Photo illustration by Alaina Burris
As college students, we rely heavily on music to get us through the day. Whether that be turning on some tunes for studying or just listening on the way to class. Without music, our daily lives would be very boring. When you are a music fan, there is no better feeling than listening to new music for the first time. I'm going to give you the top five albums you should check out this year:
5. J. Cole – The Fall Off
In 2019, J. Cole found major success when he dropped his hit single, “Middle Child.” This single went on to become his highest charting song, coming in at number four on the top 100 billboard list. Cole is regarded by many to be one of the best rappers not only of our generation, but of all time. If Cole can have a successful year off of only one hit single, imagine the year he would have after dropping a brand new album. There is no exact date as to when this album will be coming out, but it is said to be coming early this summer.
4.Rihanna – TBA
It has been over four years since we have heard new music from Rihanna and fans are finally ready to hear some new tracks. Rihanna has hinted many times that the album is finished and she is just waiting for the right time to release it. While there is no specific release date for this project, fans speculate it to be coming very soon. In December 2019, Rihanna posted on instagram of her working in the studio. It could be any day that we are hit with a new Rihanna record, and it is going to be incredible.
3. Adele – TBA
The last Adele album we got was in 2015 and since then, fans have been waiting patiently for some new material. In early January this year, Adele's manager confirmed that she will be releasing her new album in September, 2020. The singer also confirmed the album at a wedding party, where she is seen on video singing and dancing, and at the end she states, “expect my album in September.” There is no question that Adele is going to smash records with this project.
2.The Weeknd – After Hours
The last Weeknd album we got was “Starboy,” in 2016. After dropping the three lead singles for this new project, fans are absolutely buzzing for March 20, 2020, as that is the release date for this album. The tracklist is 14 songs long, and it seems that he is reverting back to his old ways with the way the three singles sounded. The Weeknd also released his tour dates which have already sold out. “After Hours” is an album that is likely going to be nominated for album of the year.
1. Lana Del Rey – White Hot Forever
Late last year in an interview with Billboard, Del Rey confirmed that she was working on a new album. It is expected to be released sometime during the summer of 2020. Despite just releasing an album in 2019, fans are wanting more and people are more excited than ever to listen to Lana’s new work. Expect to see this album top charts when it is released.
2020 is going to be a year to remember in the music world, as it seems that every artist plans to release new music. Make sure to check out these five albums and be on the lookout for other chart topping albums coming out this year.