Shake Up Your Music Taste: Albums to Look Forward to In 2019

Music is in a constant state of evolution. Fans change their taste throughout the years, growing dedication to different styles, subgenres, and artists. The 2000s have seen the rise of emo music, the takeover of Millenium pop divas like Lady Gaga, Beyonce, and Katy Perry, the ubiquitousness of EDM, and now the dominance of mumble rap. Freshen up your music taste in 2019 with some suggestions below based on your usual earbud attractions.

If you liked Tranquility Base Hotel & Casino by Arctic Monkeys, get ready for Vampire Weekend’s new album

Arctic Monkeys came out with this record in 2018, five years after their standout release, AM, in 2013. It was slightly more tame than AM, yet a fantastic return to the indie-rock blaze they capture so well. Vampire Weekend also released their last album in 2013, so their new album is long overdue. It was first tentatively titled Mitsubishi Macchiato, but frontman Ezra Koenig recently took to Instagram to announce their new music will be a double album. The title was later confirmed as Father of the Bride, as the band released two new songs: “Harmony” and “2021.” If this album is anything like Arctic Monkey’s resurgence, be prepared for Vampire Weekend’s peaceful “beachy-psychedelic” vibes that have only gotten better with age.

If you liked Erase Me by Underoath, try your speakers at amo by Bring Me The Horizon

Underoath’s long-awaited return slammed soundwaves with the aggression from the early 2000s mixed with some 2018-flavored rock n’ roll jauntiness. Bring Me the Horizon, or BMTH, have released several featured singles on their new album coming out on January 25, and each song has progressively surprised fans with a completely different sound. Just as Underoath let go of their christian-rock themes, it looks like BMTH is letting their metal side fall by the wayside. While some listeners will miss Oli Sykes’s throaty shrieks from their early albums, fans need to get on board with the band’s new song, “medicine.” It’s a little pop, a little rock, and a little electro-bop all wrapped up in the remnants of a screamo band in suits instead of skinny jeans.

If you liked Sweetener by Ariana Grande, you’ll be stoked for Norman Fucking Rockwell by Lana Del Rey

Angsty, feminine super-tunes by acclaimed pop divas? Count me in. Much to her fan’s excitement, Lana released two songs, “Venice Bitch” and “Mariners Apartment Complex” with new collaborator Jack Antonoff in 2018. The queen of vampy-pop drawls is set to release the full album this year. Ariana Grande’s highly-publicized musical achievements and romantic life made her 2018 album larger than life. Though Ariana is set to debut the album Thank U, Next in 2019, I’ll bet Lana’s new music will shine just as much with some fresh lyrical blood.

If you liked Scorpion by Drake, prime your ears for Chapter 6 by The Weeknd

Were you in your feelings thanks to Drake last year? The hip-hop superstar won over the zeitgeist with his dance challenges and relatable jams. The Weeknd was a true pop/R&B ruler back in 2015-2016 with hits like “Can’t Feel My Face” and “Starboy.” Now that he’s announced a new album for 2019, I can assume Drake will be handing over the crown for smooth crooner this year.