1. Radiohead – “Burn the Witch” (No Release Date Set)
No artist knows how to keep fans on their toes like Radiohead. Whether it’s a change in musical style, hiding clues in previous albums, having fans choose their price, or even releasing it completely unannounced, a Radiohead album always comes with one or two surprises. The fact that we even know the title at this point is a big deal, and it could be expected to be released in the coming weeks.
2. Red Hot Chili Peppers – “The Getaway” (June 17)
For the first time since 1989, the group is working with a producer not named Rick Rubin. Instead, the Chili’s new release is produced by Danger Mouse, who has worked with the likes of Beck, Gorillaz and the Black Keys. The lead single from The Getaway, “Dark Necessities,” is already making a mark on radio play, with Danger Mouse breathing new life into the band’s signature funky and melodic sound.
3. Gorillaz – TBA (No Release Date Set)
Damon Albarn’s animated alt rock/hip hop/pop project hasn’t released an album since 2010. In those six years, fans have grown antsy for a new release from the world’s biggest cartoon rockstars. Luckily, it looks like the wait is almost over. While there’s not much information on an upcoming release, it looks like we will be hearing something new in the next coming months.
4. Lady Gaga – “LG5” (No Release Date Set)
While her last album, “Artpop,” failed to reach the monumental heights of “The Fame” and “The Fame Monster,” Gaga still knows how to get people buzzing. Her outstanding performances with Tony Bennett and her fantastic rendition of the National Anthem at this year’s Super Bowl have shown audiences that she’s more than just the poker faces and Kermit the Frog outfits that had her snagging headlines a few years ago. Mark Ronson (of Amy Winehouse and “Uptown Funk” fame) and dance-music legend Georgio Moroder are expected to be collaborators on her much-anticipated new material, which is yet to be announced officially. However, it is possible we could be hearing from it sometime this summer.
5. Bob Dylan – “Fallen Angels” (May 20)
The living legend continues his foray into covering Frank Sinatra in this follow-up to last year’s “Shadows in the Night.” Two tracks from “Fallen Angels” are already available online, “Melancholy Mood” and “All the Way.” Judging from those, be prepared for a very similar feel to “Shadows in the Night” with some lovely steel guitars and Dylan’s signature voice sounding weathered like an old pair of jeans.
