Upcoming Album Releases for All Tastes

Looking forward to the start of a new year because it means NEW music? Me too!  Here is a list of a wide variety of upcoming albums and their respective release dates that is sure to satisfy any music taste from jazz to country!

Jan. 24, 2012
Moe. ‘What Happened to the La Las’
One of the foundational jam bands, Moe., is set to release their 10th studio album. Despite the myth that jams are not fit for studio sessions, Moe. has consistently produced solid studio albums and La Las surely won’t disappoint. Using a new producer, the sound of the new album is rumored to be straight-rock, however signature touches of psychedelia and funk are embedded throughout the album, be sure to check this out!
Key track: Paper Dragon

Ingrid Michaelson ‘Human Again’
The indie-pop singer, who also writes most of her music, is releasing her fifth album. She announced the news to fans through a YouTube video of her and a swearing-puppet. This hilarious act is on par for the star, who is famous for having a sweet demeanor and the mouth of a sailor. Her album is sure to provide a stellar balance of darkness and heartfelt lyrics so indie fans have no fear!
Key track: Blood Brothers

Kellie Pickler ‘100 Proof’
The former American Idol contestant has developed a large fanbase in the country music realm.  After taking a four-year personal hiatus, Pickler is releasing her third album. The album is full of her usual spunk.
Key track: Where’s Tammy Wynette?

January 31, 2012
Ringo Starr ‘Ringo 2012’
Legendary drummer for the Beatles is ready to release his self-produced new album.  The album is made up of nine songs; two are covers, two are revamps of old songs and the remaining five are brand new, which he also co-wrote on. Starr enlisted the help of an all-star lineup, including Joe Walsh, Kenny Wayne Shepard and Charlie Haden, so be sure to grab this!
Key track: Slow Down

Lana Del Ray ‘Born To Die’
This fresh faced singer-songwriter found her claim to fame after her first single, “Video Games,” went viral on YouTube. The hype continued but the praise came to a screeching halt after a highly disappointing performance on Saturday Night Live. So fans and critiques of Del Ray are anxious to see what the album will entail.  Check out her album and find out for yourself!
Key Track: Blue Jeans

SOJA Stregth To Survive
If you haven’t heard of this reggae-rock band then you’re missing out!  They are releasing their newest album at the end of the month and it will likely be one of the feel-good anthem albums of the year. SOJA is the perfect blend of rock and reggae that is oh, so smooth to listeners’ ears and will be sure to brighten any day-check them out!
Key track: You and Me

February 7, 2012
Paul McCartney ‘Kisses On The Bottom’
The other remaining ex-Beatle is set to release his 15th solo studio album with an appropriate album title considering he recently got married. The album is made up of classic songs that inspired both McCartney and Lennon. Like Starr, McCartney’s album also features some all-star guest musicians, like Stevie Wonder and Eric Clapton.
Key track: My Valentine

Van Halen ‘A Different Kind of Truth’
Classic rock fans that prefer something heavier should be stoked about the new Van Halen album because it has been rumored to be both better and heavier than expected. However, this sixth studio album is also supposed to include some more ballad-like tracks.
Key track: As Is

The Fray ‘Scars & Stories’
Rock-pop group, famous for their hit “Over My Head (Cablecar),” is ready to release their third studio album, which is said to be more upbeat and guitar-driven than their previous work. One of the tracks, “Heartbeat,” was released as a single last fall and already made it to the Billboard Top 100 so looks like this album won’t disappoint fans.
Key track: Heartbeat

February 12, 2012
Ben Kweller ‘Go Fly a Kite’
‘Kite’ is the long-awaited, fifth studio album release for this singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist. The new album is said to be electric and to feature dark tones, musically and vocally, but have no fear the quintessential Ben Kweller optimist vibe will still shine through. The album is sure to provide a perfect mixture of rock-n-roll and pop that will fit the tastes of any music lover.
Key track: I Missed You

February 21, 2012
Sleigh Bells ‘Reign of Terror’
The noise pop duo that has exponentially risen to fame over the past year is really excited to release their next album, which is only their second. Their follow-up release has 11 songs that will definitely have their huge presence but also lookout for newly developed guitar sounds.
Key track: Born To Lose

Galactic ‘Carnivale Electricos’
Spectacular funk and jazz band, Galactic, is releasing a Mardi-Gras tribute album since they are New Orleans natives. It has been two years since their last studio release and their newest  album will feature diverse styles from R&B to zydeco to rock to, of course, jazz and funk. If you’re looking for something spicy be sure to check out this album!
Key track: Move Fast

February 28, 2012
Kid Cudi & Dot Da Genius ‘WZRD’
After initially said to be released in January, the alternative hip-hop artist, Cudi, and producer, Dot, pushed the release back to the end of February. In order to make their desired album they needed more time but fans are getting anxious for the beloved Cudder’s next album. Be sure to grab this album!
Key Track: The Dream Time Machine

Sources:
Lana del Rey (photo): stereogum.com; http://stereogum.com/894241/lana-del-rey-born-to-die-official-audio-topless-video/top-stories/lead-story/
Ingrid Michaelson (photo): lamusicblog.com; http://lamusicblog.com/2011/11/news/ingrid-michaelson-announces-new-album-human-again/
Paul McCartney (photo): nme.com; http://www.nme.com/news/paul-mccartney/61575
Ben Kweller (photo): consequenceofsound.com; http://consequenceofsound.net/2012/01/check-out-ben-kweller-mean-to-me/
Galactic Funk (photo): galacticfunk.com; http://www.galacticfunk.com/carnivale-electricos/