5. Muse – "Drones"
Release date: May 2015
English rock band Muse are set to release their seventh studio album in May of this year. Produced by Robert John “Mutt” Lange, who has produced albums for artists such as AC/DC, Def Leppard, Outlaws, Foreigners and Maroon 5, this album will have a more “rock” focus, featuring the traditional instruments, guitar, bass and drums. Stated to be a “conceptual album,” "Drones" will be stripped down of electronics, symphonic and orchestral work. To accompany the release of the album the band will also be going on their seventh album tour, set to begin on May 28.
4. Frank Ocean – TBA
Release date: 2015
After a two and a half year hiatus, Frank Ocean, or Christopher Breaux, is back in the public eye. Releasing his groundbreaking, Grammy-winning debut studio album "Channel ORANGE" in 2012, Breaux released a minute-and-a-half snippet of a new song on his Tumblr in 2014. Typically considered a R&B artist, Breaux has stated he is moving his sound towards the pop genre, combining the two to create a sound that is uniquely his own. The album currently has no working title, but it is promised to be as revolutionary as his last album.
3. Adele – "25"
Release date: 2015
Four years after releasing her last album, Adele is finally ready to release some new music. Following the hugely successful "21," Adele’s third studio album was rumored to be released in 2013 and 2014, but has been scheduled for release in late 2015. Adele has stated this album will be acoustic and piano-led, without a big production. She has also mentioned the possibility of branching out into other genres, such as bluegrass and country. Diane Warren, Ryan Tedder and Paul Epworth have all been confirmed to be attached to the project. It has also been rumored that Beyoncé will be featured on this album, all the more reason to look forward to "25."
2. Drake – "Views from the 6"
Release date: Spring 2015
One of the world’s most successful artists, Drake is expected to release his fourth studio album this year. Titled "Views from the 6," Drake released three songs promotionally for the album: "0 to100/The Catch Up," "Heat of the Moment" and "6 God." Not much is known about the album but is will most likely feature artists from Drake’s OVO label.
1. Kendrick Lamar – TBA
Release date: March 2015
Following the critical success of his 2012 major label debut album "good kid, m.A.A.d city," rapper Kendrick Lamar is preparing to release his third studio album to much anticipation. Stated to feature legends Stevie Wonder, Snoop Dogg and Charlie Wilson, the project is yet to be titled and is expected to be released in March. Lamar’s debut studio album received a total of seven Grammy nominations in 2014, including Best New Artist, Album of the Year, and Best Rap Song. This album is expected to be similar to "good kid, m.A.A.d city" in style, however this album will feature more social commentary from Lamar. A rising icon in the world of rap and hip-hop, this is guaranteed to be one of the most listened to albums of the year.