days” is following the massive success that Davis has had with his smash hit “Buy Dirt;” which has gone double platinum as of writing this. Though I would be lying if I said that Davis is the most prolific songwriter in the genre, he often delivers very enjoyable music with smooth vocals. The album is likely to be a very successful mainstream country release.
4. Metallica - “72 Seasons” (April 14)
After a six-year hiatus, the legendary metal band is finally releasing a new album. “72 Seasons” marks Metallica’s 11th studio album since their debut in 1983. The band has had monster hits over the better part of the last five decades. Famous for “Enter Sandman,” “For Whom the Bell Tolls” and “Master of Puppets,” the band has had a seemingly countless number of hits over the years. “72 Seasons” is coupled with a massive world stadium tour spanning from April 2023 to September 2024. The following two years of Metallica should be a dream come true for nearly every metal fan out there. The record will be a tight 12 tracks, including two pre-released songs: “Screaming Suicide” and “Lux Æterna.”
5. Travis Scott - “Utopia” (TBA)
It’s been nearly five years since Scott’s most recent release, “ASTROWORLD.” The artist’s previous hit is arguably one of the most successful modern rap albums, going triple platinum and receiving critical success universally. Since the 2018 album, Scott has released three singles along with multiple feature appearances. It is rumored that the album will be released in early 2023 alongside a tour. Scott has also hinted at the album leaning towards psychedelic rock instead of his usual trap-influenced sound. He is one of the most exciting rappers today; hopefully “Utopia” can live up to its predecessor’s success.
This list is just scratching the surface of some of the music releases scheduled for 2023. Stellar artists such as Sam Smith, Paramore, Dierks Bentley, M83, Lana Del Ray and Elle Goulding are also releasing projects throughout the year. Here’s to hoping for another spectacular year of music in 2023.
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