Amiyah Golden
Feb. 14
The Lumineers
“Automatic”
It’s been three years since this popular folk-duo has released a full-length album, and fans are over the moon (it’s me) with glee as they hear the pair merge sounds again with “Automatic.”
I highly appreciate the release date falling on Valentine’s Day, as it’ll give me something to hyper-fixate on, as I heavily enjoy every song that The Lumineers touch.
Horsegirl
“Phonetics On & On”
“Phonetics On & On” is the sophomore album from Horsegirl, a rock trio that hails out of Chicago.
Their latest project will feature 11 tracks. And the early release of the single “2468” and the quirky music video that followed have me confident that this album will be a contemporary deep-dive into some fun classic sounds.
Mereba
“The Breeze Grew a Fire”
I’m personally so excited for this release, as Mereba has not released a studio album since 2019, and my ears are starving.
“The Breeze Grew a Fire” is only her second album but that doesn’t diminish her successes, as she has continuously proved herself with her various singles, features and her 2021 EP, “AZEB.”
“For this, it went back to me being on my own for the creation of a lot of the songs, and it was really important for me this time of life because I was a little disconnected from the world, and from who I was. So I was trying to find my way back to myself first. What do I like? What do I want to hear? What do I want to say to people now?” Mereba said in a press release.
While the titles of her 13-track project have been released with no explicit mentions of features, I wouldn’t completely write off the possibility of a surprise guest on one of these songs.
Alessia Cara
“Love & Hyperbole”
Known best for her 2015 hit, “Here,” the Canadian singer and songwriter is releasing her fourth studio album, “Love and Hyperbole,” February 14.
Nao
“Jupiter”
My loyalty to the alternative R&B singer, Neo has held strong since my middle school days and has no plans of fleeting as I anticipate her newest album, “Jupiter.”
According to a statement from RCA records, “[Nao’s] forthcoming album will explore themes of growth, abundance, and profound self-discovery, weaving together a tapestry of introspection and expansive creativity.”
Nao has demonstrated her immense vocal range, which can Segway through multiple genres with ease, as it’s so idiosyncratic yet alluring.
Feb. 21
Youth Lagoon
“Rarely Do I Dream”
“I wanted to really make someone feel like they were inside my living room in 1993 but rearrange the furniture a bit. Something about combining the level of hyperreality with fairytales of devils and detectives weirdly felt like the truest way to immortalize these pieces of my family,” said Trevor Powell (the mastermind behind Youth Lagoon) in a press release about the album.
Powell’s newest musical escapade is expected to be raw and experimental, as he’s never afraid to push the bounds.
A tour also comes alongside this new era of music and will kick off in Spokane, Washington next month.
Tate McRae
“So Close to What”
This former “So You Think You Can Dance” finalist for the Canadian version of the popular dance competition show has made noise in recent years with her debut into pop stardom.
Her 2023 hit songs, “Greedy” and “exes,” helped her establish a more mainstream audience, with the singer and songwriter cultivating a dedicated fan base, as she continues to release pop-hits and deliver captivating visuals through her unique music videos.
McRae is often compared to the legendary Britney Spears, as many spectators make comparisons between the two based on their distinct choreography and style.
“So Close To What” is the singer’s third studio album and will be released right before her 2025 Miss Possessive Tour, which begins in March in Mexico City.
February 28
BANKS
“Off With Her Head”
I know BANKS best from her 2014 debut album, “Goddess” which features the hit singles, “Waiting Game” and “Someone New.”
BANKS deems her latest project, “Off With Her Head” as a “big sister to Goddess” via a press statement. “After a decade apart, I’ve reunited with the core musicians and producers who shaped my debut. Yet, it also represents something entirely new, reflecting my growth as both an artist and a person.”
I’m sure we can anticipate some vulnerable insight into the mind of this singer and songwriter who treads the line of a mainstream “pop” sound while remaining authentic to self.
She also released a single with rap star Doechii last year that has found its way onto the album and displays her diversity.
Serpentwithfeet
“GRIP SEQUEL”
“GRIP SEQUEL” comes as the follow-up project to last year’s release of ‘GRIP’ by New York-based R&B singer serpentwithfeet.
This album will feature collaborations with Destin Conrad and Ogi — fellow alternative R&B singers — who are beginning to emerge into the limelight and rightfully so as they have established their own distinct sound.
Ty Dolla $ign, is also listed as a feature on the remix of the song, “Damn Gloves” by Baile Funk.
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