Music lovers always eagerly anticipate upcoming album releases from their favourite artists, and 2023 is no exception. With the start of a new year, the music industry is gearing up for a flurry of highly anticipated album releases, making it an exciting time for music enthusiasts. From established legends to up-and-coming artists, 2023 promises to be a year of exceptional music. In this article, we’ll be taking a look at 15 of the best albums in 2023 that we’re excited to listen to. So, get ready to add some new tracks to your playlist, as we dive into the most anticipated albums of the year.
1. Anti-Flag, Lies They Tell Our Children
“Lies They Tell Our Children,” released on January 9, 2023, is a new song from Anti-Flag, which is a part of their upcoming album that tackles the issue of misinformation and propaganda spread by those in power.
The song features Anti-Flag’s signature punk rock sound with fast-paced drumming, distorted guitars, and powerful vocals, reflecting the band’s commitment to social justice and political activism to make a positive impact on society. Anti-Flag’s high-energy live performances have made them a prominent voice in the punk rock scene for over three decades.
2. Ava Max, Diamonds & Dancefloors
On January 27, 2023, Ava Max released “Diamonds & Dancefloors,” a new song from her upcoming album. Lyrically, “Diamonds & Dancefloors”, tells the story of a night out with friends, where Max sings about the thrill of living in the moment and enjoying life to the fullest.
The song encourages listeners to let loose and have fun, even in the face of life’s challenges. The music video features Max in a glamorous setting, surrounded by dancers and flashing lights. The video captures the song’s upbeat and celebratory tone, with Max’s dynamic performance bringing the lyrics to life.
3. Sam Smith, Gloria
On January 27, 2023, Sam Smith released a new song titled “Gloria”. “Gloria” is a heartfelt and emotional track that showcases Sam Smith’s exceptional vocal range and talent. The song tells the story of someone struggling with their identity and coming to terms with their true self.
The lyrics express the pain and confusion that many people feel when grappling with their sexuality or gender identity. Musically, “Gloria” features a haunting piano melody, soulful vocals, and an uplifting chorus that is sure to resonate with listeners. The song showcases Sam Smith’s signature style of blending raw emotion with powerful lyrics.
4. Shania Twain, Queen of Me
On February 3, 2023, Shania Twain released a new song called “Queen of Me” as part of her upcoming album.”Queen of Me” is a catchy and upbeat pop-country song that celebrates self-empowerment and confidence. The lyrics encourage listeners to embrace their individuality and be proud of who they are, regardless of what others may think.
The song features Twain’s signature twangy vocals and a lively instrumental arrangement, with a mix of acoustic and electric guitars, drums, and a catchy chorus. The release of “Queen of Me” has generated a lot of excitement among Shania Twain fans, who are eagerly anticipating her upcoming album.
5. Kelela, Raven
Kelela Mizanekristos, known professionally as Kelela, is an American singer and songwriter. “Raven” is a new song by Kelela that was released on February 10, 2023, as part of her upcoming album. The song features Kelela’s distinctive R&B sound, with dreamy synth melodies and smooth, soulful vocals.
The lyrics of “Raven” explore themes of self-discovery and personal growth, with Kelela reflecting on her journey and the challenges she has faced along the way. The song’s title, “Raven,” is a reference to the bird’s ability to transform and change its appearance, which serves as a metaphor for Kelela’s own evolution as an artist and individual.
6. Margo Price, Strays
On January 13, 2023, Margo Price released her upcoming album “Strays.” The album features 12 tracks, each showcasing Price’s distinctive voice and storytelling abilities. The album’s title track “Strays” is an upbeat country-rock song that speaks to the feeling of being lost and searching for one’s place in the world.
The song “Maybe The Moon” is a soulful ballad that explores the complexities of relationships and the struggles of making them work. Price’s album also features collaborations with some notable names in the music industry, including Sturgill Simpson and Brittany Howard of Alabama Shakes.
7. Ellie Goulding, Higher Than Heaven
“Higher Than Heaven” is a song that was released by Ellie Goulding on February 3, 2023, as part of her upcoming album. The track features Goulding’s signature vocals over a dreamy, synth-heavy production.
Lyrically, the song explores the theme of transcendence, with Goulding singing about the feeling of being lifted higher than heaven. The song has been praised for its infectious melody and Goulding’s emotive performance. It is likely to appeal to fans of her previous work, as well as those who enjoy uplifting and euphoric pop music.
8. Pink, Trust Fall
“Trust Fall” is a song that was released by Pink on February 17, 2023, as part of her upcoming album. The song is a ballad that showcases Pink’s emotional and vulnerable side. The lyrics address the fear of falling in love and the uncertainty that comes with it.
The song features a stripped-down production, with Pink’s voice accompanied by a simple piano melody. The rawness of the track allows Pink’s vocals to shine, conveying the sincerity of the lyrics.
9. Gorillaz, Cracker Island
As a part of their upcoming album, on February 24, 2023, the song “Cracker Island” was released by Gorillaz. The song is a collaboration with American rapper and producer MF DOOM, who passed away in 2020. “Cracker Island” features a laid-back, reggae-inspired beat with Albarn’s trademark melodic vocals and DOOM’s signature flow.
The song is a reflection on the concept of isolation and how it affects individuals and communities. The lyrics address the challenges of being disconnected from the outside world, both physically and emotionally.
10. 100 gecs, 10,000 gecs
100 gecs is an American experimental pop duo consisting of Dylan Brady and Laura Les. “10,000 gecs” is a remix album of “1000 gecs” that was released on March 17, 2023. The album features reworked versions of songs from the original album, with contributions from a wide range of artists, including Charli XCX, Rico Nasty, and The 1975.
The remixes explore new sonic territories and push the boundaries of what pop music can sound like. For fans of 100 gecs’ unique and genre-defying sound, this remix album is sure to be one of the most exciting releases of the year.
11. Blink-182 (Spring-Summer 2023)
In the spring or summer of 2023, Blink-182 is planning to release a new album, which will be their first since the departure of founding member Tom DeLonge in 2015. The album is highly anticipated by fans of the band, who are curious to see how the new lineup will sound and how their music will evolve.
While details about the album are scarce, the band has teased that it will have a more mature sound and will address more serious topics. Blink-182 has also hinted that the album will feature collaborations with other artists, which has further piqued the interest of fans.
12. Salena Gomez
Selena Gomez, the pop queen, shared in October that she has returned to the studio to record her upcoming album, which is slated for release in 2023. Though there are few details available about the album at this point, Gomez has confirmed that it will be arriving next year.
In November, she released the single “My Mind & Me,” which is also the title track of her Apple TV+ documentary. Gomez’s most recent full-length album was 2020’s “Rare,” and she earned a Grammy nomination for her 2021 EP “Revelacion,” which featured Spanish-language tracks.
13. Kelly Clarkson
Kelly Clarkson, the American Idol winner and daytime TV host, has been working on a new album inspired by her divorce from ex-husband Brandon Blackstock. The album is set to be released in 2023, although no specific timeline has been announced yet. Fans can anticipate hearing fresh music from Clarkson towards the end of the year.
14. Jennifer Lopez, This Is Me … Now
Following her renewed relationship with Ben Affleck, a self-proclaimed Dunkin Donuts enthusiast, Jennifer Lopez appears to be feeling more sentimental. It comes as no surprise that the newlywed is revisiting her 2002 album “This Is Me…Then,” which was famously dedicated to Affleck, by releasing a sequel in 2023 titled “This Is Me…Now.”
The 13-track album features Lopez singing a follow-up to her 2002 hit “Dear Ben.” In a statement, Lopez described the album as a reflection of her philosophy and a zeitgeist moment, focusing on themes of hope, faith, and true love.
15. Niall Horan
Niall Horan is all set to make his debut as a coach on the 23rd season of The Voice and is also planning to release his third album, following the success of 2020’s Heartbreak Weather.
In a recent video posted on Twitter, Horan expressed his gratitude to his fans and acknowledged the long wait for new music, saying, “I’ve got new music coming in the new year that I’m extremely proud of, and I appreciate your patience while I’ve been working on it.” Fans can’t wait to hear what the Irish singer-songwriter has in store for them with his new album.
Conclusion The music industry is gearing up to release some of the best albums in 2023, and fans are eagerly anticipating new music from their favourite artists. From the return of established legends to the rise of promising newcomers, 2023 promises to be a year of exceptional music. With the release of these highly anticipated albums, music lovers will have a diverse range of tracks to add to their playlists and enjoy for years to come. As we await the arrival of these upcoming albums, we can’t help but feel excited about what the future holds for the world of music in 2023.