2019 has already shown itself as a powerhouse year for music. Ariana Grande’s Thank U Next to Offset’s Father of 4 are just some of the albums that are already defining the year. The trends of artists pushing projects out every six months, releasing exclusive singles, and surprise albums are becoming more and more common. But there are a few artists that have been a little too quiet and whose fans hope to see an album released this year:
1. Harry Styles
The teenage heartthrob turned rock star made a name of his own with his debut album Sign of the Times. The album made history in the U.S. with the biggest debut sales week for a U.K. male artist’s first full-length album since Nielsen Music began tracking sales in 1991, topping official charts at #1 in more than 55 countries. Since ending his first solo world tour, we haven’t heard much from Styles, but he has mentioned working on his sophomore album.
When speaking to Timothee Chalamet for i-D magazine, he said, “I’m making my second album right now, so I’m going to do that [making the right choices], read a lot and see what happens.”
2. Justin Bieber
Bieber’s last album, Purpose, was the perfect mix of pop, R&B, and a hint of gospel to truly show his growth as an artist. It’s been three years since that album and the fans want to know, what’s next? When recently asked about new music, he spoke on the fact that he had a few more things to handle before he was able to give the fans the music.
“So, I read a lot of messages saying you want an album,” he said in an Instagram post. “I’ve toured my whole teenage life, and early 20s…and as you guys probably saw I was unhappy last tour and I don’t deserve that and you don’t deserve that,” referring to his last tour which concert-goers may have described as “not his best”.
Right now, he is focused on his mental health and his marriage, but JB5 is in the works.
3. Frank Ocean
The ever ambiguous Frank Ocean is always dropping vague hints of what could be his next album. Since the release of his last album, Blond, he has given us more music in the form on singles and features, than before his previous four-year hiatus. In 2018, he opened his Instagram up to the public and we got a vague look into the life of Christopher Breaux. On Nov. 19, 2018 he posted on his Instagram story, jamming to an unreleased song.
In January of 2018, Ocean hinted at new music by posting a photo on his Tumblr of a person wearing a green hat that read, “IF YOU LIKED 2017, YOU’LL LOVE 2018.” Back in Nov. 2017 Ocean hinted that he had a new album ready to release by posting “I made the album before 30. I just ain’t put that bitch out,” on his Tumblr page. Despite the hints, this is still no confirmation of a third album.
4. Rihanna
Rihanna has made it clear just how multifaceted she is. With the initial release of Fenty Beauty in the fall of 2017 and SavagexFenty in the winter of 2018 and other businesses in the works, she has made a name for herself as one of music’s biggest moguls. But her fans want to know… where is the music, sis? It’s been three years since the release of Anti. In numerous interviews, she has been asked about music, and it is clear she knows how adamant her fans are about an album. When an Access Hollywood reporter said “The Navy needs new music, Rihanna,” the pop star promptly shut it down with, “Who sent you?”
However, there is hope for the Navy. In December, she responded to an Instagram comment asking when a release date can be expected. She followed with a simple, “2019.” Since then, there have been numerous photos of her in the studio for what is hopefully R9.
These artists are known to rock the charts when they release music. So we know whenever and whatever they release, it will be amazing. They have left their fans in anticipation and continue to leave them wondering just how long they are going to keep them waiting.
These artists are known to rock the charts when they release music. So we know, whenever and whatever they release will be amazing. They have left their fans in anticipation and continue to leave them wondering just how long they are going to keep them waiting.