50 Cent: Street King Immortal
Ole Fiddy may have lost much of his relevance and bite, but the long gesticulation period of this one – which saw him first complete and then ditch an album of Euro-pop grooves – suggests 50 could be back on his game. Scheduled February 26.
Deep Purple: name TBA
We’ve been told the vintage British rockers’ 19th studio album (their first since 2005) could be their last, heralding a return to their raw rootsy rock riffs of old. Expect to hear a preview at Emirates Airline Dubai Jazz Festival on Thursday February 26. Release date TBC.
Local Natives: Hummingbird
We fell head over heels for this LA-based quartet’s dreamy debut, Gorilla Manor, back in 2009. Mixing Fleet Foxes-style harmonies with twinkling guitars and sky-starring ambience, we can’t wait for this follow-up. Scheduled January 28.
Pearl Jam: name TBA
The only band still standing (reunions aside) from grunge’s early ’90s heyday, somehow PJ have managed to produce consistently strong albums for more than two decades. We’re hoping their tenth will be no exception. Release date TBA.
The Black Keys: name TBA
This stripped-back Ohio guitar-and-drums duo (shh! Don’t mention The White Stripes) produced a string of strong albums of bluesy punk rock long before their 2010 breakthrough, Grammy-winning Brothers. This year’s El Camino was just as good, and we’re told there’s another – their eighth – on the way soon. Release date TBA.
Lady Gaga: ARTPOP
No one’s sure right now if Lady Gaga is on it – or has lost it and gone gaga for good. With recent reports suggesting she’s written more than 50 songs in preparation for her new album, and with a football bench-worth of producers lined up to work with her, this fourth LP could be the one that makes or breaks her place in pop-culture history. Release date TBA.
