A new year has arrived, and with it come expectations. There are debuts that should be followed up on. There are delayed albums that should finally be released. There are artists that are due to release something new. The beginning of a new year is a wondrous time to be a music fan.
And being the music fan that I am, I’ve compiled a list of artists that I expect to see albums from this year. For some of them, I’m just being greedy. For others, I think that something new is due. And for still others, albums have been announced, so I’m well within my rights to have expectations.
Beastie Boys
The Beasties delaying their next album because of health concerns is completely understandable. But in recent years I’ve given my Beastie Boys catalogue much more attention, and I’ve finally come to the conclusion that I actually really like them. And that’s why I’m really looking forward to hearing what they put out in 2010.
Arcade Fire
I arrived to The Funeral party late, but I loved Neon Bible. In fact, the album just missed My Top 21 of the 21st (So Far…). Listening to the growth between their first two albums, I really can’t wait to hear what their forthcoming release sounds like.
She & Him
I found Volume One quaint and charming. It was an album that was like a favorite sweater—warm, comfortable and familiar. But honestly, my expectations for Volume Two are so high that I can’t help but be disappointed. Still, I hope that I’m not.
The Roots
I love The Roots, so I was disappointed that How I Got Over was pushed back a few times in the ’09. Still, if there’s one thing about The Roots it’s that they’re worth the wait. And I’m really anxious to hear if their gig on Late Night has expanded their own personal guest list.
Erykah Badu
I saw Erykah in concert in 2008 and she promised that New Amerykah Part Two (Return of the Ankh) was only months away. I kept waiting all through 2009 for her to follow up on that promise. Now it appears that the album is indeed going to come out, and I can’t wait. Every one of her albums is an experience and this shouldn’t be an exception.
Gorillaz
I’m fond of this fake band. I initially got into them because of their links to Del and The Automator. But when Danger Mouse and De La Soul got involved I knew I’d become a fan. Now I’m eagerly looking forward to hearing what sonic boundaries the group pushes next, and who will produce it.
Lupe Fiasco
On the low, Lupe is an underground Kanye West. Both are prone to audacious statements and both are talented, though not as talented as they think. I’m curious about Lupe’s direction will be now that his buzz has disappeared and hip-hop has new saviors.
Santogold
I slept on her debut and only picked it up last year on a whim. But it was a solid introduction that left me hungry for more. I respected her genre-hopping and her making an album that was actually a fun listen. I’m worried that her sophomore album may sound forced, but I hope that I’m wrong.
J Cole
I’ve only heard two songs, “A Star Is Born” and “Beautiful Bliss”, and I want to track down his mixtapes, but I’m afraid that I’ll actually quell the anticipation I have for his album. I’m really curious to hear what has Jay-Z excited. I mean, Jay-Z also cosigned Memphis Bleek.
Amy Winehouse
Since both Frank and Back to Black are in my CD player right now, I’m sort of on a Winehouse kick at the moment. And granted, she’s got a ton of other things going on right now, but I don’t think that a follow up to her immensely popular sophomore album is out of the question. At the very least, the production will be superb. And since I’m on the subject of trainwrecks…
D’Angelo
It’s been roughly a decade since D’Angelo released Voodoo. Ten years. Ten long years. Let me put it like this: when Voodoo was released, fellow Virginia crooner Chris Brown just ten years old and still ten years away from a total career meltdown. At the very least D’Angelo should release some demos. Hell, he could leak them for all I care; I just want to hear some of his work.
And that does it for another edition. In upcoming weeks I’ll share my thoughts on Vampire Weekend, my Best of 2009 and possibly some more thoughts on the past decade. Laters.
