A look at album releases coming your way in October, November and December.
Before you know it the year will be done and dusted and you’ll be standing in your back yard on New Year’s Eve, staring up at the moon, and wondering where in the world another year went. You may think about the life you have lived, and the life you hope to live. You may find yourself thinking about all the things you have done, and those things you still want to do. You may even find yourself pondering the perplexities of the universe as you purge your peccadillos with Passion Pop.
And then you may think about who would win in a fight between Batman and a T-Rex. Batman has all those wonderful toys, but a T-Rex is a T-Rex. It’s a lot to take in.
However, in the words of the late great Yankees catcher Yogi Berra, or the dulcet tones of Lenny Kravitz if you prefer, it ain’t over ’til it’s over. There is still a solid chunk of the year to play out, and there are still plenty of albums coming your way before 2023 is behind us. We’ve picked out a few for you because that is just the kind of thing we do.
Keep up with the latest music news, features, festivals, interviews and reviews here.
OCTOBER
Somewhere Between the Power Lines and Palm Trees – Dogstar
Keanu Reeves, Bret Domrose and Rob Mailhouse release their first album in twenty years. It features a dozen tracks inspired by their live shows.
Tether – Of Mice & Men
For this one, bassist/vocalist Aaron Pauley says the band focused more on how the album felt, rather than how it sounded.
All That Was East is West of Me Now – Glen Hansard
Telling no-one, Glen Hansard played a five-show residency in a pub in his native Ireland last November, which is where the beginnings of this album took shape.
Are We There Yet? – Rick Astley
His ninth studio album overall, it is the third in a row written, recorded and produced by the man himself at his home studio.
Javelin – Sufjan Stevens
This is being called his first true singer-songwriter album since Carrie & Lowell. It features friends including Adrienne Maree Brown, Hannah Cohen and Pauline Delassus.
I Love You – Teen Jesus and the Jean Teasers
“We have put blood, sweat and literal tearz into this album and we are so fkn excited for you all to hear it,” says the Aussie band on their upcoming debut album.
Something to Give Each Other – Troye Sivan
The new album from the Aussie is said to create “a celebration of sex, dance, sweat, community, queerness, love and friendship”.
Rewind Forward (EP) – Ringo Starr
Regarding the EP’s title, Starr says it basically boils down to this: sometimes when you want to go forward, you have to go back first.
Haunted Mountain – Jolie Holland
Including several co-writes with Big Thief’s Buck Meek, this album happens to share the share name of Meek’s recently released album.
The Surface – Beartooth
A new beginning is at the heart of the new album – one focused on “health, self-love, positivity, understanding, hard work, and most of all second chances”.
Love Songs for the End (EP) – Cafuné
The NYC-based duo of Sedona Schat and Noah Yoo takes a look at relationships, how they can end as quickly as they begin, and what follows – good and bad.
Heaven Comes Down – Dokken
Lightning in a bottle is how Don Dokken has pumped up the new album. It is the long-awaited follow-up to 2012’s Broken Bones.
Water Made Us – Jamila Woods
Album number three from the Chicago-based singer-songwriter and poet takes its name from a quote by American novelist Toni Morrison.
The Prize – Hannah Wicklund
Produced by Greta Van Fleet’s Sam Kiszka, the singer-songwriter says the album “paints a picture of what raw feminine power and determination look, feel and sound like”.
Traveler’s Soul – Blues Traveler
Following on from their blues covers album Traveler Blues, this is a covers album paying tribute to R&B and soul classics.
Live at The Academy – Goo Goo Dolls
During their CMJ Music Marathon Performance in 1995, the band performed what was arguably their biggest show in New York at the time.
Giant Elk – ME REX
Following on from their 52-track project Megabear, the new album from the indie-rock band explores a central theme of a creature cursed to continue life split in half.
Paint My Bedroom Black – Holly Humberstone
The rising English singer-songwriter releases her debut album. It is explained as “an exploration of the two sides of myself that coexist”.
Lost at Sea – Chris Shiflett
Described as alt-country, the Foo Fighters guitarist releases an album that builds a bridge between Nashville and California.
I Get into Trouble – Maple Glider
Written across several houses, states and timelines of her life, Toni Zietsch describes the album as a “thematic expansion of her debut”.
My Big Day – Bombay Bicycle Club
The sixth album from the English indie-rock outfit features collaborations with Damon Albarn, Jay Som, Nilüfer Yanya and Holly Humberstone.
Now That I’ve Been Honest – Maddie Zahm
The ‘Fat Funny Friend’ star releases her debut full-length album. It is a journey through church trauma, queer encounters and what it’s like to be a good kid all grown up.
Venom – Wargasm
For the past sixteen months, the electronic rock duo comprised of Milkie Way and Sam Matlock spent every non-touring moment working on their debut album.
Lighthouse – Duff McKagan
The Guns N’ Roses guitarist began work on his forthcoming album before the pandemic lockdowns. It features Slash, Jerry Cantrell and Iggy Pop.
Hackney Diamonds –Rolling Stones
The British rock and roll machine keeps churning with their first studio album of original material in 18 years. It is their first following the passing of Charlie Watts.
For All the Dogs – Drake
After a couple of delays, album number eight looks set for release in October. It features a track with long-time friend Nicki Minaj.
State of Emergency – Prong
Frontman Tommy Victor says of the new album: “I think it’s totally genre-transcending and definitely ignores what’s going on out there these days”.
Trinity – Ronnie Atkins
Despite being diagnosed with stage-four lung cancer in 2019, the famed Danish songman (Pretty Maids) releases his third solo album.
Conqueress – Forever Strong and Proud – Doro
The queen of metal returns with a “pretty heavy, pretty hard” album, complete with a guest appearance from Rob Halford.
God Games – The Kills
Alison Mosshart and Jamie Hince return with their first new album since 2016. The pair composed the album’s dozen tracks on piano.
Pearlies – Emma Anderson
The co-founder of Lush releases her debut solo album. Some of the songs on the album were going to be for the band, but as that didn’t eventuate, you’ll find them here.
Along the Way – Colbie Caillat
An album full of break-up songs with an optimistic outlook for the future will be found on this country-laced release from the singer-songwriter.
Carolyn’s Boy – Darius Rucker
His first solo album in six years is a loving tribute to his late mother, Carolyn. It features contributions from some of Nashville’s most sought-after songwriters.
The Darker the Shadow, the Brighter the Light – The Streets
This is the soundtrack to the film of the same name from Mike Skinner, aka The Streets. The movie has been described as a “tripped out neo-noir” murder mystery.
Light, Dark, Light Again – Angie McMahon
Relationship changes, private breakdowns and core-shaking revelations helped to fuel the new album from the Melbourne singer-songwriter.
Danse Macabre – Duran Duran
Three new tracks, reimagined Duran Duran classics and covers (including Billie Eilish’s Bury a Friend) combine for this Halloween-themed album.
History Books – The Gaslight Anthem
Following their reunion last year, this will be the band’s first album in nine years. It features none other than Bruce Springsteen on the title track.
Jenny from Thebes – The Mountain Goats
The band that keeps on giving coughs up their 22nd studio album. It serves as a sequel to their 2002 release, All Hail West Texas.
152 – Taking Back Sunday
This one’s named after the section of the road in North Carolina between Highpoint, Chapel Hill and Raleigh where the band and their friends would congregate as teenagers.
You also have special reissues and compilations from Bad Company, Buffalo Springfield, The Darkness, Foreigner, Incubus, John Carpenter, Joni Mitchell, Matchbox Twenty, Meat Puppets, The Rolling Stones, Tom Waits, Van Halen, Yes, CHVRCHES, The Cranberries, Fatboy Slim, Johnny Cash, The Living End, Pink Floyd, Whitesnake, Coldplay, DEVO, Liz Phair, Nancy Sinatra, Salt-N-Pepa, The Shins, Soft Cell, Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers, Willie Nelson, Billy Bragg, Led Zeppelin, Nirvana and U2.
NOVEMBER
Equal Strain on All Parts – Jimmy Buffett
This is the final album to have been completed prior to his passing earlier this month. The title comes from a saying from his grandfather to describe a good nap.
Little Bit of Sun – Semisonic
It’s opening time as the band release their first new album in more than two decades. It features guest appearances from Jason Isbell and Jim James.
Project Regeneration: Vol. 2 – Static-X
This features the final vocal and musical compositions of founding member Wayne Static, alongside the original Death Trip line-up.
Integrated Tech Solutions – Aesop Rock
This has been described as a concept album of sorts about “lifestyle- and industry-specific applications designed to curate a desired multi-experience”.
Hadsel – Beirut
This appropriately titled new album was written on the Norway island of Hadsel, where Zach Condon escaped for respite following persistent throat issues.
Cat Power Sings Dylan – Cat Power
The live release of a 2022 full recreation set honouring Bob Dylan’s iconic 1966 ‘Royal Albert Hall’ concert (which actually took place at the Manchester Free Trade Hall).
Sunbeam – Kirsten Ludwig
A new direction of psychedelic synth-rock is the soundtrack to an album that explores “rewriting patterns, changing directions, and choosing softness”.
Big Big Love – Michael Franti & Spearhead
Learning how to balance fighting for the environment, while still taking care of yourself and your family, is at the heart of the joyful and energising new album.
Left – Helmet
In 2024, it will be 35 years since alternative-metal icons Helmet began their music journey. This will be their ninth album, following on from 2016’s Dead to the World.
Rockstar – Dolly Parton
She’s a whole lotta country, and now she’s a little bit rock and roll. This features appearances from Nikki Sixx, Kid Rock, Paul McCartney, John Fogerty and more.
Lanterns – Rosie Darling
The Boston-born, LA-based indie-pop artist is releasing her debut full-length album. It has been described as a secret read of someone’s diary.
Give it Right Back – Bastards of Soul
Two years after the passing of their beloved frontman Chadwick Murray, the band is back with a new (and final) album.
Pink Friday 2 – Nicki Minaj
According to the rapper, the sequel to her 2010 debut album Pink Friday is going to be “fierce, fun and unapologetic”.
Sweet Justice – Tkay Maidza
Upon announcement, the Australian singer and rapper called the album a “way for me to channel my emotions from what I’ve experienced in the last two years”.
Pretty Vicious – The Struts
“It’s the record everyone’s been waiting for,” frontman Luke Spiller assures us. Foo Fighters reckon they’re the best opening band they’ve ever had.
Higher – Chris Stapleton
Navigating ideas and truths about life, death, love and everything in between, this is the fifth album from the eight-time Grammy-winning artist.
Juliana Hatfield Sings ELO – Juliana Hatfield
The album delivers what it says, as the indie-rock royalty explores the pop stylings of Electric Light Orchestra and gives it a “bubbly” touch.
Plain White T’s – Plain White T’s
For this, the band went back to what has worked before and giving it a freshening up. According to them, it comes from an authentic place of understanding who they are.
How Were We to Know – Emili Sandé
You will find heartache, grief and joy on this new release that explores love in all its glory. According to the singer-songwriter, the songs act as a piece of a puzzle she had to solve.
HiROQUEST: Double Helix – Steve Aoki
Featuring collaborations with Paris Hilton, Akon, Ángela Aguilar, Dana Paola, Greeicy and more, the album centres on a world inhabited by an enigmatic character named HiRO.
Bittersweet Satisfaction – Bad Touch
The Norfolk blues-rockers set out to create an album that is less balls-to-the-wall rock and a little more thoughtful. We’re assured it’s still feel-good, though.
Quarter Life Crisis – Baby Queen
The alter-ego of Bella Latham, who happens to be 25 years of age, a conversation about her emotions inspired her forthcoming debut album.
Cold War Kids – Cold War Kids
“I wanted this record to be the ideal, best version of all those things we’ve always been,” says frontman Nathan Willett on their tenth studio album.
Songs of Silence – Vince Clarke
The co-founder of Erasure and Depeche Mode is releasing his debut solo album. The ten-track ambient instrumental album was forged during the pandemic.
Feel Good – Jaime Wyatt
There is nothing quite like letting go and simply feeling good about who you are. That is the theme running through the newie from the West Coast-bred singer-songwriter.
Accentuate the Positive – Van Morrison
The late Jeff Beck and Taj Mahal will be found on this homage to rock and roll. The classic covers album visits The Comets, Little Richard and more.
You also have special reissues and compilations from Allen Ginsberg, Belle and Sebastian, Christine McVie, Dave Matthews Band, Earth, Motörhead, The Tragically Hip, Jason Mraz, Meshuggah, New Order, Passenger, Patsy Cline, The Rolling Stones, Social Distortion, Rosanne Cash and Thin Lizzy.
DECEMBER
(December’s announcements are a little light-on at the moment, but we can only do what we can do)
Gabby Sword – Gabby’s World
The songwriting and production project of New York DIY muso Gabrielle Smith releases her second album under the Gabby’s World moniker.
Is It You? – Ben L’Oncle Soul
The French vocalist has already shared the album in full, but you can get your hands on the real deal soon enough. The album is, according to him, a conversation about life.
Pleasure Best – Haiku Hands
The Australian group’s sophomore album is said to chronicle the life of the band’s members – Beatrice Lewis and the sibling duo of Claire and Mie Nakazawa.
Welcome to Whatever – Rainbow Girls
Such has been the fan base amassed by this Northern California trio, that their fans have fully funded this new release.
Like it’s the Last One Left – Uncle Lucius
After a five-year hiatus, the new album has been described as a mix of “amped-up Americana and greasy roots-rock”.
Albion – Harp
Back in 2016, former Midlake singer Tim Smith spoke about his new project, Harp. His debut solo album is a joint project with his wife, Kathi Zung.
Innocence – Kenny G
The legendary saxophonist’s 20th album embraces the theme of lullabies, a cultural and familial tradition that is of significant importance to him.
