{"id":1466040,"date":"2021-04-06T15:11:02","date_gmt":"2021-04-06T12:11:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1466040"},"modified":"2021-04-06T15:11:02","modified_gmt":"2021-04-06T12:11:02","slug":"the-49-most-anticipated-albums-of-spring-2021-taylor-swift-japanese-breakfast-j-balvin-and-more","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1466040","title":{"rendered":"The 49 Most Anticipated Albums of Spring 2021: Taylor Swift, Japanese Breakfast, J Balvin, and More"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Lists & Guides<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

The 49 Most Anticipated Albums of Spring 2021: Taylor Swift, Japanese Breakfast, J Balvin, and More<\/h1>\n
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New releases to look forward to in the coming months, from Dawn Richard, Iceage, Olivia Rodrigo, and others<\/div>\n
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By <\/span>Pitchfork<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/div>\n

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Graphic by Drew Litowitz, photos via Getty Images<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/header>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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Spring is in the air, the weather is getting warmer, vaccination rates are climbing, tours are being announced: there\u2019s a lot to be hopeful for right now. And as the bumper crop of albums listed below attests, there\u2019s a ton of great music awaiting our ears just around the corner. Here are 49 records to look forward to in the coming months. (As of April 6, all release dates have been confirmed. But as usual, everything is subject to change.)<\/p>\n

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\"Andy<\/span><\/div>\n
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Modern Love<\/p>\n

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Andy Stott: Never the Right Time<\/em><\/h2>\n
April 16<\/div>\n

UK electronic producer Andy Stott had almost completed his new album Never the Right Time<\/em> in early 2020, just months after the release of 2019\u2019s It Should Be Us<\/em>. But then \u201cpersonal upheaval brought everything to a sudden standstill,\u201d he explained in a press release. Stott finally finished the album in late 2020. In March, he dropped the frosty first single \u201cthe beginning,\u201d featuring vocals by Alison Skidmore. \u2013Marc Hogan<\/p>\n

Preorder:<\/strong> Boomkat<\/p>\n

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The Armed: ULTRAPOP<\/em><\/h2>\n
April 16<\/div>\n

According to the Armed\u2019s guitarist and co-producer Dan Greene, the hardcore collective\u2019s latest album is a \u201cjoyous, genderless, post-nihilist, anti-punk, razor-focused take on creating the most intense listener experience possible.\u201d The follow-up to 2018\u2019s Only Love<\/em> features assistance from Mark Lanegan, Queens of the Stone Age\u2019s Troy Van Leeuwen, producer Ben Chisholm, and executive producer Kurt Ballou. The famously mysterious group revealed its member lineup for this album in the live video for lead single \u201cAll Futures.\u201d \u2013Sam Sodomsky<\/p>\n

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\"The<\/span><\/div>\n
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The Armed: ULTRAPOP<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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$24.99<\/span> at Rough Trade<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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\"Image<\/span><\/div>\n
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New Amsterdam<\/p>\n

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Arooj Aftab: Vulture Prince<\/em><\/h2>\n
April 23<\/div>\n

Pakistan-born, Brooklyn-based multi-hyphenate Arooj Aftab will release Vulture Prince<\/em> after sharing the singles \u201cLast Night\u201d and \u201cMohabbat,\u201d both of which blur the lines between genres and traditions. \u201cIt\u2019s about people, friendships, relationships,\u201d Aftab has said of the full-length effort. Vulture Prince<\/em> follows her 2015 debut album Bird Under Water<\/em>. \u2013Marc Hogan<\/p>\n

Preorder:<\/strong> Bandcamp<\/p>\n

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Bachelor: Doomin\u2019 Sun<\/em><\/h2>\n
May 28<\/div>\n

In February, Jay Som\u2019s Melina Duterte and Palehound\u2019s Ellen Kempner revealed they were joining forces under the name Bachelor. After releasing the single \u201cAnything at All,\u201d the indie-rock singer-songwriters later confirmed that the project would carry over to a full-length album, Doomin\u2019 Sun<\/em>, with contributions from members of Big Thief and Chastity Belt. They also shared the new song \u201cStay in the Car.\u201d In 2019, Jay Som released Anak Ko<\/em>, and Palehound released Black Friday<\/em>. \u2013Marc Hogan<\/p>\n

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\"Bachelor:<\/span><\/div>\n
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Bachelor: Doomin\u2019 Sun<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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$22.99<\/span> at Rough Trade<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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beabadoobee: Our Extended Play<\/em> EP<\/h2>\n
Spring<\/div>\n

Months after her debut album as beabadoobee with last year\u2019s Fake It Flowers<\/em>, singer-songwriter Bea Kristi returns this spring with a new EP titled, simply, Our Extended Play<\/em>. Matty Healy and George Daniel of the 1975 are credited as producers and co-writers, and the first single \u201cLast Day on Earth\u201d was released in March with a video. Kristi has said she \u201cwanted to experiment on the sounds and sonics even more.\u201d beabadoobee\u2019s first proper tour behind Fake It Flowers<\/em> is set for this September in the UK. \u2013Marc Hogan<\/p>\n

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black midi: Cavalcade<\/em><\/h2>\n
May 28<\/div>\n

In the lyrics of Cavalcade<\/em>, the sophomore album from adventurous London rock band black midi, you\u2019ll encounter a cult leader fallen on hard times, a corpse in a diamond mine, iconic singer Marliene Dietrich, and so much more. \u201cWhen you\u2019re listening to the album you can almost imagine all the characters form a sort of cavalcade,\u201d bassist Cameron Picton said in a press release. \u201cEach tells their story one by one and as each track ends they overtake you, replaced by the next in line.\u201d Lead single \u201cJohn L\u201d indicates the rest of the album will be just as wide-ranging and unpredictable. \u2013Sam Sodomsky<\/p>\n

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\"black<\/span><\/div>\n
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black midi: Cavalcade<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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$24.99<\/span> at Rough Trade<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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$23<\/span> at Amazon<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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Bomba Est\u00e9reo: Deja<\/em><\/h2>\n
Spring<\/div>\n

Four years after Bomba Est\u00e9reo\u2019s last studio album Ayo<\/em>, the Colombian band returns with Deja<\/em>, a project divided into parts based on the four classical elements: Agua, Aire, Tierra, and Fuego. Lido Pimienta and OKAN guest on lead single \u201cAgua.\u201d The group has also shared \u201cSoledad\u201d and the title track. \u201cThe album is about the connection and disconnection of human beings\u2014from the planet, from one\u2019s own self,\u201d Bomba singer Liliana \u201cLi\u201d Saumet has said. \u2013Marc Hogan<\/p>\n

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BROCKHAMPTON: ROADRUNNER: NEW LIGHT, NEW MACHINE<\/em><\/h2>\n
April 9<\/div>\n

Almost four years since their debut, BROCKHAMPTON will release their sixth album Roadrunner: New Light, New Machine<\/em>, with an accompanying livestreamed broadcast from Rick Rubin\u2019s Shangri-La Studios in Malibu. To build anticipation for the record, the group teased its arrival with trailers that feature Rubin and RZA. They recently dropped the album\u2019s lead single \u201cBuzzcut,\u201d featuring Danny Brown, as well as \u201cCount on Me,\u201d featuring Shawn Mendes, A$AP Rocky, and Ryan Beatty. \u2013Alphonse Pierre<\/p>\n

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\"Image<\/span><\/div>\n
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BROCKHAMPTON: ROADRUNNER: NEW LIGHT, NEW MACHINE<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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$14.99<\/span> at Rough Trade<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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Cardi B<\/h2>\n
TBD<\/div>\n

In early February, Cardi B shared her new single and video, \u201cUp.\u201d In an interview timed to the release, she said she wanted to put out an album in 2021 and had \u201clike 50 songs\u201d recorded. Since then, Cardi has performed her 2020 hit with Megan Thee Stallion, \u201cWAP,\u201d at the Grammys, although the song isn\u2019t expected to be submitted for awards consideration until next year\u2014hopefully timed to the release of the follow-up to her 2018 debut Invasion of Privacy<\/em>. \u2013Marc Hogan<\/p>\n

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CHAI: WINK<\/em><\/h2>\n
May 21<\/div>\n

CHAI\u2019s fuses cheeky rock music with dance and R&B elements on WINK<\/em>, the Japanese group\u2019s third album and first for Sub Pop. WINK<\/em> signals the first time CHAI has teamed up with guest artists (Ric Wilson, Mndsgn, and YMCK), and the quartet has released several vibrant lead singles. Look to the delightful indie-pop song \u201cDonuts Mind If I Do\u201d for a taste of WINK<\/em>\u2019s culinary theme and undeniably playful energy. \u2013Eric Torres<\/p>\n

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\"CHAI:<\/span><\/div>\n
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CHAI: WINK<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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$20.99<\/span> at Rough Trade<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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Damon Locks \/ Black Monument Ensemble: NOW<\/em>\u00a0<\/h2>\n
April 9<\/div>\n

Damon Locks and the Black Monument Ensemble\u2019s first album, 2019\u2019s Where Future Unfolds<\/em>, documented the live debut of the Chicago artist\/activist and 15-member collective in a city park. Recording for the follow-up, simply titled NOW<\/em>, seems to have been almost as spontaneous, comprising \u201conly a few takes\u201d in a garden behind Chicago\u2019s Experimental Sound Studio. The ensemble includes such illustrious International Anthem labelmates as Angel Bat Dawid and Ben LaMar Gay, but the most prominent accompanists on lead single \u201cNow (Forever Momentary Space)\u201d is a swarm of cicadas. \u2013Marc Hogan<\/p>\n

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\"Damon<\/span><\/div>\n
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Damon Locks \/ Black Monument Ensemble: NOW<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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$25.99<\/span> at Rough Trade<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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Darkside: Spiral<\/em><\/h2>\n
TBD<\/div>\n

Eight years after their one and only album, 2013\u2019s Psychic<\/em>, Nicol\u00e1s Jaar and Dave Harrington have returned. Last December, Darkside announced a new full-length, Spiral<\/em>, timed for a spring 2021 release. They also shared a new song, the lush and heady \u201cLiberty Bell.\u201d They recently unearthed PSYCHIC LIVE JULY 17 2014<\/em>\u2014a live set from Belgium\u2019s Dour Festival. \u2013Marc Hogan<\/p>\n

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Dawn Richard: Second Line: An Electro Revival<\/em><\/h2>\n
April 30<\/div>\n

For her debut on famed indie label Merge, electronic-R&B artist Dawn Richard adopted the persona of King Creole to pay homage to the parades in her hometown of New Orleans. The follow-up to 2019\u2019s new breed<\/em> includes previously released singles \u201cBussifame,\u201d \u201cPilot (a lude),\u201d and \u201cJacuzzi.\u201d Richard said she made Second Line<\/em> to center Black women in electronic music and show beyond doubt that they belong\u2014and always have. She told Pitchfork earlier this year, \u201cI want to fucking break that taboo all the way.\u201d \u2013Eric Torres<\/p>\n

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\"Dawn<\/span><\/div>\n
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Dawn Richard: Second Line: An Electro Revival<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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$37<\/span> at Rough Trade<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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Dinosaur Jr.: Sweep It Into Space<\/em><\/h2>\n
April 23<\/div>\n

Five years after 2016\u2019s Give a Glimpse of What Yer Not<\/em>, rock legends Dinosaur Jr. will return with a new record, Sweep It Into Space<\/em>, co-produced by Kurt Vile. The band began recording in late 2019 at Biquiteen in Amherst, Massachusetts but was interrupted by the pandemic. Luckily, \u201cthe recording session was pretty well finished by the time things really hit the fan,\u201d according to J Mascis. Meanwhile, the trio has announced 2021 tour dates and a rescheduled Camp Fuzz retreat in Big Indian, New York. \u2013Quinn Moreland<\/p>\n

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\"Dinosaur<\/span><\/div>\n
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Dinosaur Jr.: Sweep It Into Space<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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$23<\/span> at Rough Trade<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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Drake: Certified Lover Boy<\/em><\/h2>\n
TBD<\/div>\n

Last August, after the longest-ever break between albums, Drake announced Certified Lover Boy<\/em>\u2014the follow-up to 2018\u2019s Scorpion<\/em>\u2014and shared his Lil Durk collaboration \u201cLaugh Now Cry Later.\u201d The news followed last spring\u2019s Dark Lane Demo Tapes<\/em> project. Multiple teased release dates for the Six God\u2019s sixth album have come and gone, but Drake has lost none of his bravado along the way. On this year\u2019s surprise, guest-filled Scary Hours 2<\/em> EP, he boasts, \u201cCome with a classic, they come around years later and say it\u2019s a sleeper.\u201d \u2013Marc Hogan<\/p>\n

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Ethel Cain: Inbred<\/em> EP<\/h2>\n
April 23<\/div>\n

Indiana-based singer-songwriter Ethel Cain, born Hayden Silas Anhedonia, has described her Cain persona as \u201cthe unhappy wife of a corrupt preacher.\u201d She\u2019s brought that image to vivid life through two caustic singles from the forthcoming EP so far: the sawtoothed \u201cMichelle Pfeiffer,\u201d featuring emo-trap artist lil aaron, and \u201cCrush,\u201d both of which display Cain\u2019s sharp strain of indie rock. \u2013Eric Torres<\/p>\n

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\"Georgia<\/span><\/div>\n
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FORESEEN Entertainment \/ Epistrophik Peach Sound<\/p>\n

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Georgia Anne Muldrow: VWETO III<\/em><\/h2>\n
May 21<\/div>\n

Georgia Ann Muldrow revealed news of her instrumental VWETO III<\/em> in March. It\u2019s the third entry in a series, after 2011\u2019s VWETO<\/em> and 2019\u2019s VWETO II<\/em>. Muldrow also shared the track \u201cMufaro\u2019s Garden.\u201d Last year, Muldrow released an album by her solo jazz project Jyoti, Mama, You Can Bet!<\/em>. The upcoming record, she\u2019s said, \u201cis intended for movement.\u201d \u2013Marc Hogan<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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Preorder:<\/strong> Bandcamp<\/p>\n

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girl in red: if i could make it go quiet<\/em><\/h2>\n
April 30<\/div>\n

Norwegian indie-pop singer-songwriter girl in red announced her debut album, if i could make it go quiet<\/em>, in March. If the open-hearted, FINNEAS co-produced lead single \u201cserotonin\u201d is any indication, expect the LP to contain more memorable pop-rock mutations and piano balladry. Marie Ulven has described her highly anticipated debut as \u201can attempt to learn what it\u2019s like to be human; to deal with the scariest parts of myself; to live with the pain of knowing i\u2019m only flesh and bones.\u201d \u2013Eric Torres<\/p>\n

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\"girl<\/span><\/div>\n
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girl in red: if i could make it go quiet<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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$25<\/span> at Rough Trade<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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Gojira: Fortitude<\/em><\/h2>\n
April 30<\/div>\n

Fortitude<\/em> is the first album in five years from the French heavy metal band Gojira, known for philosophical and environmentally conscious lyrics. According to guitarist\/vocalist Joe Duplantier, opening track \u201cBorn for One Thing\u201d has an anti-consumerist message. \u201cWe have to practice detaching ourselves from everything, beginning with actual things,\u201d he said in a press release. \u201cOwn less possessions, and give what you don\u2019t need away, because one day we\u2019ll have to let everything go, and if we don\u2019t, we\u2019ll just become ghosts stuck between dimensions.\u201d \u2014Sam Sodomsky<\/p>\n

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\"Gojira:<\/span><\/div>\n
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Gojira: Fortitude<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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$21<\/span> at Rough Trade<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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Hiatus Kaiyote: Mood Valiant<\/em><\/h2>\n
June 25<\/div>\n

The next album from Australia\u2019s Hiatus Kaiyote, Mood Valiant<\/em>, is the Brainfeeder\/Ninja Tune signees\u2019 first since 2015\u2019s Choose Your Weapon<\/em>. That album spawned samples by the likes of Kendrick Lamar, Drake, and Chance the Rapper. It\u2019s also the band\u2019s first album since lead singer Nai Palm\u2019s recovery from breast cancer. Lead single \u201cGet Sun,\u201d featuring Brazilian arranger Arthur Verocai, is jazz funk that\u2019s at once somber and triumphant. \u2013Marc Hogan<\/p>\n

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\"Hiatus<\/span><\/div>\n
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Hiatus Kaiyote: Mood Valiant<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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$22<\/span> at Amazon<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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Iceage: Seek Shelter<\/em><\/h2>\n
May 7<\/div>\n

Iceage teamed up with Spacemen 3\u2019s Peter \u201cSonic Boom\u201d Kember for their fifth album, marking the first time the Danish punk band has ever worked with an outside producer. \u201cFor Seek Shelter<\/em>, we had a definite vision of how we wanted the album to be carved out,\u201d vocalist Elias Bender R\u00f8nnenfelt said in a press release, \u201cyet still the end result came as a surprise in terms of where we sonically were able to push our boundaries.\u201d So far, they\u2019ve shared the tracks \u201cThe Holding Hand,\u201d \u201cVendetta,\u201d and \u201cShelter Song,\u201d which features vocals from the Lisboa Gospel Collective. \u2013Sam Sodomsky<\/p>\n

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\"Iceage:<\/span><\/div>\n
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Iceage: Seek Shelter<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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$20.99<\/span> at Rough Trade<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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India Jordan: Watch Out!<\/em> EP<\/h2>\n
May 7<\/div>\n

Clubs were shut down for most of 2020, but India Jordan didn\u2019t rest. Following their breakout EP, For You<\/em>, the ascendant dance producer returns with Watch Out!<\/em>, a new collection of tracks for Ninja Tune. They describe it as \u201ca homage to both physical and conceptual movement,\u201d led by the single \u201cAnd Groove.\u201d That track, they said, was crafted \u201cin peak Lockdown #1 and is reminiscent of a train journey\u2014repetitive and rhythmic movement that goes on and on (and groove!)\u201d \u2013Noah Yoo<\/p>\n

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\"India<\/span><\/div>\n
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India Jordan: Watch Out! EP<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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$18.99<\/span> at Rough Trade<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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J Balvin<\/h2>\n
TBD<\/div>\n

J Balvin hasn\u2019t revealed much about the follow-up to last year\u2019s Colores<\/em>, but the Colombian reggaet\u00f3n colossus has already shared two singles from it, \u201cTu Veneno\u201d and \u201cMa\u2019 G.\u201d He has also lately teamed up on tracks with Mr Eazi and Eladio Carri\u00f3n. His collaborative album with Bad Bunny, OASIS<\/em>, arrived in 2019.\u2013Marc Hogan<\/p>\n

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Jack Ingram \/ Miranda Lambert \/ Jon Randall: The Marfa Tapes<\/em><\/h2>\n
May 7<\/div>\n

Country singer-songwriters Miranda Lambert, Jack Ingram, and Jon Randall recorded their new album together with a pair of microphones and an acoustic guitar in the desert of Marfa, Texas. Reflecting their natural, collaborative process, the trio intersperses the songs with field recordings and friendly banter: \u201cThere\u2019s something singular that happens in that moment of collaboration and creation, something you can never really recreate in the studio,\u201d Ingram explained in a press release. \u201cOur hope with this album was to share a little bit of that magic with people.\u201d \u2013Sam Sodomsky<\/p>\n

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\"Jack<\/span><\/div>\n
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Jack Ingram \/ Miranda Lambert \/ Jon Randall: The Marfa Tapes<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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$35<\/span> at Rough Trade<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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$44<\/span> at Amazon<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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Japanese Breakfast: Jubilee<\/em><\/h2>\n
June 4<\/div>\n

\u201cAfter writing two albums and a book about grief, I feel very ready to embrace feeling<\/em>,\u201d Michelle Zauner told Pitchfork ahead of her third album as Japanese Breakfast, Jubilee<\/em>. Zauner\u2019s memoir, Crying in H Mart<\/em>, is still upcoming, but Japanese Breakfast has become a breakout indie-pop sensation thanks to the shimmering melancholy of those prior LPs, 2016\u2019s Psychopomp<\/em> and 2017\u2019s Soft Sounds From Another Planet<\/em>. The first Jubilee<\/em> single \u201cBe Sweet\u201d is a beacon of a brighter future, as Zauner sings, \u201cI want to believe in something.\u201d \u2013Marc Hogan<\/p>\n

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\"Japanese<\/span><\/div>\n
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Japanese Breakfast: Jubilee<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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$25<\/span> at Rough Trade<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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Kacey Musgraves<\/h2>\n
TBD<\/div>\n

With the exception of her campy Amazon Prime Christmas special in 2019, Kacey Musgraves has been relatively quiet on the music front since releasing her third album, 2018\u2019s magnificent Golden Hour<\/em>. In a recent Rolling Stone<\/em> interview, Musgraves disclosed that the new album, slated for this year, will dissect both her divorce from singer-songwriter Ruston Kelly and the dire state of America as she\u2019s seen it over the last turbulent year. \u2013Eric Torres<\/p>\n

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Lana Del Rey: Rock Candy Sweet<\/em><\/h2>\n
June 1<\/div>\n

Lana Del Rey announced her March album Chemtrails Over the Country Club<\/em>, the follow-up to 2019\u2019s world-conquering Norman Fucking Rockwell!<\/em>, almost a year in advance. The wait apparently won\u2019t be as long for Rock Candy Sweet<\/em>, which the singer-songwriter announced one day after Chemtrails<\/em>\u2019 release. It\u2019s been a productive several months for Del Rey, who recently released a poetry collection and audiobook, Violet Bent Backwards Over the Grass<\/em>. \u2013Marc Hogan<\/p>\n

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Lil Yachty: Michigan Boy Boat<\/em><\/h2>\n
TBD<\/div>\n

Lil Yachty\u2019s Michigan Boy Boat<\/em> mixtape has been endlessly teased, but now the artist\u2019s heavy output makes it seem like it\u2019s actually about to come to fruition. Since 2017\u2019s \u201cFrom the D to the A\u201d with Tee Grizzley, Atlanta\u2019s Yachty has had close ties with the Motor City\u2019s fast-growing rap scene. Throughout 2020, he released collaborations with Michigan artists, including YN Jay, Sada Baby, and Rio Da Yung OG. In early 2021, he put out \u201cRoyal Rumble,\u201d with a starting roster of rappers from the state, and \u201cHit Bout It,\u201d a collaboration with Florida\u2019s Kodak Black where both tackle a heart-beating Michigan-style beat. \u2013Alphonse Pierre<\/p>\n

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\"Loraine<\/span><\/div>\n
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Hyperdub<\/p>\n

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Loraine James: Reflection<\/em><\/h2>\n
June 4<\/div>\n

London electronic producer Loraine James released her fearless debut album For You & I<\/em> in 2019. Following a pair of EPs released during lockdown\u2014Hmm<\/em> and Nothing<\/em>\u2014she\u2019s set to make a full-fledged return with Reflection<\/em>. Produced in the summer of 2020, the new album draws its R&B and drill influence from James\u2019 own listening habits. It features vocal collaborators like Eden Samara, Baths, and other artists who she said \u201ccomplement her own diaristic lyrics.\u201d \u2013Noah Yoo<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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Preorder:<\/strong> Bandcamp<\/p>\n

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Lucy Dacus<\/h2>\n
TBD<\/div>\n

In the more than three years since Lucy Dacus\u2019s last album, 2018\u2019s Historian<\/em>, she\u2019s remained a cultural force. That year, Dacus teamed up with Phoebe Bridgers and Julien Baker for the indie-rock supergroup Boygenius, releasing a self-titled EP. A year later, she delivered the solo 2019<\/em> EP and appears to be gearing up yet again. In March, she unveiled a devastating studio version of a live-show fan favorite, \u201cThumbs.\u201d \u2013Marc Hogan<\/p>\n

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Mannequin Pussy<\/h2>\n
TBD<\/div>\n

Philadelphia punk rockers Mannequin Pussy tightened from a quartet to a trio ahead of the Perfect<\/em> EP. It was announced in March alongside a video for the new song \u201cControl.\u201d Written on the fly after a pandemic year apart, the EP follows 2019\u2019s Patience<\/em>. Last year, lead singer Missy told Pitchfork how Mannequin Pussy used Bandcamp revenue to support their out-of-work touring team. \u2013Marc Hogan<\/p>\n

\n

Matt Sweeney \/ Bonnie \u201cPrince\u201d Billy: Superwolves<\/em><\/h2>\n
April 30<\/div>\n

More than 15 years since their first collaborative album, the cult favorite Superwolf<\/em>, guitarist Matt Sweeney and Bonnie \u201cPrince\u201d Billy mastermind Will Oldham have joined forces for the follow-up. \u201cI think it\u2019s the most substantial group of songs on record that I feel like I\u2019ve been involved with in years, in terms of original compositions,\u201d Oldham told GQ<\/em>. So far, the duo has shared \u201cHall of Death,\u201d which features Tuareg guitarist Mdou Moctar, and the more stripped-back \u201cMy Blue Suit,\u201d which received a video from director Geoff McFetridge. \u2013Sam Sodomsky<\/p>\n

\n
\"Matt<\/span><\/div>\n
\n
\n
Matt Sweeney \/ Bonnie \u201cPrince\u201d Billy: Superwolves<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n
\n
$34.99<\/span> at Rough Trade<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n

Mdou Moctar: Afrique Victime<\/em><\/h2>\n
May 21<\/div>\n

Mdou Moctar, a Tuareg guitarist and songwriter from northern Niger, and his powerhouse backing group make their Matador debut with Afrique Victime<\/em>. Moctar\u2019s expressive guitar playing and hypnotic rhythm section were on full display with his first full-band album, 2019\u2019s Ilana (The Creator)<\/em>. While Afrique Victime<\/em> opener (and first single) \u201cChismiten\u201d explores similarly propulsive territory, the previously released track \u201cTala Tannam\u201d showcases a quieter, unplugged side. Moctar has said, \u201cI want the world to know that we are making music to promote world peace.\u201d \u2013Marc Hogan<\/p>\n

\n
\"Mdou<\/span><\/div>\n
\n
\n
Mdou Moctar: Afrique Victime<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n
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$25<\/span> at Rough Trade<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n

Mustafa: When Smoke Rises<\/em><\/h2>\n
May 28<\/div>\n

\u201cSmoke rises in such a gentle way, unlike how relentless and horrifying a fire can be,\u201d Toronto singer-songwriter Mustafa told Pitchfork last year. His debut project When Smoke Rises<\/em> includes the poet and musician\u2019s first two head-turning singles, \u201cStay Alive\u201d and \u201cAir Forces,\u201d as well as the moving \u201cAli,\u201d which arrived in late March with a self-directed video. \u2013Marc Hogan<\/p>\n

\n
\"Mustafa:<\/span><\/div>\n
\n
\n
Mustafa: When Smoke Rises<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n
\n
$27<\/span> at Rough Trade<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n
$24<\/span> at Amazon<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n

Noname<\/h2>\n
TBD<\/div>\n

In February, Noname shared her first song of the year, \u201cRAINFOREST,\u201d a Tropic\u00e1lia-tinged track with lyrics that blend introspection and climate-scale social commentary. At the same time, the Chicago rapper revealed that her next album Factory Baby<\/em> would be on the way later in 2021. It\u2019s her first full-length since 2018\u2019s Room 25<\/em>. \u2013Marc Hogan<\/p>\n

\n

Olivia Rodrigo<\/h2>\n
May 21<\/div>\n

Olivia Rodrigo exploded into the public consciousness (beyond the Disney Channel universe, at least) seemingly overnight in early 2021 with \u201cdrivers license,\u201d a debut single that premiered at the top of the charts in the U.S. and several other countries, shattering multiple streaming records. The Filipino-American singer-songwriter followed that up with the Billy Joel-referencing single \u201cdeja vu\u201d at the top of April, with her yet-untitled debut album arriving on May 21. \u2013Noah Yoo<\/p>\n

\n

Patrick Paige II: If I Fail Are We Still Cool?<\/em><\/h2>\n
May 21<\/div>\n

In 2018, the Internet\u2019s bassist Patrick Paige II released his intimate solo debut album Letters of Irrelevance<\/em>.<\/em> He\u2019s prepared to follow it up this May with If I Fail Are We Still Cool?<\/em> via Fat Possum. Leading up to the album, Paige has put out two singles: the soulful \u201cSo They Say\u201d and \u201cWhisper (Want My Luv),\u201d which features bandmate Steve Lacy, Allen Love, and Durand Bernarr. \u2013Alphonse Pierre<\/p>\n

\n
\"Patrick<\/span><\/div>\n
\n
\n
Patrick Paige II: If I Fail Are We Still Cool?<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n
\n
$22<\/span> at Rough Trade<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n

Porter Robinson: Nurture<\/em><\/h2>\n
April 23<\/div>\n

Porter Robinson\u2019s long-awaited sophomore album Nurture<\/em> arrives seven years after the producer\u2019s influential debut Worlds<\/em>. In between albums, Robinson released the trance-inspired Virtual Self<\/em> EP but said he had to overcome a period of burnout and creative block to finish his new record. Nurture<\/em> includes the recent songs \u201cGet Your Wish,\u201d \u201cSomething Comforting,\u201d \u201cMirror,\u201d \u201cLook at the Sky,\u201d and \u201cMusician.\u201d \u2013Noah Yoo<\/p>\n

\n
\"Porter<\/span><\/div>\n
\n
\n
Porter Robinson: Nurture<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n
\n
$41.99<\/span> at Rough Trade<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n

Rostam: Changephobia<\/em><\/h2>\n
June 4<\/div>\n

Rostam recorded his second solo album Changephobia<\/em> at the same time that the producer was working on critically acclaimed albums for HAIM, Clairo, and others. The songs were written in various locations around the world as he traveled for production. Don\u2019t let the title fool you: \u201cThis collection of songs is not celebrating a fear of change,\u201d Rostam has said. \u201cRather, it\u2019s the opposite. It\u2019s about who we are capable of becoming if we recognize these fears in ourselves and rise above them.\u201d \u2013Noah Yoo<\/p>\n

\n
\"Rostam:<\/span><\/div>\n
\n
\n
Rostam: Changephobia<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n
\n
$22.99<\/span> at Rough Trade<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n

Sharon Van Etten: epic Ten<\/em><\/h2>\n
April 16<\/div>\n

In 2010, Sharon Van Etten released her second studio album, epic<\/em>. In celebration of the album\u2019s anniversary, Van Etten is sharing epic Ten<\/em>, a double album featuring the original record and a series of covers by the likes of Fiona Apple, Lucinda Williams, Big Red Machine, and Shamir. On April 16 and 17, epic Ten: the documentary and concert<\/em>, will stream with proceeds benefiting the Los Angeles venue Zebulon. The film includes a complete performance of epic<\/em> by Van Etten and her band. \u2013Quinn Moreland<\/p>\n

\n
\"Sharon<\/span><\/div>\n
\n
\n
Sharon Van Etten: epic Ten<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n
\n
$28<\/span> at Rough Trade<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n

Silk Sonic: An Evening With Silk Sonic<\/em><\/h2>\n
TBD<\/div>\n

Silk Sonic is your mom\u2019s new favorite band. Bruno Mars and Anderson .Paak made their new group official with their debut single \u201cLeave the Door Open,\u201d a Philly soul tune that featured string arrangements from Larry Gold, who played on classic records by the O\u2019Jays, the Spinners, and more. The duo then performed the song on Music\u2019s Biggest Night, replete with matching leisure suits. Details of An Evening With Silk Sonic<\/em> are scant, but if Mars and .Paak\u2019s Lacoste promotion is any indication, expect more music soon. \u2013Noah Yoo<\/p>\n

\n

Sons of Kemet: Black to the Future<\/em><\/h2>\n
May 14<\/div>\n

More than three years after Sons of Kemet\u2019s Impulse! debut, 2018\u2019s Your Queen Is a Reptile<\/em>, the ensemble led by London jazz mainstay Shabaka Hutchings returns with Black to the Future<\/em>. Guests on the album include Angel Bat Dawid, Moor Mother, and, on newly shared lead single \u201cHustle,\u201d Kojey Radical and Lianne La Havas. Hutchings\u2019 groups Shabaka and the Ancestors and the Comet Is Coming both released albums in the past couple of years. \u2013Marc Hogan<\/p>\n

\n
\"Sons<\/span><\/div>\n
\n
\n
Sons of Kemet: Black to the Future<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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\n
$29<\/span> at Rough Trade<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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$24<\/span> at Amazon<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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Spirit of the Beehive: ENTERTAINMENT, DEATH<\/em><\/h2>\n
April 9<\/div>\n

Philadelphia\u2019s Spirit of the Beehive makes exceptionally ambitious music that transcends genre and convention. The band\u2019s debut on beloved indie label Saddle Creek, ENTERTAINMENT, DEATH<\/em>, is no different. Arriving three years after Hypnic Jerks<\/em>, the self-recorded and self-produced album finds the band\u2014now a trio composed of guitarist\/vocalist Zack Schwartz, bassist\/vocalist Rivka Ravede, and multi-instrumentalist Corey Wichlin\u2014pushing their boundaries further. With songs titled \u201cGIVE UP YOUR LIFE\u201d and \u201cI SUCK THE DEVIL\u2019S COCK,\u201d ENTERTAINMENT, DEATH<\/em> promises to be a wild ride. \u2013Quinn Moreland<\/p>\n

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\"SPIRIT<\/span><\/div>\n
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Spirit of the Beehive: Entertainment, Death<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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$24.99<\/span> at Rough Trade<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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St. Vincent: Daddy\u2019s Home<\/em><\/h2>\n
May 14<\/div>\n

The era of MASSEDUCTION<\/em>\u2014the latex, the reworked and remixed versions, the bright visuals\u2014has come to a close. Four years later, Daddy\u2019s Home<\/em>. St. Vincent began writing her sixth album in the winter of 2019, following her father\u2019s release from prison after nearly a decade. Working again alongside producer Jack Antonoff, St. Vincent channels a \u201970s sound as made evident in lead single \u201cPay Your Way in Pain.\u201d The album\u2019s promotional posters declare: \u201cSo sit back, light up, and by all means, have that bourbon waiting, because\u2026 DADDY\u2019S HOME.\u201d \u2013Quinn Moreland<\/p>\n

\n
\"St.<\/span><\/div>\n
\n
\n
St. Vincent: Daddy\u2019s Home<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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$25<\/span> at Rough Trade<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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$22<\/span> at Amazon<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n

Taylor Swift: Fearless (Taylor\u2019s Version)<\/em><\/h2>\n
April 9<\/div>\n

In 2019, after her former label Big Machine sold the master rights of her catalog to Scooter Braun, Taylor Swift announced plans to re-record her first six albums. The first of these new records will be Fearless (Taylor\u2019s Version)<\/em>, now expanded to 26 songs, including six unreleased tracks. One previously unheard track, \u201cYou All Over Me (From the Vault),\u201d is produced by Aaron Dessner and features background vocals from Maren Morris. \u2013Quinn Moreland<\/p>\n

\n
\"Taylor<\/span><\/div>\n
\n
\n
Taylor Swift: Fearless (Taylor\u2019s Version)<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n
\n
$50<\/span> at Rough Trade<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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$37<\/span> at Amazon<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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$40<\/span> at Target<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n

Tony Allen: There Is No End<\/em><\/h2>\n
April 30<\/div>\n

Tony Allen, the drum luminary and Afrobeat architect, died at age 79 last year\u2014but the beat goes on. There Is No End<\/em>, timed for release on the anniversary of his death, was crafted by Allen alongside composer Vincent Taurelle and percussionist Vincent Taeger. The album features vocal turns from contemporary artists like Sampa the Great, the Koreatown Oddity, Danny Brown, ZelooperZ, and Skepta. \u2013Noah Yoo<\/p>\n

\n
\"Tony<\/span><\/div>\n
\n
\n
Tony Allen: There Is No End<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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$32<\/span> at Amazon<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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Topaz Jones: Don\u2019t Go Tellin\u2019 Your Momma<\/em><\/h2>\n
April 23<\/div>\n

New Jersey rapper Topaz Jones\u2019 next album will be packaged with a short film written and directed by Jones alongside creative duo rubberband. Both will be called Don\u2019t Go Tellin\u2019 Your Momma<\/em>, his first album since 2016\u2019s Arcade<\/em>. In February, Jones released the first single, \u201cHerringbone.\u201d \u2013Alphonse Pierre<\/p>\n

\n

Wolf Alice: Blue Weekend<\/em><\/h2>\n
June 11<\/div>\n

Wolf Alice\u2019s second record, 2017\u2019s Visions of a Life<\/em>, debuted at No. 2 on the UK charts and won the 2018 Mercury Prize. The British quartet will follow that up with Blue Weekend<\/em>, out in June via Dirty Hit and RCA. It was recorded alongside producer Markus Dravs (Arcade Fire, Bj\u00f6rk) and led by the Kurt Vonnegut-inspired single \u201cThe Last Man on Earth.\u201d \u201cThis album is for other people,\u201d lead singer Ellie Rowsell said in a statement. She said she hopes the tracks \u201cmake people feel listened to if they are going through something.\u201d \u2013Quinn Moreland<\/p>\n

\n
\"Wolf<\/span><\/div>\n
\n
\n
Wolf Alice: Blue Weekend<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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$25<\/span> at Rough Trade<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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\n
\n
\"Yaya<\/span><\/div>\n
<\/p>\n

Big Dada<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n

Yaya Bey: The Things I Can\u2019t Take With Me<\/em> EP<\/h2>\n
April 9<\/div>\n

Last summer, singer-songwriter Yaya Bey released Madison Tapes<\/em>, a simmering and introspective R&B project interwoven with spoken word samples. As she preps a follow-up, the Brooklyn artist is teeing up The Things I Can\u2019t Take With Me<\/em>, a six-song EP that includes the laid-back single \u201cfxck it then.\u201d \u201c[The album] is going to be about the journey home to self,\u201d Bey said in a statement. \u201cBut on the way, there\u2019s all this shit I gotta let go of, just the things I can\u2019t take with me.\u201d \u2013Eric Torres<\/p>\n

Preorder:<\/strong> Bandcamp<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n

Source URL: https:\/\/pitchfork.com\/features\/lists-and-guides\/the-49-most-anticipated-albums-of-spring-2021-taylor-swift-japanese-breakfast-j-balvin-and-more\/<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Lists & Guides The 49 Most Anticipated Albums of Spring 2021: Taylor Swift, Japanese Breakfast, J Balvin, and More New releases to look forward to in the coming months, from Dawn Richard, Iceage, Olivia Rodrigo, and others By Pitchfork April 6, 2021 Graphic by Drew Litowitz, photos via Getty Images Spring is in the air, […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[54],"class_list":["post-1466040","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-politics","tag-pitchfork-com"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1466040","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=1466040"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1466040\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=1466040"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=1466040"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=1466040"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}