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THE LISTENING BOOTH — Live music may be on hiatus indefinitely, but artists are still putting out new music. Here are just a few of the new albums you may want to check out.
Dua Lipa — 'Future Nostalgia'
Out now
Dua Lipa’s self-titled debut album was streamed on Spotify more than 40 million times, making her the most-streamed female artist in the history of the platform.
Her followup album, Future Nostalgia, was originally slated for an April release but was fast-tracked to the end of March after being leaked online. While that was frustrating news for the 24-year-old pop star, it was a welcome surprise for fans.
The album takes its cues from the lead single, "Don’t Start Now," propelled by disco beats and pop polish. With its upbeat summer vibes, the album is the perfect antidote for the heaviness of real life.
The Strokes — 'The New Abnormal'
April 10
After owning the 2000s, The Strokes stumbled through the 2010s. Band in-fighting, breakups and half-heartened releases were major bummers for fans.
That’s not to say there weren’t also some highlights — "Tap Out" and "Under Cover of Darkness" are two of the best songs in the band’s catalog.
Their forthcoming album’s first single, "Brooklyn Bridge to Chorus", feels like vintage Strokes. It’s driven by ‘80s synths and a ton of melancholy. Here’s hoping all of "The New Abnormal" will be just as good.
Danzig — 'Danzig Sings Elvis'
April 24
Glenn Danzig has been doing a lot of unexpected things lately. After forming and quickly disbanding legendary punk band The Misfits, Danzig made it abundantly clear he would never rejoin the group. After 33 years, he finally changed his mind, playing a series of shows with original members Jerry Only and Doyle Wolfgang Von Frankenstein.
Now Danzig is reconnecting with another part of his musical past. On "Danzig Sings Elvis," Danzig — the prince of darkness — plays tribute to the king of rock ‘n roll.
These aren’t punk or metal parodies, they’re straight up tributes. And you know what? It works.
Rufus Wainwright — 'Unfollow the Rules'
April 24
It’s not easy to promote an album when you’re stuck in the house. Rufus Wainwright is one of the many artists playing shows from home to keep fans engaged. While his stripped-down reworkings are charming, they’re nothing compared to the grandeur of his studio releases.
The two singles released in advance of the album are filled with plenty of drama. "Peaceful Afternoon" is a delightful romp, accompanied by sweeping strings, galloping drums, and soaring harmonies. And "Pièce à vivre" is French. Enough said.
Are there other new albums you’re excited about? Share them in the comments.
