100 albums still to come this year
The ongoing pandemic has affected everyone and everything, and the music industry is no exception. Production delays and tour cancellations are but two among a number of ways that artists are being forced to adapt. But adapt they do鈥攕ome of them anyway鈥攚ith a bevy of livestreams, DIY music videos, and upcoming album releases to show for it.
The good news is that 2020 still has a number of pleasant surprises in store. That includes new releases from big-name acts such as Katy Perry, Lana Del Rey, and The Killers, as well as unexpected reunions from bands like Secret Machines and Doves. There are also solo projects from Jons铆 (of Sigur R贸s) and Matt Berninger (of The National) to look forward to, as well as full-length debuts from Celeste, Nana Adjoa, and others.
dug into upcoming releases on the and release calendars and compiled a diverse list of 100 albums slated to arrive before the year's end. Titles are organized by release date and, within that, the artist's name.
Despite the proliferation of seasoned talent and fresh voices, listeners seeking pure escapism might come up a little shorthanded. These are troublesome and uncertain times and much of the forthcoming music reflects upon society's current struggles. Yet through the haze of alienation and despair comes the prevailing spirit of hope, empowerment, and fortitude. In turn, a sense of solidarity emerges and thereby unifies the artist with their audience. And so the communal experience lives on.
Of course, those who are seeking pure escapism will still find plenty to relish. That's the beauty of modern music in its wide-reaching and all-encompassing glory. Speaking of wide-reaching, it seems that a number of today's artists are embracing peripheral subgenres and instruments like never before, putting an eclectic mix of styles all in one place. It's but one more thing to look forward to from this year's remaining albums.
Keep reading to check out 100 albums still to come this year.
'Smile' by Katy Perry
- Release date: Aug. 14
Pop legend Katy Perry hasn鈥檛 released a new album since 2017鈥檚 鈥淲itness.鈥 The upcoming 鈥淪mile鈥 was initially slated for an Aug. 14 release, only to . She鈥檒l make up for the delay: Reports note that she'll appear live on Instagram every Sunday until the album drops.
'Bent Arcana' by Bent Arcana
- Release date: Aug. 21
The Oh Sees co-founder John Dwyer , which includes TV on the Radio鈥檚 Kyp Malone, among others. The band鈥檚 represents 鈥渇ive days of electrified and improvised sessions.鈥 Its 10-minute opening track is already available to stream.
'Down In The Weeds Where The World Once Was' by Bright Eyes
- Release date: Aug. 21
After a nine-year hiatus, and announced a series of tour dates earlier this year. The tour has since been postponed, but that hasn鈥檛 stopped the trio from releasing new music. Their upcoming album will from bassist Flea and drummer Jon Theodore of The Mars Volta and Queens of the Stone Age.
'Sugaregg' by Bully
- Release date: Aug. 21
Hailing from Nashville, Bully is the brainchild of frontwoman Alicia Bognanno. Their new album finds Bognanno adopting a more-upbeat approach toward her personal struggles. That extends to the lead single 鈥淲here to Start,鈥 which was
'Freeze, Melt' by Cut Copy
- Release date: Aug. 21
Aussie synth pop outfit Cut Copy have already released two tracks from an upcoming full-length album, their first in three years. One of those tracks is "Cold Water," and it incorporates understated textures in lieu of dance floor beats. According to frontman Dan Whitford, the song's atmospheric vibe
'Late Checkout' by Dent May
- Release date: Aug. 21
LA鈥檚 Dent May embraces the full potential of power-pop on his upcoming album, which features orchestral arrangements and backing vocals. Hovering just beneath the saccharine veneer is a classic tradition of American songwriting. This is the first album that May .
'Mirrored Aztec' by Guided by Voices
- Release date: Aug. 21
Indie rock pioneers Guided by Voices formed back in 1984, and have rebooted twice in the time since. Frontman Robert Pollard remains their prolific anchor, and this is just one of his many ongoing projects. The band recently promoted its upcoming album with , jokingly dubbed 鈥淲orld Tour 2020.鈥
'Eno Axis' by H.C. McEntire
- Release date: Aug. 21
H.C. McEntire spent two years touring with Angel Olsen before . Absorbing the beauty and stillness of her surroundings, she conjured up her latest batch of songs. The upcoming album blends various musical styles, including gospel and country rock.
'Motherhood' by No Joy
- Release date: Aug. 21
Formerly a duo, Montreal-based No Joy is now a solo project for front person Jasamine White-Gluz. While faithful to the shoegaze subgenre, the new work . The music video for lead single 鈥淏irthmark鈥 was .
'Awake In The Brain Chamber' by Secret Machines
- Release date: Aug. 21
Secret Machines was all but defunct until frontman Brandon Curtis and drummer Josh Garza . The creative sparks began to fly all over again, culminating with the group's first album in over a decade. Some of the songs reflect upon the untimely death of Brandon's brother, former bandmate Benjamin Curtis.
'In Sickness & In Flames' by The Front Bottoms
- Release date: Aug. 21
Mixing genres such as folk rock and punk, New Jersey鈥檚 The Front Bottoms is preparing to release its seventh album. Three singles and their adjoining videos have already hit the internet, including the recent "Montgomery Forever.鈥 According to a press release, the
'Imploding The Mirage' by The Killers
- Release date: Aug. 21
Led by frontman Brandon Flowers, Las Vegas-based The Killers have released just five albums in the last 17 years. 鈥淚mploding the Mirage鈥 will be their sixth, and it鈥檒l . Three of the album鈥檚 singles are currently available to stream.
'Songs For The General Public' by The Lemon Twigs
- Release date: Aug. 21
What was was pushed back to August due to COVID-19. The Lemon Twigs have assured fans that 鈥済ood things come to those who wait, and even better things come to those who wait longer.鈥 In the meantime, they鈥檙e already working on new material.
'The Third Gleam' by The Avett Brothers
- Release date: Aug. 28
Marking a return to their roots, on their upcoming third album. In the spirit of traditional folk music, the new material touches down on a range of American struggles. However, member Seth Avett claims that it鈥檚 鈥渂y no means a record defined by any specific social or cultural goal.鈥
'The Waltz of the Moonshine Blind' by The Beautiful Fear
- Release date: Aug. 28
Performing as The Beautiful Fear, British artist Matthew Bannister will unleash a sprawling double album this August. It juxtaposes lavish ethereal soundscapes with a range of highly-personal topics, . The eight-minute lead single "The Arndale Whale" .
'Rawer Than Raw' by Bobby Rush
- Release date: Aug. 28
86-year-old blues legend Bobby Rush gets 鈥淩awer Than Raw鈥 on his upcoming album of the same name. It comes on the heels of and Rush鈥檚 cameo in the film 鈥淒olemite Is My Name.鈥 The album will feature a mix of classic covers and original songs.
'Greenhouse' by Caitlin Pasko
- Release date: Aug. 28
Caitlin Pasko鈥檚 first full-length album explores the common ground between personal experience and the natural world. Composed , it takes inspiration from the adaptive abilities of plant life and ecosystems. At its soft-spoken core is a story of survival and transformation.
'ENERGY' by Disclosure
- Release date: Aug. 28
Brothers Guy and Howard Lawrence perform under the banner of Disclosure and dispense with a unique brand of UK house music. Their upcoming album from artists such as Kelis, Kehlani, Common, and others. The title track is currently available to stream and it features dialogue samples of preacher Eric Thomas.
'All Rise' by Gregory Porter
- Release date: Aug. 28
Jazz and soul phenom Gregory Porter dials up his songwriting talent for this latest effort. According to , the album is 鈥渆very bit as impressive as his growing collection of signature songs.鈥 Porter is larger than life at this very moment, with two Grammys under his belt and multiple broadcasting gigs.
'Epicycle II' by Gyda Valtysdottir
- Release date: Aug. 28
On the heels of 2017's "Epicycle" comes this long-awaited sequel from Icelandic multi-instrumentalist Gyda Valtysdottir. Produced by the musician herself, it features . Whereas the first "Epicycle" focused on the history of music, this one emphasizes contemporary soundscapes.
'Force To Reckon' by Half Gringa
- Release date: Aug. 28
The creation of artist Izzy Olive, Half Gringa cultivates a crossroads between Latinx rock and midwestern folk. Their 2017 debut 鈥淕ru帽ona鈥 struck a chord with both critics and audiences, and this new release will likely do the same. A handful of its tracks are currently available to stream.
'What Could Be Better' by The Happy Fits
- Release date: Aug. 28
The Happy Fits frontman to focus on music and write this latest collection of songs. Lead single 鈥淕o Dumb鈥 highlights the freedom of creatvitiy over the rigid expectations of a formal education. It鈥檚 joined by a clever .
'The Barfly Sessions' by Heidi Newfield
- Release date: Aug. 28
Country artist Heidi Newfield is unbound on her second full-length solo effort, which spans multiple styles and genres. The former Trick Pony frontwoman wrangled a bevy of talented collaborators when bringing the project to life. She and has writing credits on 12 out of its 14 songs.
'Sunwards' by Lasse Passage
- Release date: Aug. 28
Norway鈥檚 Lasse Passage conceived his upcoming album while travelling alone through Mexico, acoustic guitar in tow. What initially reveals deeper intricacies upon further listening. A number of acclaimed Scandinavian jazz artists provide back-up.
'but i'd rather be with you' by Molly Tuttle
- Release date: Aug. 28
Artist Molly Tuttle was the the International Bluegrass Music Association's Guitar Player of the Year for two years in a row. She stunned listeners with last year's genre-defying solo debut "When You're Ready" and her subsequent live shows. Her upcoming album includes covers of songs by The Rolling Stones, Grateful Dead, Rancid, The National, Harry Styles, and others.
'The Room' by Ricky Reed
- Release date: Aug. 28
Confined by the pandemic, producer . That led to the creation of 鈥淩eal Magic,鈥 now the lead single off of Reed鈥檚 forthcoming debut. The album will also feature collaborations with Leon Bridges, Jim James, Lido Pimienta, Duendita, Kiana Led茅 and John-Robert.
'The Baby' by Samia
- Release date: Aug. 28
Three years ago, New York pop singer Samia was and turning heads (and ears) in the process. Now she鈥檚 dropping her full-length album debut with help from music label Grand Jury. A series of popular singles have been paving the way for its official release.
'How to Be Human' by Suburban Living
- Release date: Aug. 28
Led by the single 鈥淢ain Street,鈥 Suburban Living鈥檚 new album injects relatable themes with shimmering synth textures. Reinforcing its core motifs, the cover artwork features a UFO flying over a desert city. Four tracks are currently available to stream.
'Got to Be Tough' by Toots & the Maytals
- Release date: Aug. 28
With origins going back to the 1960s, Toots & the Maytals played a . The group has disbanded and reformed over the years, while exploring peripheral subgenres such as ska. At the age of 77, Frederick 鈥淭oots鈥 Hibbert and his mighty Maytals are ready to deliver their first album of new material in a decade.
'Plum' by Widowspeak
- Release date: Aug. 28
Singer Molly Hamilton and guitarist Robert Earl Thomas make up the core of the band Widowspeak. Like the albums before it, their fifth release breathes new life into . Despite its nostalgic undertones, the now-available .
'Gold Record' by Bill Callahan
- Release date: Sept. 4
In the midst of a creative resurgence, songwriter Bill Callahan follows last year鈥檚 鈥淪hepherd in a Sheepskin Vest鈥 with another new album. It will include a , from when he used to perform as Smog. Five of its 10 tracks are now available to stream.
'You Say You Love Me鈥ut I Don鈥檛 Believe You' by Car Astor
- Release date: Sept. 4
The full-length debut from indie pop artist Car Astor (formerly known as SEE) will be an 鈥溾 affair. Lead single 鈥渆verything stays unspoken鈥 was the first song Car wrote for the album and it helped steer her in new musical directions. Expect a raw and emotional journey.
'Dandelion' by Carolina Story
- Release date: Sept. 4
Consisting of married duo Ben and Emily Roberts, Carolina Story will release their sophomore effort in early September. It mashes various styles and genres while telling tales of loneliness and despair. The group sought inspiration from the dandelion, which as a 鈥渉umble, unassuming plant that鈥檚 so tough it can grow through cracks in concrete.鈥
'Celeste' by Celeste
- Release date: Sept. 4
Expectations are high for soul singer Celeste, who was . Her eponymous debut album comes on the heels of acclaimed EPs and some notable TV appearances. She recently for the single 鈥淚 Can See The Change."
'All That Emotion' by Hannah Georgas
- Release date: Sept. 4
The new album from is "about healing, self-reflection, and getting up again at the end of the day." It was produced by Aaron Dessner of The National, with whom she recently toured. Three singles are currently available to stream.
'Faith' by Hurts
- Release date: Sept. 4
British synth-pop duo Hurts dropped their last album back in 2017 before hitting the pause button. Citing , singer Theo Hutchcraft wondered if the group would 鈥渕ake another album again.鈥 They have indeed made another album and it鈥檚 promising to be one of their most quintessential.
'Every Feeling On a Loop' by Josiah Johnson
- Release date: Sept. 4
Music fans might recognize Josiah Johnson as the co-founder of indie chart-toppers The Head and the Heart. His solo debut and the forging of new beginnings. It also calls upon a full spectrum of talented guest musicians.
'The Night We Raise' by Korine
- Release date: Sept. 4
Infusing retro synth pop with a modern touch, Philly-based Korine will release their sophomore effort through Other Voices Records. The duo recorded all of the , spanning four apartments. According to lyricist Morgy Ramone, the album represents the 鈥渇reedom in knowing who you are.鈥
'The Goldberg Variations' by Lang Lang
- Release date: Sept. 4
Continuing a classical tradition, pianist Lang Lang interprets 鈥淭he Goldberg Variations鈥 on his upcoming album. Bach鈥檚 original composition is often likened to 鈥渁 musical Everest鈥 and Lang Lang recorded two unique versions in two separate locations. One of those in Leipzig, Germany, a former workplace of Bach himself.
'Johnny' by Lawn
- Release date: Sept. 4
The upcoming album from Lawn will be the band's first with Hunter Keene on drums. He joins core members Mac Folger and Rui DeMagalhaes, who bring their diversified influences and passions to the table. It all and one that straddles multiple subgenres with seamless precision.
'Hannah' by Lomelda
- Release date: Sept. 4
Once dubbed a , Lomelda represents the indie rock project of musician Hannah Read. Whereas Read typically , she spent more time working and then reworking her latest material. Her brother .
'As Lost Through Collision' by Sprain
- Release date: Sept. 4
Sprain, a Los Angeles-based quartet, cranked up the sound and energy levels for their full-length debut, which comes on the heels of a 2018 EP. Fusing elements of modern slowcore and classic noise-rock, the new music . It consists of just five tracks, so listeners should anticipate a few epic compositions.
'Sun Racket' by Throwing Muses
- Release date: Sept. 4
Alt-rock trio Throwing Muses formed in 1981 and has kept the same core lineup since 1992. Their first album in seven years is It also represents a return to the band鈥檚 signature aesthetic of beautiful noise.
'Fall To Pieces' by Tricky
- Release date: Sept. 4
Adrian Nicholas Matthews Thaws aka Tricky has been a pioneer of the trip hop subgenre since the early 1990s. His latest as he continues to grapple with the tragic loss of his daughter, Mazy Topley-Bird. It arrives in the wake of an EP released earlier this year.
'Chemtrails over the Country Club' by Lana Del Rey
- Release date: Sept. 5
More than an album title, "Chemtrails over the Country Club" might very well encapsulate Lana Del Rey's unique perspective. Come early September, the popular singer will grace listeners with another striking fusion of apathy and glamour. She's also expected , "behind the iron gates 鈥 insights from an institution," in March of 2021.
'Paradise Lost' by Brothertiger
- Release date: Sept. 11
Brothertiger is the working pseudonym for Brooklyn-based chillwave artist John Jagos. His first full-length album in five years aims to . It follows two recently-released EPs and carries forward a tradition of personal reflection.
'The Universal Want' by Doves
- Release date: Sept. 11
It鈥檚 been 11 long years since UK rock trio Doves last released an album, 2009鈥檚 鈥淜ingdoms of Rust.鈥 They and then took that energy into the studio. Guitarist Jez Williams says that .
'Aftermath' by Elizabeth Cook
- Release date: Sept. 11
On her seventh album, Elizabeth Cook through a personal hell and how she made her way back.鈥 While drawing from real-life struggles, it also finds her in a state of unprecedented freedom. The lead single 鈥淧erfect Girls of Pop鈥 infers a sound that鈥檚 equal parts country and college rock.
'American Head' by The Flaming Lips
- Release date: Sept. 11
Self-identified spacemen The Flaming Lips are coming down to Earth for their latest release. Embracing their they鈥檝e put an oddball twist on a number of domestic themes. They鈥檙e also hoping to conjure the magic of previous classics such as 1999鈥檚 鈥淭he Soft Bulletin.鈥
'Yellow Cat' by Matt Costa
- Release date: Sept. 11
Culling from a variety of influences and inspirations, Matt Costa's forthcoming album is "a ." Despite its personal roots, the music's emotions and connotations feel universal in scope. The opening track "Avenal" was composed in the midst of a road trip to nowhere.
'Hands & Knees' by Two Bird Stone
- Release date: Sept. 11
As torchbearers of classic Americana, Two Bird Stone filled their debut album with rootsy instrumentals and timeless melodies. Bandmate Liam Thomas Bailey is an established act in his own right, who鈥檚 . The album also features a handful of guest performers, including folk singer Sarah Siskind.
'Shame' by Uniform
- Release date: Sept. 11
Noise rock trio Uniform takes the concepts of stasis and futility to mythical heights with their latest effort. Vocalist Michael Berdan to a 鈥渃lassic hard-boiled paperback novel without a case.鈥 Literary in essence perhaps, but it鈥檚 the aggressive sonics that will draw in most fans.
'Wreckless Abandon' by The Dirty Knobs
- Release date: Sept. 18
Former Heartbreaker Mike Campbell breaks out on his own as the leader of rock outfit The Dirty Knobs. The group first assembled 15 years ago and when he wasn鈥檛 playing with Tom Petty. Nashville singer Chris Stapleton and ex-bandmate Benmont Tench both make guest appearances on the album, which was .
'Breach' by Fenne Lily
- Release date: Sept. 18
Like so many artists and individuals in 2020, British singer Fenne Lily has been . Rather than submit, she breaks through emotional barriers with her newest collection of songs. The album title also and thereby takes on a double meaning.
'Quiet Lives' by Garrett Owen
- Release date: Sept. 18
A lead single called "These Modern Times" sets the stage for Garrett Owen's upcoming sophomore effort. Backed by protean instrumentals, the Texas-based troubadour juxtaposes gritty past experiences with present-day observations. The full album will and everyday paradoxes within a broad spectrum of musical stylings.
'Orca' by Gus Dapperton
- Release date: Sept. 18
Singer-songwriter when he sat down to write music for his new album. Those raw feelings have given way to an emotive piece of work and one with cathartic overtones. He鈥檚 already released two singles, 鈥淔irst Aid鈥 and 鈥淧ost Humorous.鈥
'Risking Illness' by Ian Wayne
- Release date: Sept. 18
on the upcoming album from indie folk musician Ian Wayne. The lead single 鈥淏aby鈥 is about the tragic loss of his three-year-old nephew while other songs deal with unrequited love. As creative types do, Wayne has turned great suffering into great art.
'The Speed of Now Part 1' by Keith Urban
- Release date: Sept. 18
In the middle of a self-quarantine update, country star Keith Urban surprised fans with the announcement of his 11th studio album. He that music helped slow down the rapid speed of life. Whether or not 鈥淧art 2鈥 will follow remains anyone鈥檚 guess.
'Tastes Like Yesterday' by Killer Whale
- Release date: Sept. 18
On their forthcoming release, Killer Whale blends southern R&B with sunny California rock and other musical influences. The album鈥檚 is anchored by songwriter Thomas Johnson鈥檚 laid back sensibilities. For those who just want to lose themselves in a series of relaxing tunes, look no further.
'Funeral For My Past' by Liz Longley
- Release date: Sept. 18
Liz Longley completed "Funeral For My Past" over a year ago, but it sat on the shelf due to label complications. Thanks to the power of Kickstarter, and bought back the distribution rights. At long last, this long-awaited album will see the light of day.
'Phases' by Lumiere
- Release date: Sept. 18
Greek composer Thanos Christodoulou performs under the guise of his musical alter-ego, Lumiere. His second full-length album expands upon its post-classical foundations to incorporate elements of electronic music and jazz. Its ultimate aim is to that grips the listener and becomes the exciting soundtrack of modern daydreamers.鈥
'Colour Vision' by Max
- Release date: Sept. 18
Singer Max Schneider鈥攂est known as MAX鈥攈as cultivated a loyal following by way of numerous streaming hits. His new album consists of 12 tracks, with artists such as Chromeo and Quinn XCII. Contrasting it with previous efforts, it was the 鈥渇irst time with an album I really felt it was truly complete.鈥
'Pure At Heart' by Photo Ops
- Release date: Sept. 18
With help from a friend, Terry Price aka Photo Ops recorded 鈥淧ure at Heart鈥 in his . The approach was partly inspired by the magic of older music, which was often the result of limitations. On the bouncy lead single 鈥淧lay On,鈥 Price hopes that humanity can push past the current climate and
'Tea for the Tillerman 2' by Yusuf/Cat Stevens
- Release date: Sept. 18
British legend Yusuf (formerly Cat Stevens) is celebrating the 鈥淭ea for Tillerman鈥 in novel fashion. Rather than merely reissue the material, he鈥檚 teamed up with its original producer to re-record the music from scratch. Listeners will hear new interpretations of established classics like 鈥淲ild World鈥 and 鈥淔ather and Son.鈥
'Stranger' by The Band of Heathens
- Release date: Sept. 25
The new album from Austin's Band of Heathens is being hyped as their "." Its title makes reference to iconic novels by Albert Camus and Robert Heinlein, and also to the group's own supportive fanbase. In the wake of tour cancellations, the band has been promoting the new material by way of livestream events.
'Deep Dark South' by Bendrix Littleton
- Release date: Sept. 25
Following the break-up of former band Bent Denim, Bennett Littlejohn became solo artist Bendrix Littleton. He spent two years working on his solo debut, which fuses elements of country music and dream pop. Its title track is currently available to stream.
'Mmxxtape' by D.A. Stern
- Release date: Sept. 25
Los Angeles-based artist D.A. Stern brings to the table when putting out his own music. He recently drew attention for his cover of Weird Al Yankovic鈥檚 鈥淪ince You鈥檝e Been Gone.鈥 It鈥檚 helping build momentum for his upcoming release, which will .
'New Signs of Life' by Death Bells
- Release date: Sept. 25
Indie outfit Death Bells is showing 鈥淣ew Signs of Life鈥 on its upcoming album indeed. Not only did the band recently , but they鈥檝e expanded upon their lineup and sound alike. This will be their first full-length release on the Dais Records label.
'Ultra Mono' by Idles
- Release date: Sept. 25
In a , Idles frontman Joe Talbot credited the band鈥檚 decade of obscurity with its current success. They broke through last year and continue to reap strength out of struggle. He described their upcoming release as being 鈥渧igorously Idles."
'Hyper Romance' by Jadu Heart
- Release date: Sept. 25
Hot on the heels of last year's "Melt Away," musical duo Jadu Heart are releasing their sophomore effort. Reflecting upon the experience of growing older, it . Six of the album's 11 tracks are already available to stream.
'Nectar' by Joji
- Release date: Sept. 25
Japan鈥檚 George Kusunoki Miller is a man of many talents and aliases, including the stage name Joji. His previous album was a shape-shifting bestseller and his next one . Lead single 鈥淕imme Love鈥 makes for a fitting preview, abruptly changing tone about halfway through.
'genesis' by Misty Boyce
- Release date: Sept. 25
Musician Misty Boyce spares no topic or target on her forthcoming album, which strikes a balance between personal and shared experience. By dismantling oppressive archetypes and institutions, it generates hope out of communal reawakening. For Boyce, the new era starts now and brings with it a new sound.
'Big Dreaming Ants' by Nana Adja
- Release date: Sept. 25
Dutch-Ghanaian singer Nana Adjoa to her upcoming debut. She鈥檚 already kicked things off with the release of 鈥淣o Room,鈥 which pays homage to her Ghanian heritage. The remaining album will likewise explore her unique cultural terrain.
'Hype Nostalgia' by Rituals of Mine
- Release date: Sept. 25
Rituals of Mine is the solo project of Terra Lopez, an experimental R&B artist and activist. Having recently lost both her father and close friend, Lopez injects palpable emotion into the material. Rather than focus purely on the pain, she tried to in which grief and joy could co-exist.鈥
'The Ascension' by Sufjan Stevens
- Release date: Sept. 25
Indie icon Sufjan Stevens was releasing full-length albums at a steady pace until 2015, when he started to pursue other projects. He's now back with his eighth studio album and its 12-minute lead single, "America." A true , Stevens performed, recorded, engineered, arranged, mixed, and produced all the material (with occasional help).
'Thomas Csorba' by Thomas Csorba
- Release date: Sept. 25
By channeling his musical heroes, Texas-born Thomas Csorba . His self-titled album continues the trend, and positions itself in the canon of folk and country classics. On songs like 鈥淎nother Man in Me,鈥 he鈥檚 .
'Haunted Painting' by Sad13
- Release date: Sept. 25
When Sadie Dupuis isn鈥檛 singing for grunge pop rockers Speedy Gomez, she鈥檚 performing solo as Sad13. Her follow-up to 2016鈥檚 鈥淪lugger鈥 features contributions from members of bands like Deerhoof and Pile. It was composed at various studios throughout America and .
'All Love Everything' by Aloe Blacc
- Release date: Oct. 2
Award-winning artist Aloe Blacc has grown a little older and a little wiser since the release of 2013鈥檚 鈥淟ift Your Spirit.鈥 Going deep on his forthcoming album, he gives various life experiences鈥攊ncluding fatherhood鈥攖he lyrical treatment. Genre-wise, listeners can
'Sororicide' by Hayley Thompson-King
- Release date: Oct. 2
Her name is Haley Thompson-King and she鈥檚 something of a musical sponge, mashing together every style she can muster. In the vein of alt-classical song cycles and rock concept albums, her new work layers wide-reaching sonics with palpable psychodrama. At its core is the .
'I'd Rather Die Than Let You In' by The Hunna
- Release date: Oct. 2
British rock band The Hunna almost a full year before its release date. The lead single "Cover You" is available to stream and it features a . The song is about steadfast loyalty between friends, no matter how crazy the situation.
'Shiver' by Jons铆
- Release date: Oct. 2
Best known as the frontman for Sigur R贸s, Icelandic musician Jons铆 will release his . According to a press release, the new music 鈥減lumbs the depths of the human experience and our connection to the natural world.鈥 It features guest performances from Swedish singer Robyn as well as Liz Fraser of the Cocteau Twins.
'Stardust' by Luka Kuplowsky
- Release date: Oct. 2
The new album from Luka Kuplowsky will pick things up where this year鈥檚 earlier EP, 鈥淛udee Justin Arthur Mary,鈥 left off. Featuring a number of the same backing vocalists and musicians, it continues to explore .鈥 This is rich and unhurried music in the tradition of icons like Joni Mitchell and Leonard Cohen.
'Serpentine Prison' by Matt Berninger
- Release date: Oct. 2
The National frontman Matt Berninger will release his solo debut on Book Records, a subsidiary of the artist鈥檚 own Concord Records. Musical legend Booker T. Jones of Booker T. & the MG鈥檚 . Fans can currently check out the video for the album鈥檚 title track.
'Harry' by Dead Famous People
- Release date: Oct. 9
Hailing from New Zealand, indie pop outfit Dead Famous People . Original member Dons Savage is carrying the torch and serving as the main creative force behind the group鈥檚 first full-length album. Drawing upon a variety of stories and themes, Savage .
'Love Valley' by Michael Bernard
- Release date: Oct. 9
On his fifth studio effort, Michael Bernard Fitzgerald weaves intricate narratives over twangy guitar notes and sweeping instrumentals. Intimacy is the operative mode, and that's evident as early as the album's lead single, "I Love That Sound." To promote the new material during times of social distancing, Fitzgerald will all over Canada.
'Sister' by Mina Tindel
- Release date: Oct. 9
The brainchild of Parisian songwriter Pauline De Lassus, Mina Tindle hasn鈥檛 released a proper album in six long years. Now a mother, on her forthcoming release. Sufjan Steven helped with some of the production and appears on one of the songs.
'Moveys' by Slow Pulp
- Release date: Oct. 9
The full-length debut from indie rockers Slow Pulp During its creation, the bandmates underwent struggles and separation as the nation grappled with a pandemic. They鈥檝e come out the other end with 10 tracks of pure resilience.
'10 Songs' by Travis
- Release date: Oct. 9
A number of bands are improvising during lockdown and Scotland鈥檚 Travis is one of them. To create the animated video for 鈥淎 Ghost鈥濃攖he lead single off their new album鈥攆rontman Fran Healy collaborated with his 14-year-old son. The album itself marks the first time since 2003 where .
'Private Lives' by Low Cut Connie
- Release date: Oct. 13
Three years in the making, the sixth album from Philly rock band Low Cut Connie is their . Frontman Adam Weiner uses his obsession 鈥渨ith understanding people鈥檚 interior lives鈥 as a springboard for creativity. The title track and its adjoining video offer intimate views of assorted figures in both public and private settings.
'Dark Hearts' by Annie
- Release date: Oct. 16
Throughout the early naughts, synth pop artist Annie rose from Norway's underground club scene onto the international stage. Her most recent release was the 2015 EP "Endless Vacation," and that could very well describe her . Now she's back with a full-fledged studio album and it's dripping with retro-futuristic atmospherics.
'Album No. 8' by Katie Melua
- Release date: Oct. 16
British-Georgian phenom Katie Melua follows a string of seven top 10 albums with her upcoming release, aptly titled 鈥淎LBUM No. 8.鈥 The first single is called 鈥淎 Love Like That,鈥 and it features smoky vocals and cinematic instrumentals. Melua spent t working on the lyrics for that song alone.
'Wildhorse' by Malin Pettersen
- Release date: Oct. 16
Recently dubbed a 鈥溾 by Paste Magazine, Malin Pettersen recorded her sophomore album in Nashville. Her current band was formed out of . The album tackles themes of upheaval in both Pettersen鈥檚 personal life and in the world at large.
'Don't Look Too Close' by Natalie Schlabs
- Release date: Oct. 16
Born in Texas and based in Nashville, singer Natalie Schlabs puts familial relationships under the microscope on her sophomore effort. , she reflects upon the significance of motherhood from all angles. Silky vocals take center stage while delicate instrumentation adds layers of depth and melody.
'Wachito Rico' by Boy Pablo
- Release date: Oct. 23
Two years after the release of his breakout EP, Norway鈥檚 Nicolas Mu帽oz aka Boy Pablo will unleash his full-length debut. Its title represents popular Chilean slang, denoting . The music video for lead single 鈥渉ey girl鈥 has racked up .
'Nordhem' by Henrik Lindstrand
- Release date: Oct. 23
Following 2017's "Leken" and 2019's "Nattresan," Swedish musician Henrik Lindstrand will . Each album in the series uses the piano as its exclusive source of sound and thereby shares a common thread. One note at a time, Lindstrand peels back the layers of his own life in the pursuit of something "heartfelt and honest."
'Moral Panic' by Nothing But Thieves
- Release date: Oct. 23
The UK鈥檚 Nothing But Thieves has already whet appetites for its upcoming album with the release of two singles: 鈥淚s Everybody Going Crazy?鈥 and 鈥淩eal Love Song.鈥 Both tracks undermine convention by tackling issues with a purposeful air of stark objectivity. The album itself will surely cultivate a similar perspective.
'The Jungle' by Plants and Animals
- Release date: Oct. 23
Who better than indie rock band Plants and Animals to bring listeners into 鈥淭he Jungle?鈥 The group鈥檚 first studio album in four years is . According to a press release, it reflects 鈥減ersonal experiences made in a volatile world.鈥
'The World Only Ends When You Die' by Skyway Man
- Release date: Oct. 23
The from Skyway Man chronicles a hero鈥檚 journey through the land of the dead. One might say the album title gives off a certain prescient vibe. Opening track 鈥淢uddy Water鈥 is currently available to stream.
'Off Off On' by This Is The Kit
- Release date: Oct. 23
Multi-instrumentalist Kate Stables performs as This is The Kit when she鈥檚 not touring with bands like The National. She鈥檚 releasing her first album since 2017鈥檚 鈥淢oonshine Freeze鈥 and her second on the Rough Trade label. Recorded in England at Peter Gabriel鈥檚 Real World Studios, it was
'Down And Out In The Garden Of Earthly Delights' by Geographer
- Release date: Dec. 4
Mike Deni aka Geographer on his upcoming studio album. Borrowing from multiple techniques and genres, the music exists in a class all its own. Deni has been steadily dropping singles and performing livestreams as he deals with canceled tours and pushed-back release dates.