For most of us, not a day goes by where we don’t listen to music. Whether it’s the latest hits or classics that never get old, music is as much a part of our lives as our everyday college classes. When it comes to music, there is no better feeling than listening to a band few people have heard of, or discovering a famous singer’s next hit before it tops the charts.
Without a doubt 2011 has been a great year for music. Between Adele’s chart-topping album, 21, and Drake’s smash sophomore follow-up Take Care, countless artists delivered one hit after another in 2011. This success will carry on through 2012 with the highly anticipated new releases from artists such as The Fray and Nicki Minaj, but this is only a taste of what’s to come in the New Year. Let this sneak preview serve as a heads-up to start practicing the classic line that you love rubbing in all your pals’ faces: “I heard this song before it was big.”
Returning Favorites
While Madonna has primarily been busy readying the release of her film W.E., she has also been preparing a return to the music industry with a new album in the spring of 2012. While details about the album are being kept very hush hush, Madonna has stated that fans should expect her new single “Give Me All Your Love,” featuring Nicki Minaj and M.I.A., to make its debut at the 2012 Superbowl halftime show.
Madonna isn’t the only artist reappearing after a brief absence from the music scene. On Feb. 7, The Fray returns to the rock scene after a two-year hiatus with the release of their third studio album, Scars & Stories. Their first single off the album, “Heartbeat,” has been blowing up the airwaves for the past month, creating even more hype for their already anticipated third album.
Indie Artists
Ever hear of The xx? No? Well, now you have. This London trio came on to the music scene in 2009 with their debut album, XX, and has become well known for their remixes of hit songs, such as Florence and the Machine’s “You’ve Got The Love.” They’ve recently announced their return to the studio to begin work on their second album, and snippets of progress will be released throughout 2012. The xx’s follow-up album is sure to be a smash.
Singer-songwriter Ingrid Michaelson also returns in 2012 with her fifth studio album, Human Again, on January 24. Michaelson is well known for her simple yet witty lyrics and upbeat melodies, which have appeared in various commercials, TV shows, and movies. Her trademark sound carries on in Human Again as reflected in her first single off the album, “Ghost.”
Long Live Hip-Hop
2011 was an explosive year for hip-hop, however its reign won’t end when the ball drops at midnight; it will continue on as fiercely as ever in 2012. One of the most anticipated hip-hop albums of 2012 is from none other than the Queen of Hip-Hop herself, Nicki Minaj. Mark your calendars, because on Valentine’s Day, the Queen will be releasing her sequel to Pink Friday, which is appropriately titled Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded. Details of the album are being kept quiet; however, knowing Nicki, the album is sure to be filled with some of the best hits of 2012.
Nicki isn’t the only hip-hop artist creating new music in 2012; Kanye West revealed on Twitter that he would be back with a new album, prospectively titled G.O.O.D Music in the spring. Kanye is known for taking risks in his music—just listen to his last album My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy, and there’s no doubt that he will continue doing so with G.O.O.D Music. Expect to hear guest vocals from the usual Kanye collaborators such as Kid Cudi, Jay-Z, Rick Ross, Rihanna, and hopefully Bon Iver.