ANTICIPATION: With this album watchlist, you will avoid missing some of the most exciting releases to come in 2016.
By Lily Mitchell, Staff Writer
With the new year, new jams are inevitable. However, 2016 marks the year of breakthroughs for new bands and some awesome comebacks for artists that otherwise seemed to disappear for awhile, whether on tour or in the studio. With an overwhelming number of fresh albums lined up (around a daunting 60), here are the big five to keep your eyes and ears peeled for.
Panic! At the Disco – Death of a Bachelor (January 15): Panic! At the Disco returns, minus original (and founding) drummer, Spencer Smith. Now, as a one-man-band, frontman Brendon Urie recorded vocals and every instrument on the album except the horns. This move from Urie reminds us much of the Foo Fighters’ self-titled debut album where Dave Grohl individually recorded every instrument before he was able to get band members. 2000’s emo-pop is set to get a refreshing update.
The 1975 – I Like It When You Sleep, for You Are So Beautiful Yet So Unaware of It (February 26): Earlier last year, we got a preview of the album with the release of the oh-so-funky single “Love Me” and later on, “UGH!” With heavy INXS and Peter Gabriel vibes (think “Red Rain”), this popular British group is definitely set to come back with confident and bold tracks that greatly differ from their mellow self-titled debut in 2013.
The Struts – Album title To Be Decided (TBD) (March): Though the title may be unknown, British glam-rock band The Struts is set to release their American debut album some time in March. After taking the U.S. by storm last year with T.V. show appearances including Jimmy Kimmel Live, we have caught wind of frontman Luke Spiller’s Freddie Mercury-esque vocals. Their EP Have You Heard has been out for quite some time, but is currently the only taste test we have. It bears musical resemblance to The Rolling Stones, Queen and The Beatles. Watch out for this release because The Struts are making vintage styles cool again.
Hey Violet – Album title TBD (Spring): Hey Paramore fans, this one’s for you. Brought to popularity by Australian pop-punk band, 5 Seconds of Summer, Hey Violet used to be a hard-rock band by the name of Cherri Bomb. Now a pop-rock band citing Paramore, Arctic Monkeys and No Doubt among some of their influences, lead singer Rena Lovelis’ energy on stage is reminiscent of Hayley Williams. With a couple tours under their belt—both as a headlining act and as a supporting act—and an EP released last year, this band is ready to break through this spring and keep us rockin’ all year long.
The Killers – Album title TBD (Release TBD): This one is the wildcard, as we only know that there will be an album this year. Ever since they produced the hit song, “Mr. Brightside,” back in 2005, Brandon Flowers has had us hooked. Currently, The Killers express disappointment in their previous album, Battle Born (2013). Following Flowers’ independent pop project of last year, he has returned to his band with a fire inside to one-up that last release and possibly head in a new direction—making for an exciting comeback.
With so many new releases to wake up to over the months, the new year is like Christmas Eve all over again for music fanatics. Hopefully you’ll find your soundtrack for 2016.