Jan. 15 - A$AP Rocky - Long.Live.A$AP(01 of21)
Open Image ModalThis one already leaked, but solid reviews point to A$AP's studio debut as one of rap's most important releases. He'll be opening for Rihanna on her global tour, but come January, this is the album to buy if you want to Support Real Hip-Hop.
Jan. 28 - Local Natives - Hummingbird(02 of21)
Open Image ModalMumford & Sons blew the door wide open on sensitive rock, so expect outfits like the Local Natives to reach new heights of popularity. Cue the grumbling about selling out in 3… 2… 1…
"Early 2013" - Sky Ferreira - I'm Not Alright (03 of21)
Open Image ModalOnce called "Wild At Heart," Sky Ferreira's debut studio LP is another project that's driving bloggers wild. The oft-delayed record now comes on the heels of the singer's sensitive and spare EP, "Ghost." If "I'm Not Alright" gives us more from where "Everything Is Embarrassing" came from, we'll gladly give it a few spins. (credit:Getty Images)
"Early 2013" - Pusha-T - My Name Is My Name (04 of21)
Open Image ModalThe Clipse coke-rapper has been given new life by Kanye West and the rest of the G.O.O.D. Music family, but it remains to be seen if he can make good on the opportunity. Early buzz is favorable: "Blocka," a recent release, pits Pusha against some production that would fell many a lighter rapper. Not him. (credit:Getty Images)
Feb. 12 - Azealia Banks - Broke With Expensive Taste(05 of21)
Open Image ModalWith a title that fits her generation like a silken, thrift-store glove, Banks looks to turn mixtape hype into studio album sales. She made her name by blending rap and hip-hop sensibilities and swagger with an electro house sound, but come February, she won't be alone. We'll be looking to see if she stays dominant in a field that's already starting to be a bit more crowded (we see you, Angel Haze).
Feb. 19 - Major Lazer - Major Lazer Frees The Universe (06 of21)
Open Image ModalDiplo's dancehall project got bumped from November to early in the New Year and includes collaborations with the likes of dubstepper Flux Pavillion, Wyclef Jean, Vampire Wekend's Ezra Koenig, Shaggy (yes, that Shaggy), Bruno Mars, Amber Coffman, Dev, Wynter Gordon and -- wait for it -- Tyga. Look for this release to quickly make its way toward the top of your tuned-in friend's dance party playlist. To Jamaica, and beyond! (credit:Getty Images)
Feb. 25 - Atoms For Peace - Amok(07 of21)
Open Image ModalWhen Radiohead's Thom Yorke and the Red Hot Chili Pepper's Flea announced their side project, the collaboration seemed like something out of a music video game (Kobe and Jordan on the same team? Why not!). Early single "Default" has us thinking this will be much more Radiohead than RHCP.
Feb. 26 - 50 Cent - Street King Immortal(08 of21)
Open Image Modal50's big return to music comes via an impressive roster of producers (Dre, Hit-Boy, Just Blaze, etc.), and who can deny that rap could use a dose of 50 Cent's witty, radio- and street-friendly hits? Early tracks have been of mixed quality, but rap fans will wait to hear the full package before judging. (credit:AP)
March - Mariah Carey - TBA (09 of21)
Open Image ModalThe year 2012 was a rough one for the "All I Want For Christmas" singer. She signed on to judge "American Idol" (consider where Paula Abdul was at with her singing career when she did the same thing), was subsequently out-diva'd by Nicki Minaj and released a single that no one remembers ("Triumphant (Get 'Em)"). Her upcoming studio album will be the fourteenth of her career. Whether it's a big comeback or a swan song remains to be seen. (credit:AP)
April - Black Sabbath - TBA (10 of21)
Open Image ModalOzzy's returning to vocal duty, so this will either be amazing or horrifying. Except that Rick Rubin's producing, so maybe more amazing? (credit:AP)
No Date - Backstreet Boys - Link (11 of21)
Open Image ModalKevin's back and they're all living in a house together to make the album. What else needs to be said? (credit:AP)
No Date - Cher - TBA (12 of21)
Open Image ModalNo Date - Beyonce Knowles - TBA(13 of21)
Open Image ModalQueen B's post-Blue Ivy return to music is shaping up to be quite a project: Jay-Z, The-Dream, Pharrell Williams and a host of other hitmakers have all been spotted in the studio with her. She's also turning the Super Bowl into a Beyonce concert with a side of football, so the stakes are pretty high. But if anyone who can pull it off … (credit:AP)
No Date - The Black Keys - TBA (14 of21)
Open Image ModalNo Date - Eminem - TBA(15 of21)
Open Image ModalNo Date - Lady Gaga - ARTPOP (16 of21)
Open Image ModalNo Date - Katy Perry - TBA(17 of21)
Open Image ModalKaty Perry's albums are always stacked with hits. Rumors place her next disc as dropping over summer. Let's see what Dr. Luke cooks up this time. (credit:AP)
No Date - Nicki Minaj - Pink Friday: The Pinkprint(18 of21)
Open Image ModalA couple things: Nicki Minaj should not be parroting Jay-Z album titles. That's pretty much the definition of the phrase "not a good look." Also, drop the "Pink Friday" branding already. Trust your fans: They'll buy an album with an all-new name. (credit:AP)
Maybe Never - Pearl Jam - TBA(19 of21)
Open Image ModalNo Date - Yeah Yeah Yeahs - TBA (20 of21)
Open Image ModalWho Knows - G.O.O.D. Music - "Cruel Winter"(21 of21)
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