We are officially one-third of the way through the spring semester, if you can believe it. Between rushing to classes, commuting to and from Center City for internship interviews, and trying to balance a social life within the chaos, sometimes you just need to take a step back and relax. But, what’s relaxation without a good soundtrack? This week, I caught up with a few Temple women to talk about what 2019 album releases they’re most looking forward to.
Even a month and a half in, 2019 is gearing up to be an amazing year in music. From Ariana Grande’s emotionally freeing thank u, next to Girlpool’s What Chaos is Imaginary, 2019 in music is full of eager vulnerability.
Here are a few soon-to-be released projects from some of Temple’s favorite artists.
Lana Del Rey – Norman F*cking Rockwell
Lana’s sixth studio album is set to be released on March 29, and Temple is really excited. Leah Lewis, a sophomore environmental studies major, is especially looking forward to the new album.
“She inspires me to be unapologetically myself and follow my dreams, but at the same time, to try new things and embrace life as it is,” Lewis said.
Officially announced in September 2018 with the release of two singles, “Mariners Apartment Complex” and “Venice Bitch,” Norman F*cking Rockwell is going to be a bit of change from her usual work. According to a profile of Del Rey in Harpers Bazaar, “The follow-up to 2017’s Lust for Life is a ‘mood album,’ and there aren’t any big bangers on it.’”
Del Rey’s most recent release, “hope is a dangerous thing for a woman like me to have,” has left fans incredibly excited for a full-length album. Samiya Green, a junior journalism major, exclaimed that she is “excited to the point where I’ll treat it like a holiday.”
Halsey
While the popstar has yet to officially announce her newest project, the success of her 2018 single “Without Me” has fans eager to hear more.
Mia Perlman, a sophomore journalism major, notes “I saw it [“Without Me”] performed live in Atlantic City, and the lyrics are really powerful. It’s definitely a song I can relate to.”
While sticking to her distinct sound, Halsey released a series of tweets in January, explaining to her fans that she is ready to be more vulnerable and sensitive, and that her forthcoming album is going to be a product of her newfound acceptance.
Lizzo – Cuz I Love You
Following the release of her single, “Juice,” Lizzo has been able to enjoy a steady rise in mainstream pop culture in the last few months.
From performing on Ellen to being The Cut’s Spring Fashion Issue Cover star, Lizzo is enjoying herself, and the world is enjoying her. Riding the wave of publicity, Lizzo officially announced her upcoming album, Cuz I Love You, which will be available for purchase on April 19th, 2019.
Shanna Kessler, a sophomore psychology major, says that she’s really excited for Lizzo’s new album. I, for one, am certainly excited for more flute magic from everybody’s newest fave.
It seems that 2019 is gearing up to be another amazing year for women in music and the women of Temple certainly agree.