Despite all of the chaos and mayhem of 2017, it was a year of fantastic music. From Kendrick Lamar to Khalid to SZA, 2017 graced us with albums that touched our souls and feet, made us dance and cry, and most of all, made us sing.
Will this trend continue? 2018 is boiling over with rumors of new albums on the horizon with some of the hottest artists of our time. Here are the top 10 albums to look forward to in 2018 (in no particular order).
Camila Cabello
ALBUM TITLE: CAMILA
DATE: JANUARY 12TH 2018
This past fall Camila Cabello released the single “Havana,” a chart–topping single peaking at number 2 in the United States. In early January, Cabello is set to release her first studio album, titled Camila, which will be her first solo album since separating from Fifth Harmony. Her hit singles, and stunning vocals make her a solo artist worth listening to this upcoming year.
Migos
ALBUM TITLE: CULTURE 2
DATE: LATE JANUARY 2018
Most well known for singles “Bad and Boujee” and “T-Shirt,” 2017 was the year that Migos reached a new level of success. The group hopes to follow up their last album C U L T U R E , with the sequel C U L T U R E 2 to be released later this month. The group’s unique sound, lyrical genius, and the fact that their next album will play at every upcoming Penn event are just a few reasons why the trio’s next album should be at the top of your list.
Cardi B
ALBUM: TBD
DATE: JANUARY 2018
If 2017 was anyone’s year, it was definitely Cardi B’s. Starting the year with “Love and Hip Hop” and ending the year with three singles at the top of the Billboard 100, Cardi B ruled 2017. Most famous for “Bodak Yellow,” the rapper plans to maintain her success in 2018 by releasing her first studio album. With hits like her most recent release “Bartier Cardi” and “Finesse” featuring Bruno Mars, 2018 will most likely be another fantastic year for Cardi B.
Ariana Grande
ALBUM: TBD
DATE: TBD
Over the last year, Ariana Grande has remained rather lowkey in terms of releasing singles. But rumors have circulated the web about Ariana releasing a new project in 2018, most likely before the year ends. Dangerous Woman was an album that I listened to nonstop for weeks. I expect that her next album will have the exact same effect on anyone who listens to her heavenly vocals.
The 1975
ALBUM: MUSIC FOR CARS
DATE: TBD
The 1975 has been on the down low in terms of releasing music since 2016. This will most likely change in 2018, as the group has announced that they’ll be releasing Music For Cars. The eclectic '80s vibe and catchy sound make them a band worth paying attention to in 2018.
Rae Sremmurd
ALBUM: SREMMLIFE 3
DATE: JANUARY 2018
Sremmlife and Sremmlife 2 were two extremely successful albums for the young duo that is Rae Sremmurd. This year they plan to continue their success with the upcoming album Sremmlife 3, set to release in late January. Their danceable beats and catchy rhythms will leave the tracks of their newest project in your ears for weeks.
Childish Gambino
ALBUM: TBD
DATE: TBD
Childish Gambino, a.k.a. Donald Glover, has been rumored to be working on a new album. Nevertheless, the creation of a new album is not the only thing on Glover's plate. The second season of Atlanta, which Glover directs and acts in, as well as the announcement of his next child, have left the rumors of another album with little evidence. Nevertheless, many believe that he plans to release his next work alongside Chance the Rapper, an artist Glover has worked with in the past. Time will tell.
Nicki Minaj
ALBUM: TBD
DATE: TBD
Nicki Minaj’s last major work, The Pinkprint, was released in December 2014. Since then, the rapper has released various singles alongside artists like Quavo, 21 Savage, and Cardi B. But rumors have been in the works about Minaj releasing a new project sometime this upcoming year. With a fire lyrical flow and a saucy beat to accompany it, whenever Minaj releases her next album, best believe you’ll be playing it on repeat.
Rihanna
ALBUM: TBD
DATE: TBD
Rihanna’s last work ANTI was a major success for Rihanna. Since then the artist has worked alongside Drake for his most recent project, has released her own makeup line which gained significant traction, and has been acting for the upcoming film Oceans 8. Despite all of Rihanna’s other projects, the BADGAL has announced that her next album is in the works. With a history of number 1 hits, and a sound like no other, Rihanna’s ninth album is sure to be her best yet.
Beyoncé / JAY Z
ALBUM: TBD
DATE: TBD
JAY–Z’s most recent project 4:44 and Beyoncé’s newest album Lemonade both illustrate the complexities of their marriage, as well as the beauty and pain of being black in America. It’s been said that both JAY–Z and Beyoncé are working together on new music set to be released in the near future. The king and queen are (maybe) back.
