January is an interesting time to release new music. Capturing the attention of people in the new year, and setting the tone for new music in 2025, January releases are challenging. After such a blockbuster year for music, from brat to the Kendrick and Drake beef to Doechii and Chappell Roan emerging as the hot newcomers, 2025 is posed to keep the momentum going and January is starting us off strong. Below you’ll find a collection of albums releasing this month, with my personal ‘recommendations’ highlighted.
January 8th
Ethel Cain – Perverts
She’s baaack. Ethel Cain is not what I would call a mainstream artist, but she has a devoted and passionate fan base who is going to eat this album up. Her debut, Preachers Daughter, was a critically acclaimed album in 2022, so she’s got high expectations coming into the follow up. The Perverts album has 9 tracks with a run time of nearly 90 minutes. The shortest song comes in at 6:24, so best to plan ahead and block off some time on the 8th to really dig into this one.
January 10th
Mon Rovîa – Act 4: Atonement
I am so steeped in singer-songwriter listener energy that both Instagram Reels and TikTok have brought me to Mon Rovîa, despite little overlap otherwise. Mon Rovîa is a Liberian-American folk artist from Appalachia and if you haven’t listened to his music, check out the single To Watch the World Spin Without You and then tune in for Act 4: Atonement.
Lambrini Girls – Who Let The Dogs Out
I got into listening to Riot Grrrl heavy last year, and the Spotify algorithm brought me to the Lambrini Girls’ God’s Country and I’ve been a fan ever since (sorry bestie, it’s giving austerity). Hard rock and punk is sooo back.
Franz Ferdinand – The Human Fear
Everyone’s favourite Scottish garage-rock band is back for another album. While the band’s music has maybe ‘fallen off’ since their early 2000s success, I’ll be checking this one out for nostalgia and hoping to find some hidden gems.
January 17th
Rebecca Black – SALVATION
Listen, after such a big year for pop music, it’s safer for you to just check out the new pop girl albums as soon as they drop. Rebecca Black’s cult followers will surely be checking this out, as will I, in hope of some fun hyperpop and always unpredictable music from THEE Rebecca Black.
January 24th
FKA Twigs – Eusexua
Yes yes yes, FKA Twigs is back and we are seated and ready to hear her haunting vocals once again. This is her first studio album in 5 years, and promises to bring us a techno and electronica inspired album, with her signature genre-bending style.
The Weeknd – Hurry Up Tomorrow
As a Canadian, I’m obliged to hype up any Canadian musician, not that The Weeknd really needs my help. Being basically the biggest artist on Spotify, its worth checking out the album because at least 2 of the songs are going to be played everywhere for the rest of the year, if history repeats itself.
And those are some of the new releases coming in January. Did I miss a release you’re looking forward to? Leave a comment and let me know which album(s) you’ll be checking out this month!
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