2019’s Most Anticipated Albums
2018 was a monster year for music. With big returns from artists like Artic Monkeys, Lil’ Wayne, and Sleep, to stacked pop tour de forces from Ariana Grande and Cardi B, 2018 will prove to be one tough act to follow.
However, 2019’s new releases are plentiful and worthy of excessive hype.
I have a list of 105 (no exaggeration, I’m just that neurotic) albums coming out this year. After much struggle, I have narrowed down to a tenth of that original list.
Here are my picks for the most anticipated albums of 2019:
- 10. Khalid.
Khalid rose to pop superstardom in 2017 with his debut album, American Teen, which featured pop smash hits “Location,” and “Young, Dumb and Broke.” In 2018, he quickly became a hot commodity in pop, hip hop, and R&B with him being featured in a lot of songs by Billie Eilish, Normani, Logic, Calvin Harris, and more.
Additionally, he dropped an EP in Oct. of last year named Suncity, an homage to his hometown of El Paso. I’m excited to hear what will be next for the rising star.
- 9. The Who.
The legendary Woodstock alum are returning to the studio for the first time in 13 years. Roger Daltrey and Pete Townshend will be on vocals and guitar respectively, but also joined by Zak Starkey (Ringo Starr’s son) on drums and Simon Townshend (Pete’s younger brother) on bass.
The Who is also planning a tour with a full orchestra, which is rumored to be their last. They will be playing at Madison Square garden in May and I’ve already got my ticket.
- 8. Red Hot Chili Peppers.
Work on RHCP’s new album is already well underway. The album will feature the long-standing lineup of Anthony Kiedis singing, Chad Smith on drums, and Flea on bass.
This album will be the third album with guitarist Josh Klinghoffer. In 2016, their latest album, The Getaway, debuted at number 2 on the charts.
- 7. Slipknot.
The Iowa nonet (nine pieced band) surprised fans and critics alike when they dropped a song unannounced on Halloween of 2018. The single, “All Out Life,” is a brutal return to roots.
Lead singer Corey Taylor said this upcoming record, “will be some of the heaviest and well produced Slipknot songs yet.” The masked band will also sport new masks and go on tour to promote their forthcoming album.
- 6. Mark Morton.
The Lamb of God lead guitarist has decided to do a solo album this year with various rock royalty to be featured on the tracks.
Some rockers include Jacoby Shaddix of Papa Roach, Chuck Billy of Testament, Josh Todd of Buckcherry, and a posthumous performance from Linkin Park front man Chester Bennington.The single with Bennington, “Cross Off,” was released late in 2018 and it is perhaps Bennington’s best work.
- 5. The Wu-Tang Clan.
I knew this would happen. The classic New York rap supergroup announced several concert dates this month, which sold out almost immediately (I failed in getting my tickets).
It’s rare for all the members to be at the same place at any given time. One of the MCs, Ghostface Killah, will be busy working on two projects this year, but “will finish the Wu album before the new Ghostface album.”
The Clan will be adding an honorary member to the legacy; Young Dirty Bastard; Ol’ Dirty Bastard’s son who resembles his late father in hairstyle and sound.
New Wu-Tang? And a new Ghostface album as a bonus? I feel faint.
- 4. AC/DC.
AC/DC has had a rough couple years recently. Brian Johnson had to step down from his vocal position due to hearing problems. Malcom Young, the rhythm guitarist, passed away in 2017 from dementia-related conditions.
But, despite all that, the band carries on with recordings from Young’s notes. And filling in on vocals is Guns N’ Roses’ singer Axl Rose.
With that replacement and perseverance, it’s worthy of a Top 10 spot.
- 3. Tony Iommi.
Black Sabbath may be retired, but the riff-master behind them is not anytime soon. After making music for over 50 years, Iommi is finally releasing a solo album. That’s all we know right now, but I’m ready for it.
- 2. The Claypool Lennon Delirium.
Les Claypool, the bass virtuoso from Primus, has teamed up with Sean Lennon, son of John Lennon, for their sophomore album, South of Reality. These two have released two singles right now (“Easily Charmed by Fools” and “Blood and Rockets”) and they’re psychedelic.
Claypool is one of the world’s best bassists, and Lennon’s versatility is a nice pairing.
- 1. Tool.
Finally! It has been 13 years since their fourth album, 10,000 Days. 10,000 days is 27 years, so we’re at about 5,000 days.
The progressive alternative quartet have finally finished recording, and it is imminent. This album will be a concept album; as the band looks at climate change through the lens of the Ice Age.
This is fitting for Tool, because only they would tackle something of this nature (they incorporated the Fibonacci sequence into one of their songs).
There are rumors circulating that all the band members attended grad school and received doctorates in various areas of study to complete this album.
Although it sounds farfetched, it’s not totally dismissible.Regardless, we are close to having new Tool music and that is what I’m dying to hear in 2019.
IMAGE TAKEN from Good Morning America
