Hello and welcome to my first blog post of 2023!
If you thought I was done talking about music for a little while, think again! With the start of the new year, we need to freak out about upcoming releases that will make the next 365 days (well, less than that now) a whole lot better.
Of course, more albums will be announced as the months go by, so for now we will only talk about the projects that have been confirmed for Q1 and maybe also Q2 of 2023.
And let’s start with one of my personal favorites: Måneskin.
Rush!, Måneskin
The year couldn’t start any better! The Italian rock band (Italy represent!) is returning with their new album Rush!
I’m particularly curious about this one because it will be their first album since the international acclaim they received after winning the Eurovision Song Contest 2021, which helped them expand to North America.
Their previous album, Teatro d’ira – Vol. I, was released when they weren’t yet famous abroad, so I’m really curious to see how worldwide success has shaped their sound and songwriting process in the past two years.
Release Date: January 20
Label: Epic Records; Sony Music Entertainment
Five Easy Hot Dogs, Mac DeMarco
Not a huge fan of his, but it is undeniable that Mac DeMarco is one of the most talented and peculiar singer-songwriters out there. Also, Canada represent!
Release Date: January 20
Label: Mac’s Record Label
A Reckoning, Kimbra
Her decade-old featuring with Gotye for his mega-hit “Somebody That I Used to Know” is enough for me to anticipate Kimbra’s new album, A Reckoning, and catch up on her past works as well.
Release Date: January 27
Label: Inertia Music, PIAS
Gloria, Sam Smith
Though I haven’t followed Sam Smith much in the past few years, they still remain one of the best contemporary R&B/soul singers out there, so I will be definitely tuning in for their new album, Gloria.
Release Date: January 27
Label: Capitol
My 21st Century Blues, Raye
After listening to her insanely well-structured single “Escapism.” featuring 070 Shake, which was first recommended to me by my sister (shoutout to her) and ended up in my Top 75 Songs of 2022 list, I literally cannot wait for Raye’s new album, My 21st Century Blues.
Release Date: February 3
Label: Human Re Sources
Higher Than Heaven, Ellie Goulding
Same as Sam Smith: not a fan, but there might be some good stuff there, so why not?
Release Date: February 3
Label: Polydor
Raven, Kelela
Kelela’s new album Raven will be a good excuse for me to listen to her previous two albums which I’ve been wanting to check out for ages. Maybe now it’s the perfect time.
Release Date: February 10
Label: Warp
This Is Why, Paramore
Though I was not crazy about the band’s leading singles, Paramore was pretty big among the emo-goth kids in my town, so I will give their new record a shot.
Release Date: February 10
Label: Atlantic
Desire, I Want to Turn Into You, Caroline Polachek
I don’t know how I ended up following Caroline Polachek on Instagram, but the promotional material for her new album made me want more.
Release Date: February 14
Label: Perpetual Novice
Trustfall, P!nk
Same as Sam Smith and Ellie Goulding.
Release Date: February 17
Label: RCA
Did You Know That There’s a Tunnel Under Ocean Blvd, Lana Del Rey
Those that follow me know I’m crazy about Lana. I would say that my love story with music started when my father bought me Born to Die: Paradise Edition and I got hooked on her hypnotic voice and suggestive lyrics.
Though her music has definitely changed quite a lot since then, I’m curious to know what other musical landscapes she’ll be venturing in with Did You Know That There’s a Tunnel Under Ocean Blvd.
Release Date: March 10
Label: Interscope
Endless Summer Vacation, Miley Cyrus
Releasing on the same day as Lana’s album, Miley seems to have got rid of her 1980s aesthetic and I couldn’t be happier about it.
Though I haven’t been particularly interested in anything she’s released recently, the marketing campaign for Endless Summer Vacation seems so elaborate that I absolutely have to give it a shot.
Release Date: March 10
Label: Columbia
Utopia, Travis Scott
Between back-and-forths with Kylie Jenner, Travis Scott found the time to work on his new album which should be released sometime this year. I really liked his 2018 project Astroworld so we’ll see what he comes up with this time.
Release Date: Early 2023
Label: Cactus Jack Records / Epic Records
Intellectual Property, Waterparks
Waterparks ended up in my 2021 list with their album Greatest Hits so I’m genuinely curious about what they have been working on since.
Release Date: Spring 2023
Label: Fueled By Ramen
What are some of the albums you’re anticipating this year? Let me know in the comments below!
Cover image credits: Lana Del Rey
Art Kills 
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