It’s 2024, a new year, which means new music from the artists you know and love. Last year was filled with unexpected musical surprises from Taylor Swift’s re-recordings, Beyoncé’s “Renaissance,” Morgan Wallen’s “One Thing at a Time,” and Paramore’s “This Is Why.” We were awarded some of the greatest albums in our lifetime in just one year.
It’s no Beatles-equivalent, but for this generation, the music standards have been met year after year. Let’s hope 2024 can deliver the same way as years before. So what music is expected to come out this year, you may ask?
The world of pop music is going to be pleasantly surprised at the music outlook of 2024. Right at the start of January, Ariana Grande dropped her single, “yes, and?”. Arianators, she’s back! Inspired by Madonna’s “Vogue” and Paula Abdul’s “Cold Hearted,” Grande has made her appearance back into music since her last album “Positions” in 2020. Fans also caught her new album easter egg teaser in the “yes, and?” music video, to which Grande released the title and date for her new album. Get ready for “Eternal Sunshine” on March 8!
While we’re on the topic of pop icons, the one and only Taylor Swift has two more albums left in her re-recording era. With just “Reputation (Taylor’s Version)” and her self-titled debut album, “Taylor Swift (Taylor’s Version)” left, it’s safe to say we’ll get both of these albums during the last dates of her international run of The Eras Tour. She’s taking back her reputation and her name! Vault tracks here we come!
You know those artists you thought were gone? The ones you didn’t think were still active in the music industry? Well, Jennifer Lopez released her single “Can’t Get Enough” on Jan. 10 along with announcing her new album, “This Is Me…Now” set for release on Feb. 16. With thirteen songs on the record, it’s sure to be interesting. If you’re a J-Lo fan, then get ready to listen to songs about her love for Ben Affleck! If you’re not a J-Lo fan, then get ready to listen to songs about her love for Ben Affleck… Either way, it’s sure to be one interesting album.
Another artist you might have thought was gone is popping up again in every way possible. From his upcoming Super Bowl halftime performance to dropping a new single and a date for his new album, yeah! It’s Usher. His album “Coming Home” is dropping on Feb. 9. He also released a song with H.E.R. called “Risk It All,” which is featured in “The Color Purple” musical film from 2023. His upcoming album seems to pay homage to his Georgia roots, hence the title “Coming Home.” Gear up for his Super Bowl performance, it’s sure to be something to remember.
The next artist gifting us with music in 2024 has been feeding his fans from the get-go. Noah Kahan is an artist who truly knows his demographic and loves the music he creates. “Stick Season Deluxe” was more than we could’ve ever imagined. Then, Kahan started releasing musical duets featuring other well-known artists. “Call Your Mom (with Lizzy McAlpine),” “Dial Drunk (with Post Malone).” She Calls Me Back (with Kacey Musgraves),” “Northern Attitude (with Hozier),” and “Everywhere, Everything (with Gracie Abrams)” were gifts to us all. This year in 2024, he released “Homesick (with Sam Fender)” on Jan 19. Kahan then announced his final additions to the Stick Season saga; “Stick Season (Forever)” is coming out on Feb. 9 which has the final two features, “You’re Gonna Go Far (with TBD)” and “Paul Revere (with TBD)” These are the final duets to close out this chapter for Kahan. Judging by his previous releases, you can guess that these won’t disappoint! Fingers crossed for that Best New Artist Grammy; if there’s anyone who deserves it, it’s Noah Kahan.
Justin Timberlake recently released his new single “Selfish” ahead of his new album “Everything I Thought I Was” set for release on March 15. He is also heading to the tour stage for his The Forget Tomorrow World Tour. It should be an interesting compilation of music considering the negative media attention he was getting a few months ago. Maybe this is Timber-Timber-Timberlake’s redemption and accountability run? Who knows?
There is a lot of speculation as to whether or not SZA is releasing “LANA,” her likely self-titled album, which she teased multiple times on her Instagram this past December. Hopefully with a little bit of luck, she’ll grace us with another album if people stop leaking her music.
Other notable music to be on the lookout for is “Bleachers” by Jack Antonoff and Bleachers coming out March 8, a new single from Tori Kelly, music from Kanye West and Ty Dolla $ign, Sheryl Crow’s album “Evolution” on March 29, music from Suki Waterhouse, and so many more.
The music of 2024 is sure to shake us to our core in possibly good and bad ways. However, it will bring happiness to the respective artist’s fan base, especially those who might have been waiting years for their artist to come out of hiding. Music is one thing that unites us all and helps us escape reality. 2024 is going to be one wild ride for music fans.
