It’s finally a new year, and while you were busy working on that resolution you’re totally going to stick to until next December, we sifted through all the best music blogs for lists of albums scheduled (and rumored) to be released in 2012. You may not manage to save much money, hit the gym seven days a week or single-handedly achieve world peace in the upcoming year, but at least you won’t be missing any new music from these five artists.
Lana Del Rey, Born to Die (Jan. 31)
With her gravelly voice, old-time feel and homespun video aesthetic, Lana Del Rey garnered critical attention this past summer. Her positive reviews also came with speculation about her being signed to Interscope (i.e., seemingly out of nowhere) and where her signature pout came from (Is that really nature or a little help from plastic surgery?). Despite the petty talk, her first single “Video Games” is an understated, nostalgic, wistful love song that deserves to be heard.
Nicki Minaj, Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded (Feb. 14)
Nicki is a constant hit-maker, thanks to collaborations with her Young Money labelmates, artists from David Guetta to Britney Spears and her massively successful debut Pink Friday. Slated for a Valentine’s Day release, her sophomore effort showcases plenty of sass from Roman, one of the rapper’s most loved and most vicious alter-egos. You can hear Nicki/Roman’s rapid-fire flows on the first single, “Roman in Moscow.”
Mumford & Sons (Title and release date TBA)
Mumford & Sons are also rumored to have new material for 2012. Since releasing the track “Ghosts” this past November, fans have been hoping for a follow up to the group’s two-year-old, critically acclaimed debut album Sigh No More.
Best Coast (Title and release date TBA)
Best Coast have been college radio darlings since releasing their first EPs in 2009 and their full-length album, Crazy for You, two years ago. Their effortless, cool summer sound – endlessly described as lo-fi surf rock – will return in 2012. They reentered the studio in November, promising that what they’ve been working on is something to be proud of.
Tyler, the Creator, Wolf (May)
Part of the Eminem-type crazy Odd Future posse, Tyler’s recent arrest for vandalism might put a hold on his new release. He’s told Spin magazine that, “Talking about…cutting bodies up, it just doesn't interest me anymore…What interests me is making weird hippie music for people to get high to.” Interesting motivation. We’ll see if it manages to be any less scary than this:
