Broken Bells – After The Disco
If we’re being honest, Broken Bells aren’t anything that special. Comprised of superproducer Danger Mouse (Gnarls Barkley, The Grey Album) and Shins lead singer James Mercer, the group sounds like a dream pairing on paper. However, their debut self-titled LP was just ok, a collection of pleasant but largely forgettable tunes. So while it will not be the greatest album of 2014, I’m still pretty excited to hear the latest from these guys. The one song that’s been released thus far, “Holding On For Life,” is a good start. It’s got an eerie, minor key guitar throughout, which pairs well with Mercer’s Bee Gee’s-like falsetto on the hook. These two have done great things before, and while their first effort was less than the sum of its two parts, I’m excited to see what’s they have in store. – Tanner
Kanye West – Untitled
It’s hard to believe we’re lucky enough to be getting a second Kanye album in as many years. But it looks like that’s the case. While we haven’t heard anything from the album yet, there have been several clues that new music is imminent from the Croissant King himself. Kanye announced that he’s planning on putting out an eight-song album next year, claiming, “It’s just reducing down the amount of information that you need.” After that, legendary rapper Q-Tip announced that he and Rick Rubin produced the album, a piece of information really too good to be true. I’m expecting another Yeezus-level quality album that makes perfect driving music. Even better, this means I might be able to see Mr. West live, which didn’t happen this year thanks to that unfortunate tour bus crash. Yeezy, you have my attention – don’t let me down. – Tanner
Sam Smith – In the Lonely Hour
Most Americans were first introduced to Sam Smith on Disclosure’s “Latch” as the powerful emotional voice accompanying the song’s sparse instrumental, and the spotlight is only going to grow for the 21-year-old Londoner once In the Lonely Hour is released. Not much is known about the album, but the songs that have been heard, including the gorgeous, gospel-tinged “Nirvana,” have done a phenomenal job of showing off Smith’s incredible voice, a haunting blend of falsetto and sheer power that makes every track he records sound like the best John Legend song ever. From the trailer Smith released for the album, it promises to be filled with plenty of piano and live instrumentation to compliment Smith’s vocals. If that isn’t enough to get you excited, In the Lonely Hour will also feature a mesmerizing acoustic version of “Latch” that may even top the original. – Grant
Schoolboy Q – Oxymoron
TDE hasn’t put out a major album since good kid, m.A.A.D. city, but the wait may be worth it as Schoolboy Q’s Oxymoron promises to be not only one of the most hypnotic, menacing and at times even hilarious rap albums of the year but also one of the few real gangsta rap albums we’re going to get in 2014. Q’s first two releases showed he was willing to deviate from his “chief-weed-and-fuck-your-girl” persona in surprising and innovative ways while still giving us all the glorious ignorance we expect from Quincy and that should continue to be the case now that he has a major label budget behind him. The early returns on Oxymoron have been extremely positive, with the ominous, Boi 1-da-produced “Yay Yay” and the Kendrick Lamar-assisted “Collard Greens” serving as particular highlights. – Grant
St Vincent – Self-titled
St Vincent might’ve signed with a major label for her upcoming 2014 self-titled, but it doesn’t look like that’s affected her sound in any way. In fact, the lead single, “Birth in Reverse,” showcases Annie Clark at her most skuzzy. It’s also her most limber composition to date: just grinding, metallic guitars, a funky moog bass, and some of producer John Congleton’s trademark drums. Not many artists have simultaneously expanded and experiment with their sound while gaining popularity like Clark has and St. Vincent looks to continue her hot streak. The album comes out February 24th and you can check her website to cop one of the few remaining, if you’re lucky, gold triangle 12” for “Birth in Reverse.” – Justin
Dornik – Untitled
Earlier this year, Disclosure linked to “Something About You” and the blogosphere collectively lost its mind. Rightly so, because Dornik’s lead single is a future classic. I try not to use the word “sexy” to describe things because it’s strangely unsettling for me on a personal level, but good lord, the vocal arrangements from that leading track were “sexy.” He followed that up with, “Rebound,” a delectable slice of Prince, circa 1984. With an album slated for sometime in 2014, Dornik will most certainly proclaim “baby, I’m a star” sometime soon, though we might not know it now. Did I mention he is part of Jessie Ware’s backup band? The circumstances surrounding his album release are pretty optimal, so look for a big year from the drummer-turned-vocalist. – Justin