Time to freshen up that playlist! 2016 means a new year, new opportunities, and awesome new music. Be on the lookout for these new albums in 2016.
Wolfmother — “Victorious”
Release Date: February 19
Tired of the deluge of synthesized, banal “indie-pop” currently touted as rock music? The Australian group Wolfmother is a wonderful reminder that some bands are still producing rock ‘n’ roll that’s loud and rambunctious, with a little bit of attitude and a throwback vibe. The band burst onto the scene in 2005 with no inhibitions about the kind of music they most admire: 70s hard rock à la Led Zeppelin. After releasing two proper studio albums and a self-released, digital-only album in 2014, and after going through multiple band member lineup changes, Wolfmother is back with the new, highly anticipated release of “Victorious” in February.
U2 — “Songs of Experience”
Release Date: TBA
2016 will mark 40 years since four lads from Dublin formed U2. But don’t let such incredible longevity fool you into thinking that the superstar Irish quartet will be hanging it up any time soon. This past year was a busy one for the band as they toured the world promoting their last album, 2014’s “Songs of Innocence.” The record received mixed reviews, and for good reason. While many of the tracks were an inventive, sonic departure from the past featuring their most personally direct lyrics to date, U2’s signature hooks and memorable vocal melodies were few and far between. The band’s upcoming album, entitled “Songs of Experience,” may be a compendium of sorts to “Innocence.” In a recent interview, lead singer Bono predicted that the new album could come early in the new year, as “a lot of the songs are done already” — perhaps indicating that the songs were recorded in the same sessions as “Innocence.” But U2 has proven to be full of surprises in the past, and the new album will undoubtedly prove likewise.
Beck — (Title TBA)
Release Date: TBA
Beck is an artist who always manages to be interesting, no matter what he does. Whether it’s the alternative, hip-hop funk of 1994’s “Loser,” the smooth, sweet harmonies and laid back, melancholic vibes of his 2002 folk rock album “Sea Change,” or the hodgepodge of eclectic sounds that fill the groovy 2005 album “Guero,” there are always unexpected delights to find in a Beck record. In 2014, his quirky, versatile appeal went mainstream after his album “Morning Phase” won three Grammys, including Album of the Year. Earlier this year, Beck released the first single “Dreams” from his upcoming album, which is yet to be titled. If the rest of the album is similar to this upbeat, head-nodding gem, then we’re in for a real treat.
Band of Horses — (Title TBA)
Release Date: TBA
The appeal of Band of Horses lies in their unique marriage of smooth, easy listening vocal melodies with a robust backing of guitar-driven indie rock. Featuring lead singer Ben Bridwell’s velvety, bright tenor, the band was able to craft an addictive, slightly melancholic soundscape through four albums released from 2006 to 2012. Their last album “Mirage Rock” proved to be a disappointment due to its departure from their signature sound and an odd absence of memorable hooks. But the new album (untitled as of now and due in the spring) promises to be a return to form, with Bridwell describing it as “close to” the style of their first three records.
The Killers — (Title TBA)
Release Date: TBA
The Killers have managed to remain a captivating band ever since achieving breakthrough success in 2004 with their debut album “Hot Fuss.” The group’s strength lies in their ability to produce an innovative form of new wave dance rock that also combines a heartland/folk sound, and the songs are delivered with a charismatic, swaggering urgency, as if The Killers have something important to prove. That characteristic lust for life and originality was lamentably absent from their latest effort, 2012’s “Battle Born.” Lead singer Brandon Flowers acknowledged in a recent interview that the album “wasn’t good enough” and that the band need “a little bit of that drive and that hunger back.” Great news for Killers fans hungry for some fresh vitality from the band. The new untitled album is due out by the end of 2016.
