After a summer of relentless pop hits and mindless power choruses, we’re all in need of some new music to get those hooks out of our heads. The slate of albums set for release this fall offers a greater depth of artists and more sophisticated sounds. From highly-anticipated indie debuts to veterans gone solo, this lineup offers something for everyone.
What’s even more exciting, however, is the many artists who are rumored to release sometime this fall, but have yet to announce a date. This trend of surprise releases and mysterious recordings has revitalized the industry, both financially and socially, adding excitement and spontaneity to artists’ marketing campaigns. Since Beyoncé’s self-titled surprise release at the end of 2013, several artists have followed in her footsteps. Just last week, U2 rattled the music industry when the band released its newest album at the Apple product launch event, offering it to half a billion iTunes users for free.
Here’s a preview of some of the most noteworthy albums scheduled for release through the end of 2014, followed by a list of artists rumored to release music this season.
Banks
Goddess
Now Available (Harvest)
With more buzz and critical acclaim than perhaps any other artist this summer, Banks is on top of the indie music world. Having just toured with R&B wunderkind The Weekend and set the blogosphere ablaze, her highly anticipated full-length debut Goddess arrives right on cue. Whether you’re a fan of Lana Del Rey or Frank Ocean (or neither), you should give this album a try. With her multiple festival appearances and trademark dark R&B sound, Banks is definitely an artist to watch.
Karen O
Crush Songs
Now Available (Cult)
The Yeah Yeah Yeahs frontwoman has proven time and time again that she’s an exceptional songwriter and a gifted vocalist. From her memorable high-energy performances with her band to her delicate Oscar-nominated soundtrack work for the movie “Her,” Karen O is as versatile as they come. But the real test comes with her first full-length album as a solo artist. Dating back to 2006, recordings like “Comes the Night” and “Day Go By” have a warm, homey feel. The rockers and film buffs are standing by, waiting to hear what she does next.
Alt-J
This Is All Yours
Sept. 22 (Atlantic)
Following the release of the band’s debut An Awesome Wave, Alt-J have become an alt-pop sensation. Their unique, charming sound and complex songwriting has garnered buzz and propelled them onto the charts. The spotlight is certainly on the quartet-turned-trio (multi-instrumentalist Gwil Sainsbury left the project in early stages of recording) as we await the group’s sophomore effort. The diversity of the three singles already available confuse listeners as to what to expect from the album, other than certain variation. “Hunger of the Pine,” with its spooky quiet edge and Miley Cyrus sample, could not differ more from “Left Hand Free,” which takes on a nostalgic rock vibe. Either way, Alt-J are sure to split genres and continue to innovate.
Julian Casablancas + The Voidz
Tyranny
Sept. 23 (Cult)
With his sophomore solo album, Julian Casablancas continues to bend genres, but this time incorporates a rebellious political message. In a recent press release, the Strokes frontman explains, “Most decisions seem to be made like ones of a medieval king: whatever makes profit while ignoring and repressing the truth about whatever suffering it may cause (like pop music, for that matter).” His statement makes sense of the title of his newest effort and demonstrates that we can expect something truly unique this time around. But Strokes fans, fear not: Casablancas expects to re-direct focus to the much-loved band in early 2015.
SBTRKT
Wonder Where We Land
Sept. 23 (XL Recordings)
For his second full-length album, British electronic/dubstep artist Aaron Jerome said he recorded with guests in a “glorified garden shed.” The caliber of musical talent, however, makes up for the location. From Ezra Koenig of Vampire Weekend to ASAP Ferg, it’s evident that SBTRKT’s second effort will be dynamic and inspired. The album’s hypnotic and hard-driving “New Dorp. New York,” is available now, and SBTRKT just announced a North American tour.
Weezer
Everything Will Be Alright in the End
Oct. 7 (Republic)
Weezer’s newest single “Back to the Shack” off their ninth LP certainly has fans “rockin’ out like it’s ’94,” and that’s exactly what listeners need. The band’s last effort Hurley (2010) was a commercial and critical disappointment, as many fans felt they lost their mojo. However, judging by the new single and snippets teased of other tracks, Everything Will Be Alright in the End may just be the rebirth of that ’90s rock feel we have all been waiting for. In fact, the lyrics on these tracks even apologize for all of Weezer’s recent music and admit earnestly, “I thought I’d get a new audience, I forgot that disco sucks.” Ric Ocasek, who produced the Blue and Green albums, returns, and Everything Will Be Alright in the End marks Weezer’s first release with the band’s new label, Republic. All signs indicate change for the better.
Taylor Swift
1989
Oct. 27 (Big Machine/Republic)
With the release of Swift’s latest single and summer smash, “Shake It Off,” the country songstress has undoubtedly taken a turn toward full-blown 1980s-infused pop. Although not everyone is excited about this new direction, through interviews, press releases and even in her lyrics, Swift dismisses the haters and says she’ll continue just doing her thing. For those who don’t see it, this unique focus offers her limitless potential. She is free, at this point, to make the music she wants. I’m willing to bet that by the time 1989 is released, we will all be singing along … even the haters.
The Flaming Lips
With a Little Help From My Fwends
Oct. 28 (Warner Bros.)
For those of you who don’t know, this psychedelic powerhouse announced over the summer that the band would release a track-by-track cover of The Beatles’ 1967 classic, Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band. As if that’s not tantalizing enough, the album promises featured spots from MGMT, Miley Cyrus, Grace Potter, Phantogram, Dr. Dog and more. Enough said.
Lil Wayne
Tha Carter V
Oct. 28 (Young Money/Republic)
Believe it or not, Lil Wayne’s fifth and final installment of Tha Carter series, rumored to be his final album ever (yeah, right), was on my summer preview list. The album’s release date was not finalized, but now, fans rejoice per an announcement on SportsCenter confirming the album’s actual release date. Wayne spent the summer touring across 31 cities for the “Drake Vs. Lil Wayne” tour and released the hit single “Believe Me.” Other, perhaps intentional, track leaks like “Grindin” and “Krazy” tell us a few things about Weezy’s latest effort: it’ll obviously feature Young Money artists, Wayne will continue to talk smack and you never know if he’ll actually stick to the release date.
Foo Fighters
Sonic Highways
Nov. 10 (Roswell/RCA)
“I really believe that the environment in which you write or record an album influences the musical result,” Dave Grohl said in the trailer for the HBO documentary series “Sonic Highways,” which chronicles the making of the band’s upcoming LP. This explains why the group decided to record each track of Sonic Highways in a different city, working with a different guest artist each time (including Zac Brown, Gary Clark, Jr. and Joe Walsh). The group promises that this record still carries their distinctive sound, but we can expect deeper meaning and a vast array of musical elements that collectively reach from the history of American music.
Tweedy
Sukierae
Sept. 16 (dBpm)
Wilco frontman Jeff Tweedy’s first solo project is not really a solo project. After setting aside his Wilco responsibilities following their last tour and release of The Whole Love (2011), Tweedy set out to record as a solo act. However, along the way, his son Spencer began playing drums and, naturally, began playing on his father’s tracks. The full album arrives this week, but many of the tracks, like the simple but beautiful “Wait For Love,” have already been made available online. The set list on their upcoming tour will include songs from Wilco and Jeff’s previous band Uncle Tupelo, in addition to songs off of Sukierae.
Rumored Releases from:
Kanye West
Alabama Shakes
Kendrick Lamar
Fleet Foxes
Nicki Minaj
Frank Ocean
Belle and Sebastian
–By Jason Charles
The Emory Wheel was founded in 1919 and is currently the only independent, student-run newspaper of Emory University. The Wheel publishes weekly on Wednesdays during the academic year, except during University holidays and scheduled publication intermissions.
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