The year’s musical landscape gathers record returns, styles, and generations from every corner of the globe into a single, dynamic constellation. New developments are anticipated from all camps, and this moment feels surprisingly resilient in the face of broader economic concerns. The industry keeps guiding us toward what the next twelve months might hold.
Two of the earliest English voices stand out. Sam Smith releases their fourth studio album Gloria, a Confession-pop set due January 27, while Ellie Goulding tackles electronic textures with Higher Than Heaven, scheduled to arrive a week later. Across the U.K., Scottish artist Lewis Capaldi aims to carry the momentum of a breakout debut into May with a project described as Broken by Desire to Be Heavenly Sent.
From the American side of the Atlantic, Lana Del Rey enlists Father John Misty and Jon Batiste following her 2021 experiments, with a return marked for March 10. Miley Cyrus also signals a 2023 resurgence, announcing Endless Summer Holiday for March 10, with the lead single Flowers expected next week. Anticipation also centers on Olivia Rodrigo’s forthcoming album and, consistently, Rihanna, though predictions for her return have become a standing January ritual since Anti (2016).
Shakira’s new album is in the works and set to surface this year after sparking conversations with Te Felicito and other singles; the project has sparked curiosity about its direction. Argentine artist Nathy Peluso is also poised to release a second record from Barcelona, signaling a continued surge of cross-border collaboration. In the U.S. urban scene, several major releases appeared on the calendar for 2023, with no fixed dates yet: Cardi B, Nicki Minaj, ASAP Rocky and Travis Scott, each potentially delivering a landmark project after years of anticipation.
Some long-gestating efforts have tested fans’ patience for years, a landscape where The Cure’s Songs of a Lost World is positioned to follow up 2008’s 4:13 Dream. The Rolling Stones are also in the spotlight; 18 years after A Bigger Bang, rumors circulate about posthumous material from Charlie Watts. Depeche Mode’s Memento Mori, due for release in late March, promises final sessions with the late Andy Fletcher. U2 is associated with two publications and a fresh study of new material, though details remain scarce.
Other marquee entries include Guns N’ Roses returning more than a decade after Chinese Democracy, Peter Gabriel releasing i/o to bridge a 21-year gap since his last material, and a strong, ambitious era heralded by 72 Seasons. Lars Ulrich and friends have teased a new single, Lux Aeterna, aiming to reclaim the band’s early thrash roots. Iggy Pop released Every Loser just after the new year, followed by John Cale’s Mercy two weeks later, continuing a pattern of veteran artists shaping the year’s arc.
Pop-rock and exploratory sounds shape a evolving scene with projects like This Stupid World, Paramore’s This Is Why, Gorillaz’ Fractured Island, and a roster of collaborators that includes Stevie Nicks and Bad Bunny. The Smashing Pumpkins plan ATUM: A Three-Act Rock Opera for April 21, while Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds look to May. Italy’s Måneskin, fresh from Eurovision glory, Promo Rush! kicked off January 20, trading riffs with Tom Morello of Rage Against the Machine.
In the realm of solo and reunion projects, Michael Stipe follows up REM’s legacy with a new, longtime awaited chapter, while Everything But A Girl reunites for a spring moment after years apart.
Spanish scene
Estopa has two records on deck: a re-recording of a cherished 90s demo later this year, and new material arriving in early 2024. Earlier in March, Luz Casal will publish her first full album rooted in personal words and melodies after a five-year gap. Spring also brings Pablo López and Rayden with an album titled Impossible Victory, while Ana Mena, Aitana, Abraham Mateo, Lola Indigo, and Kase.O keep anticipation high for forthcoming releases.
January 20, 2023 marks Nuria Graham’s Cyclamen, a bold artistic turn that sets the tone for a Catalan wave in March with Silvia Pérez Cruz and Judit Neddermann. Els Amics de les Arts, Joan Isaac, and Anna Roig are also slated to contribute during the spring, broadening the regional tapestry with new Catalan voices.