Upcoming records boast big names, new beats
Almost two months have passed in 2012 and the music world has yet to be rocked by a ground-breaking release. The most highly-hyped album to drop thus far has been Lana Del Rey’s Born to Die, which begs the question: What do we have to look forward to? The answer will bring music lovers a sigh of relief. From seasoned veterans like Bruce Springsteen and Madonna and more recent cultural phenoms like Justin Bieber and Nicki Minaj to indie favorites Vampire Weekend and MGMT, this year’s upcoming albums are something that everyone can get excited about.
Bruce Springsteen — "Wrecking Ball"
The Boss’ 17th — yes, 17th — studio album has been called his “angriest yet,” by the Hollywood Reporter, and is reported to be focused heavily on the current American economic climate. In addition to the album’s serious theme, fans are anxious to hear what Springsteen will do without longtime saxophonist Clarence Clemons, who died this past June. While Clemons contributed some of his last work to two of “Wrecking Ball’s” tracks, the album’s first single, “We Take Care of Our Own” ominously lacks the signature, full-bodied sax track that is a defining feature of some of Springsteen’s greatest hits. Nevertheless, “We Take Care of Our Own” is no disappointment; it has the same unmistakable rollicking, American sound that is a distinguishing trait of Springsteen’s music. The Boss is also said to have incorporated decidedly uncharacteristic sounds into the album, notably, influences from hip-hop and Irish folk, according to the Hollywood Reporter. A blend of the old and the new looks to be the next in a long line of Springsteen’s successes
Madonna — "MDNA"
The Queen of Pop is at it again. With her first release of her three-record deal with Live Nation, Madonna is hoping to retain her crown. Following 2008’s Hard Candy, which earned a lukewarm reception, MDNA has run out of the gate strong with “Give Me All Your Luvin’,” a peppy bubblegum single that incorporates dubstep influences, a cheer refrain and raps from Nicki Minaj and M.I.A. Though she’s an old-school star, Madonna is definitely keeping up with current trends, featuring Minaj on two songs, including “Give Me All Your Luvin,” and collaborating with LMFAO on a remix of the single. Fans can hope that this quinquagenarian will continue keeping up with the times, lest she return to handing out four-year-old Hard Candy.
Vampire Weekend — Unknown
The quirky quartet of Columbia University grads hasn’t said much about its third release, which it’s referred to as LP3, but it is known that the band has been recording in Brooklyn since November. With lead singer and guitarist Ezra Koenig most recently collaborating with Major Lazer and multi-instrumentalist Rostam Batmanglij and also working with artists ranging from Das Racist to Best Coast’s Bethany Constantino — as well as releasing his own solo material with heavy influences from his Iranian background — LP3 is sure to be as refreshingly unique as 2010’s “Contra” and their widely-acclaimed 2008 eponymous debut, listed among the best albums of the aughts by Pitchfork Media. Information is anticipated to be released soon, as Koenig has tweeted that he may divulge details about LP3 in a future Ustream chat. Until then, Vampire Weekend fans must wait with bated breath to hear the sounds of the Ivy League indie group.
MGMT — "MGMT"
Like Vampire Weekend, MGMT has revealed little about its self-titled third album. After 2010’s “Congratulations” lacked the powerful singles of the psychedelic rock band’s 2008 debut, “Oracular Spectacular,” some fans were left wanting a return to anthem “Kids”-like tracks. While comparisons to earlier work haven’t been made by band members, frontman Andrew VanWyngarden did reveal to Intercourse Magazine in January that R.E.M. has served as an inspiration for the band’s new material. Never ones to conform to the norm, VanWyngarden and company’s release is sure to stand out.
Nicki Minaj — "Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded"
Originally planned for a Valentine’s Day release, the oft-outrageous Trinidadian rapper’s follow-up to her 2010 debut “Pink Friday” will come out guns blazing this spring, if the trio of already-released singles is any indication. While the aggressive, percussive duo of “Roman in Moscow” and “Stupid Hoe” has divided critics, Minaj’s most recent single, “Starships,” while a bit of a departure from her typical fare, has received largely positive reviews. The borderline bubblegum tune will surely be the summer anthem of many and has the potential to shoot the star further into the musical stratosphere — if Minaj can fly any further. The album’s success may rest on whether it follows the pattern of “Starships” or that of “Roman in Moscow” and “Stupid Hoe.” But it isn’t a question of if it will be a success, just how much of a success it will be.
Justin Bieber — "Believe"
After the Canadian kid wonder skyrocketed to success with his 2009 EP “My World,” he seemed unstoppable; a pair of number-one albums, “My World 2.0” and “Under the Mistletoe,” released in under two years; and hordes of crazed fans reinforced this supposition. But will “Believe” live up to the monumental hype surrounding it? With Bieber in the final stages of puberty and without his trademark flippable hair, there are no guarantees. “Believe” could be an album of growth for Bieber; he’s been seen freestyling and is collaborating with hip-hop heavyweights Drake and Kanye West. Slated for release after the Biebs’ 18th birthday, “Believe” has the potential to mark Bieber’s transition from an adorable Donny Osmond to a suave Usher.