February 2

The Last Dinner Party – ‘Prelude To Ecstasy’

The Last Dinner Party (TLDP) had a standout year with hit singles like ‘Nothing Matters’ and plenty of sold-out shows. Their debut album, Prelude To Ecstasy, is set to release this coming February 2 featuring all previous singles. The album explores the extremes of human emotion, combining personal experiences with guitar solos and orchestral elements. To mark the album announcement, they released a new single “On Your Side”; a love song about unwavering devotion, even in difficult times—both painful and liberating.

Brittany Howard – ‘What Now’

Brittany Howard is gearing up to fulfill her dreams with her upcoming album, What Now. Despite the fast-paced music landscape of the 2020s, where constant content is crucial, Howard has been relatively low-key since her 2019 solo album Jaime. Now, as she prepares to release her second solo album, the singer is exploring new boundaries and pondering what she can dream up next. The album follows a period where Howard engaged in diverse projects, from updating an Earth, Wind & Fire song for a kids’ movie to collaborating with an experimental composer, showcasing her versatility.

February 9

Declan McKenna – ‘What Happened to the Beach?’

Declan McKenna’s upcoming fifth studio album and third major-label release, titled What Happened to the Beach?, is set to be released this month by Columbia Records. The album features singles like “Nothing Works” and “Mulholland’s Dinner and Wine.” Produced by Gianluca Buccellati, known for his work with Lana Del Rey and Arlo Parks, the album is described as full of tone and color, showcasing a songwriter who is enjoying himself and defying expectations. His inspiration draws from artists like St Vincent and Unknown Mortal Orchestra for the album’s sound.

Usher – ‘COMING HOME’

Usher is set for arguably his biggest year yet; With headlining the Super Bowl Halftime Show, and releasing his ninth studio album, Coming Home. This marks his first album since 2016’s Hard II Love. The upcoming album features the 2023 release “Good Good” with Summer Walker and 21 Savage. Usher expressed excitement about the album, symbolized by the peach in the artwork, representing his roots (Atlanta). The album, available for pre-order on Apple Music, is distributed by Larry Jackson’s gamma. Usher, performing at the 2024 Super Bowl Halftime Show, expressed gratitude for the opportunity, marking the fifth year of the NFL and Roc Nation partnership.

Madi Diaz – ‘Weird Faith’

The amazingly great Madi Diaz has released the lead single, “Same Risk,” from her upcoming album, Weird Faith. The track, disguised as a folk-country tune with acoustic guitar strumming, transforms into stadium pop with an expansive arrangement that allows us to envision what’s coming on the album. Her previous album delves into a range of emotions, including rage, confusion, despair, self-deception, and introspection. We can only expect that and so much more.

Zara Larsson – ‘VENUS’

Scheduled to be released this coming February 9, Zara Larsson’s fourth studio album. Preceded by singles like “Can’t Tame Her,” “End of Time,” and the collaboration with David Guetta, “On My Love,” the album showcases a mix of uptempo, fun dance songs and emotionally balanced tracks. Larsson enlisted the help of songwriters and producers, including Casey Smith, Rick Nowels, and Danja, to shape the sound of the album. Described as a “pop album fit for a goddess”, Larsson takes greater ownership of her output, reflecting on her journey.  

February 16

Jennifer Lopez – ‘This Is Me… Now’

She’s still Jenny from the Block. Jennifer Lopez’s ninth studio album, This Is Me… Now, is set to release on February 16. Acting as a sequel to her 2002 album “This Is Me… Then,” it marks her first album in a decade. The lead single, “Can’t Get Enough”, samples Alton Ellis’s 1967 song “Still in Love”. Lopez describes the album as an emotional journey spanning two decades, addressing misconceptions about her love life and growth. The project was announced on the 20th anniversary of her previous album, and a teaser trailer featuring clips from upcoming music videos were also released.

Chromeo – ‘Adult Contemporary’

Canadian duo Chromeo, comprised of Dave 1 (Dave Macklovitch) and P-Thugg (Patrick Gemayel), explore the concept of funk in one’s 30s and 40s in their sixth studio album, “Adult Contemporary.” The track “Personal Effects” was added as the final song, inspired by a phrase from a flight announcement. The album features breezy funk with extended instrumental sections, including a motif of letting the music ride out. “Adult Contemporary” serves as a meditation on modern, mature relationships, incorporating themes like…curling irons?

February 23

TWICE – ‘With YOU-th’

K-pop sensation TWICE is set to release their 13th mini-album, “With YOU-th,” on February 23. The pre-release single, “I Got You”, is scheduled for February 2, along with a physical CD release. Described as a theme about someone always being with you during your beautiful youth, this marks TWICE’s first group music release in nearly a year since “Ready To Be” in March 2023. The album details, including the tracklist and title tracks, are yet to be revealed. The announcement was accompanied by a teaser video, the “With YOU-th Mood Film,” featuring all nine members.

Real Estate – ‘Daniel’

Indie rock band Real Estate has announced their sixth full-length album, Daniel. The lead single, “Water Underground”, is accompanied by a music video reminiscent of “The Adventures of Pete & Pete,” featuring actors Danny Tamberelli and Michael C. Maronna from the classic 1990s sitcom. Directed by Edmond Hawkins, the video was filmed in suburban New Jersey, close to where Tamberelli and several bandmates are originally from. The album, recorded in nine days, was produced by Grammy-winning producer Daniel Tashian. Daniel follows Real Estate’s 2020 album The Main Thing and the 2021 EP Half a Human.

Allie X – ‘Girl With No Face’

Canadian singer-songwriter Allie X is set to release her upcoming studio album, Girl with No Face. Teasing details about the album in December 2020, Allie X described it as sounding like a “Disney princess produced by Kraftwerk.” In a February 2021 interview, she provided further insight, summarizing the new material with three words: “Synthesizer”, “Giorgio Moroder”, and “New Order”. Allie X, who had been self-producing the album, mentioned being “lost in the vortex of creating a new world” in a November 2021 email regarding the release of Cape God (Deluxe).