Eight albums to keep an ear out for in 2023
An ultimate guide to music releases that you do not want to miss this year.

With the new year upon us, there are plenty of things to look forward to—and music is no exception. Compiled here is a list of eight highly-anticipated releases in 2023 to refresh your playlists.

Måneskin – Rush! (January 20)

Following their victory in the 2021 Eurovision Song Contest with their song “ZITTI E BUONI,” Italian alternative glam rock band Måneskin quickly rose to international success. During the Summer of 2021, it was impossible to escape songs like “I WANNA BE YOUR SLAVE” and their cover of “Beggin” on social media platforms such as TikTok and Instagram. With a January 20 release date, you certainly do not want to miss the Italian rock band’s newest album, Rush!—featuring their newest singles “LA FINE” and “THE LONELIEST” alongside a 17-song tracklist.

Sam Smith – Gloria (January 27)

As a follow-up to their 2020 album Love Goes, English pop artist Sam Smith announced the release of their fourth studio album, Gloria in October 2022. Shortly after, Smith released their chart-topping single “Unholy” featuring Kim Petras, which made history in 2022 as the first song by an openly transgender and non-binary artists to top the Billboard Top 100 chart. With features from Jessie Reyez, Kim Petras, Ed Sheeran, and Koffee, Smith’s Gloria is set to be released on January 27, with their “GLORIA the tour” beginning this spring. 

Paramore – This Is Why (February 10)

Nearly six years after the release of After Laughter in 2017, pop punk band Paramore is back with their long-awaited album, This Is Why. In an interview with Rolling Stone, Front-woman Hayley Williams explained that while the new album will be reminiscent of the band’s early influences, it will feature a more “guitar-heavy” sound. Best-known for their songs “Misery Business” and “Still Into You,” Paramore is sure to impress with This Is Why. 

Lana Del Rey – Did You Know That There’s a Tunnel Under Ocean Blvd (March 24)

To the delight of her dedicated fan-base, Lana Del Rey has announced her ninth studio album, Did You Know That There’s a Tunnel Under Ocean Blvd—originally scheduled for March 10, but pushed back to March 24. The alternative pop singer-songwriter is well-known for her 2012 hit song, “Summertime Sadness,” her smoky, sultry vocals, and her cinematic writing style. Her new album is set to include features from acts such as Bleachers, Jon Batiste, and SYML.

Miley Cyrus – Endless Summer Vacation (March 10)

In a follow-up to her 2020 album, Plastic Hearts, Miley Cyrus will be putting out her eighth studio album, Endless Summer Vacation on March 10. Since the release of the album’s first single, “Flowers,” Cyrus has shaken the media with her new look and fiery attitude. Many believe that “Flowers” was written as a “response” to the classic Bruno Mars hit, “When I Was Your Man.” In addition, fans worldwide have been uncovering “Easter eggs” throughout the song’s music video that point to Cyrus’s ex-husband, Liam Hemsworth. With her diverse music style, ranging from country to electropop to rock, Cyrus describes Endless Summer Vacation as a “love-letter” to Los Angeles., which will feature a “fresh yet nostalgic pop-rock” sound.  

Ellie Goulding – Higher Than Heaven (March 24)

Known for her 2011 hit song, “Lights,” electropop singer-songwriter Ellie Goulding has scheduled her first post-pandemic album to come out this spring. Originally slated for release on February 3, Goulding explained in a series of tweets that the release of Higher Than Heaven will be delayed. In an October 2022 interview, Goulding hinted that Higher Than Heaven is an album “about being passionately in love” and that the songs are inspired by “disco and future house” music.

Metallica – 72 Seasons (April 14)

Hailed as one of the “most successful heavy metal bands” of all time,” Metallica is back with their first album since 2016’s Hardwired… To Self-Destruct. With a career spanning back to 1981, the iconic thrash and heavy metal band is known for titles such as “Enter Sandman,” “Nothing Else Matters,” and “Master of Puppets.” Their newest album, 72 Seasons,  is expected to be released on April 14, featuring 12 new songs—including their latest single “Lux Æterna”.

Chlöe – Chlöe (TBD)

Famous for her role in the R&B duo Chlöe x Halle, Chlöe Bailey began a solo music career under the name Chlöe in 2021 with her debut single “Have Mercy.” In a 2022 tweet, Chlöe stated that she had finished recording her self-titled album, but remained tight-lipped about further details. Since then, she has released several successful singles, including “Treat Me” and “For the Night.” While Chlöe has not yet announced an official release date for her highly anticipated debut album, it is expected to be released sometime this year.

With the wide range of album releases to kick off 2023, there’s new music for everyone’s tastes. Mark your calendars and get your streaming platforms ready, because you certainly do not want to miss out on what these artists have in store for this year.