October has arguably been the biggest month for music this year. Not only have tons of artists dropped new albums but more have dropped singles, teasing fans with what’s to come. I’m here to break down just some of this month’s biggest drops.
Arctic Monkeys – the car
After 4 years since their last album release in 2018, “Tranquility Base Hotel & Casino,” Arctic Monkeys dropped their seventh studio album “The Car,” titled after one of the album’s singles. The album consists of 10 songs, two of which, “Body Paint” and “There’d Better Be a Mirrorball,” were released as singles in August and September of this year. The album is quieter compared to their past music like their hit album “AM” which was more rock. “The Car” integrates a more orchestral sound by including instruments such as violin and piano, highlighting the band’s lead singer, Alex Turner’s voice. The band even announced a long awaited 2023 tour with tickets already selling out.
taylor swift – midnights
Another highly anticipated album that dropped the same day was none other than Taylor Swift’s “Midnights.” After months of easter eggs and hints, she released her album which initially consisted of 13 songs at the midnight release of it, but the singer surprised fans by dropping an extended “3AM Edition” which included 7 more songs. The album draws on similar pop sounds to her past “1989” and “Reputation” albums and includes a song featuring Lana Del Ray. And most importantly on November 1st, she finally announced the “Eras Tour” which is sure to be the biggest concert of the year.
young the giant – american bollywood
The indie rock band known for singles such as “Cough Syrup” and “Mind Over Matter” dropped their most recent album “American Bollywood” in four parts, beginning in July of 2022 and releasing the final act in October. Similar to Arctic Monkeys, this is the band’s first album since their album in 2018, “Mirror Master” and consists of 16 total songs. The album draws on lots of Indian instrumentals to help tell the story of the lead singer’s family’s journey to America and his own identity struggles growing up, which many children of immigrants can relate to.
the 1975 – being funny in a foreign language
Halfway through the month British pop rock band, The 1975 dropped their newest album “Being Funny in a Foreign Language.” This band has not slowed down since their first release in 2013, with this recent album being their fifth and consisting of 11 songs. It includes both slower and upbeat songs to dance to as well as a mix of lyric heavy songs as well as some instrumental songs. The band’s members had to really open up to write and produce many of the album’s songs as they explore living in the world’s social climate these last several years as well as the vulnerabilities of love and relationships. Safe to say it carries through in their music, especially in my personal favorite “All I Need To Hear.”
singles: hozier, rihanna etc.
These weren’t the only music releases throughout the month. Other artists also dropped new albums such as Meghan Trainor’s “Takin’ it Back” and Red Hot Chili Peppers’ “Return of The Dream Canteen.” On top of this, singers such as Hozier and Rihanna dropped new singles, teasing fans and building up anticipation for potential album drops in the next coming months. This past month alone brought enough new music to carry fans through the New Year and beyond.