Though this year has been chaotic, one thing that has remained a constant is the release of some great new music. The following are six incredible new albums that have been released this year, spanning indie, alternative, rock and pop genres. Add these new hits to your playlists and start listening!
I also would like to highlight some anticipated releases for the near future to get excited for. Popular alternative group The Neighbourhood’s Chip Chrome & The Mono-Tones is set to release on September 25th. Next, set your calendars for October 2nd when indie pop band, LANY, releases Mama’s Boy. Finally, English rock band Nothing But Thieves’ third album, Moral Panic, will debut on October 23rd.
- Declan McKenna, Zeros
-
One of my favorite artists, Declan McKenna, just released his sophomore indie rock album, Zeros. McKenna is a frequent storyteller through his music, specifically telling stories from the perspective of Generation Z. His new album is no exception, offering commentary on important topics such as xenophobia and protecting the planet. Zeros experiments with upbeat new sounds mixed with familiar pop-punk melodies and strong instrumentals to create this exciting album that has taken its rightful spot in the permanent playlist in my mind. My favorite songs from the album include “Rapture,” “Daniel, You’re Still a Child” and “Be an Astronaut.”
- Abir, HEAT
-
Abir is a Moroccan-born, New York City-raised artist embracing her upbringing and heritage to create the uniquely powerful EP HEAT. A blend of pop, R&B and the Arab music she grew up listening to are matched with her strong vocals. If you have been searching for a new pop artist to instill you with confidence, add this EP to your playlist. “Yallah,” a song written for anyone challenging what is expected of them, “Inferno” and “Galleria” have been on repeat for weeks in my playlists.
- Josef Salvat, modern anxiety
-
This is not the first time I have recommended Australian electropop artist Josef Salvat, and it probably will not be the last. His newest album, modern anxiety, continues the themes of complicated love songs from his first album, Night Swim, but adds a new sense of vulnerability. Listening to “in the afternoon” and “call on me” make me want to skip around a field in the summertime with someone I love while “enough” and “alone” inspire me to write off any and all romantic ventures. Join me on this emotional rollercoaster!
- Glass Animals, Dreamland
-
English indie/psychedelic pop band, Glass Animals, released their newest album that once again transports listeners to a tropical and multi-colored world of relaxing and fun hits. When their single “Tokyo Drifting” was released earlier this year in collaboration with Denzel Curry, the group debuted a new take on their classic style, a stronger beat mixing with their hypnotic melodies. Dreamland is a great album to listen to in its entirety, but their singles “Hot Sugar” and “Heat Waves” stand out as favorites.
- Danna Paola, SIE7E +
-
Danna Paola is a Mexican actress and singer (best known for her role as Lucrecia in Elite) who has returned to music after taking a break from her career as a child actress and singer. Her album, SIE7E +, marks the end of her seven-year break from music, delivering upbeat, Spanish-language pop anthems. If you are a fan of her performance in Elite or enjoy Latin Pop music, give “Mala Fama” and “Oye Pablo” a listen!
- Lewis Del Mar, AUGUST
-
As a long-time fan of experimental pop duo Lewis Del Mar, I have been anticipating the release of their sophomore album and was not disappointed by the result. AUGUST offers the perfect sound for a long, relaxing drive by the water. The album, split into three chapters, was written as a vulnerable account of the process Danny Miller and Max Harwood went through to get back into making music after some time away, or “the journey of gluing the vase back together, cracks visible.” “TV” and “Border” are new favorite additions to my playlist.
I hope you have found some new music to listen to and to get excited about this year. Happy listening!