24 Anticipated Albums of 2024
2024 is shaping up to be an exciting year with new music releases from MGMT, Brittany Howard, The Smile, and more.
By: Exile Staff
Out with the old and in with the new. 2023 is done and dusted, and with it went some incredible moments in music.
There are some big rumors of big albums coming out in 2024, with many undefinited dates and details. In this list, we kept the albums we listed to be confirmed with specific dates and titles.
That said - the allure of some potential releases were too big not to include. So we did.
Enjoy and get excited - 24 albums that are coming in 2024 that should get you fired up.
Photo: Stewart Baxter
IDLES - Tangk
Release Date: February 16th/2024
IDLES returns for their highly anticipated fifth studio album with Tangk set to be released in February, igniting excitement among their devoted fanbase. While some argue that this offering may not capture the same raw energy that their sophomore album, Joy as an Act of Resistance, brought to the forefront in 2018, it is undeniable that IDLES still packs a powerful punch that is worthy of multiple listens.
This time, the band has enlisted the expertise of longtime Radiohead producer Nigel Godrich and hip-hop stalwart Kenny Beats to join their creative team, resulting in a record that is teeming with the potential for groundbreaking production. With such collaboration in place, the possibilities that Tangk will explore are endless, leaving fans eagerly anticipating what IDLES has in store for them.
The Smile - Wall of Eyes
Release Date: January 26th, 2024
The second album coming from Radiohead duo Johnny Greenwood and Thom Yorke (and drummer Tom Skinner) may, in fact, signal the end of Radiohead itself - but without diving into that rabbit hole, Wall of Eyes promises to be a dynamic listen. Building on their previous record, A Light for Attracting Attention, it will be curious to see which way the trio decides to lean. Will they build on the more rough and raw rock from album number one, or will they continue to lean on the wandering sonic sounds more akin to Radiohead? We’ll find out shortly.
Justice - TBD
Release Date: TBD
French duo Justice hasn’t released new music since 2016, and hasn’t made a real impact since their era-defining Cross record from 2007. That said - Ed Banger record boss Pedro Winter confirmed that Justice will be back in 2024 with a full tour and brand new album.
Black Keys - TBD
Release Date: TBA
While there’s no release date set in stone - we do know a few facts.
1) The Black Keys have confirmed a new album coming in 2024.
2) The Black Keys have added Alice Cooper, Beck, and Noel Gallagher to their guitar list.
3) The Black Keys are calling it “our Saturday night party record.”
That is more than enough of an idea to get fired up for their third album in as many years.
Delta Heavy – Midnight Forever
Release Date: TBA
"Whilst in the past we've experimented with various genres, Midnight Forever is our ode to the genre of drum & bass, a love letter to the music that stole our hearts as a couple of underage teenagers braving the London scene."
Delta Heavy, the DnB heavyweights, have recently announced the upcoming release of their highly anticipated third studio album. Promising to uphold their signature sound, Midnight Forever is poised to be a flawless slice of heavy music that will undoubtedly deliver to the hearts of Drum n Bass enthusiasts.
Real Estate – Daniel
Release Date: February 23rd, 2024
Real Estate, the beloved indie band from New Jersey, has been steadily building anticipation for their upcoming sixth full-length album. With their signature jangly guitars, shimmering harmonies, and evocative lyrics, Real Estate should once again captivate their fans with a collection of songs that pay homage to the bittersweet nature of humanity. Based on the latest single, “Water Underground”, Daniel should capture the essence of nostalgia, taking listeners on a journey through the triumphs and melancholic beauty of fleeting moments. Mark your calendar.
Car Colors – TBA
Release Date: TBA
Car Colors is the new project from The Wrens frontman Charles Bissell - and he’s released his first music in 20 years, with the single “Old Death.” It’s a seven minute slow-burn with bright energy and subtle songwriting. The single, along with two others now available, is an exciting signal of things to come for Bissell and this new project, that will certainly be both creative and bold.
Creator: Jordan Strauss
SZA - TBD
Release Date: TBA
SZA hinted at a new album throughout 2023, so it’s not a stretch to expect one to drop in 2024. Known for her soulful sound and thoughtful lyrics, the Grammy-nominated artist seems to be exploring personal and societal themes in this upcoming release.
While specific details are scarce, the album is anticipated to feature collaborations with various producers and guest artists, offering a mix of musical styles. As a potential release date approaches, the prospect of a new album is gaining attention as a notable addition to SZA's discography, promising a blend of introspective tracks and catchy beats.
Lorde – TBD
Release Date: TBD
Grammy-winning artist Lorde left fans in eager anticipation with a cryptic Instagram post in 2023, urging them "start ur excitement on a low flame and bring it up to a gentle simmer... we building stamina for this chapter."
This enigmatic message hints at a meticulously crafted new album, one that promises to be a slow-burn of anticipation and musical intensity. The potential of a new album will follow her critically acclaimed works Melodrama. Lorde's upcoming project is poised to be a sophisticated exploration of sound and emotion. The Instagram check-in suggests a deliberate approach, urging listeners to prepare for a gradual unveiling of what could be a transformative chapter in her artistic journey.
CREDIT: Wrenne Evans
The Vaccines - Pick-Up Full Of Pink Carnations
Release Date: January 12th, 2024
The Vaccines are set to inject a potent dose of infectious fun into the music scene with their highly anticipated new album, Pick-Up Full of Pink Carnation. Known for their energetic and upbeat sound, the band is gearing up to deliver a collection of tracks that promise to be the perfect soundtrack for good times.
Fans can expect The Vaccines' signature blend of catchy hooks, lively rhythms, and unabashed joy. The band's knack for crafting tunes that effortlessly bridge indie and pop is sure to make this album a standout in their discography.
CREDIT: Joey Tobin
Glass Beach - Plastic Death
Release Date: January 19th, 2024
The sophomore album from the Washington rockers glass beach will be filled with creative riffs, bursting energy, time signature changes, and yet, should still stay accessible. Building on an exciting debut the first glass beach album, the quartet has show playful side that is worth paying attention to in 2024.
Deftones - TBD
Release Date: TBA
There is no timetable set for the return of the Deftones and their unique Hard Rock sound - but guitarist Stephen Carpenter revealed they have been working on new music since February of 2023. There is a soft goal for a Spring/Summer release, but details are not firmed up yet. This would be the bands tenth studio album, on the heels of the surprisingly deadly Ohms record from 2020.
Everything Everything - Mountainhead
Release Date: March 1st, 2024
Dive into the shimmering world of Everything Everything with their much-anticipated seventh album set to release on March 1st. A fusion of indie pop, the upcoming release promises to be a journey through infectious melodies and polished beats.
Katy Kirby - Blue Raspberry
Release Date: January 26th, 2024
Hailing from Nashville, Katy Kirby is following up her debut album with Blue Raspberry set for for release in January. Known for creating effortless sounding indie-folk with endlessly hummable melodies, Blue Raspberry should continue to build on the clever and melancholic sounds Kirby has built a reputation on so far.
Hurray for the Riff Raff - The Past Is Still Alive
Release Date: February 23rd, 2024
In 2022, Hurray for the Riff Raff’s Life on Earth was scattered across nearly every year end best of list. Anchored by the distinctive vocals of Alynda Segarra, the upcoming ninth album of self-proclaimed ‘nature-punk’ aims to build on a long and steady positive upward trajectory for the group. The first single off the album, ‘Alibi’, was recorded just a month after the death of Segarra’s father.
Job For a Cowboy - Moon Healer
Release Date: February 23rd, 2024
Yes, Judas Priest is releasing a new album in 2024 - but Job For a Cowboy’s fifth studio album might be the most anticipated album from the Metal genre. For one, their single “The Forever Rot” is the first song released in almost ten years and delivers nearly 7 minutes of the punishing metal that put them on the map. Their 2014 magnum opus Sun Eater, set their career ablaze, only to have the band fade away. No new music. No tours. Nothing. Until now. Moon Healer will be a fascinating album to devour.
Brittany Howard - What Now
Release Date: February 2nd, 2024
Four years since the release of Alabama Shakes frontwoman Brittany Howard’s debut solo album - comes What Now, complete with a title track containing lyrics that “are brutal.” The release will be her first after signing with Island Records, and will undoubtedly continue to see her push the boundaries of storytelling, soul, and her vocal ability.
The Strokes - TBD
Release Date: TBA
This one comes with an obvious giant question mark. All we know at this point is that the lads went to the top of a mountain with Rick Rubin and recorded music overlooking the land.
That was in 2022.
In October of that year, frontman Julian Casablancas said the album was ‘extremely’ far away from doneness and to check back in in a year or two.
Well, here we are. Is it so far fetched to think the record comes to fruition in 2024? We can only hope that it does, as a Strokes album produced by Rubin will definitely be big and bold.
Nick Cave - TBD
Release Date: 2024
Nick Cave announced last year that he’s working on a new album that is taking shape and will be released sometime in 2024. In Early Summer he proclaimed:
“The songs are sounding great. I won’t really know until I get the Bad Seeds into the studio and we actually make the album. But it is feeling very good, very positive.”
That said, we’re probably looking at late Spring release date from Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds and his first since the gorgeous and painful Ghosteen came out in 2019.
Future Islands - People Who Aren't There Anymore
Release Date: January 26th, 2024
Album number seven from the synth-pop four-piece, Future Islands are set to release People Who Aren’t There Anymore in January. They’ve released four singles and a full tour in support of the upcoming album, and the early songs sound introspective and intentional within each bar of music. Have a listen to the first single from the album, “The Tower.”
SUM 41 - Heaven :x: Hell
Release Date: March 29th, 2024
And with it - their final release and career comes to an end. Announcing this is their final album, it’s hard to believe we’ve had 27 years of Sum 41 in our lives.
They have had more than an impressive run, and with Heaven :X: Hell - what better way to go out then with a double album? The first half will be high flying energetic pop-punk, followed by Hell, 10 tracks of heavy metal anthemic tunes. With a monster length album as the grand finale, it will be worth a listen.
Coldplay - Moon Music
Release Date: TBD
The trajectory of Coldplay’s music since their debut Parachutes in 2000 has been a slow downward path into forgettable mush. That said - their releases have always garnered intrique and optimism. With Moon Music, this will be the second instalment of their Music of the Sphere’s releases, and with it comes a fascinating experiment. Coldplay asked the world to record a sample of their voice singing and they will add it to a huge chorus in the album, a nice concept of collaborating and getting a fanbase excited.
MGMT - Loss of Life
Release Date: February 23rd, 2024
MGMT’s Little Dark Age came out in 2018, and may be the closest thing the band has come to putting it all together since their debut blew up the musical world. Always pushing boundaries between creativity and accessibility, the band has since refused to sink back into the simple synth melodies and vocal hooks of Oracular Spectacular in 2007. That said, with Loss of Life, their fifth studio album, and the two singles that have come with it so far, MGMT sounds like they are splitting the difference between a sound of previous smash hits and the completely unlistenable moments of Congratulations. They have all the talent in the world, let’s see how they use it this year.
Vampire Weekend - TBD
Release Date: 2024
Already five years since Father of the Bride, Vampire Weekend has proclaimed their new album is “done.” From mid 20’s youth and their debut self-titled release in 2008, to now 40 year old (actually 39 specifically) men, the band has covered a lot of ground since singing about punctuation. Maturing across several albums, the upcoming release promises to be one of, if not, the most anticipated rock albums of the year.
