While we’re all still catching up on the stellar releases from 2022, this month has plenty of new music to be excited about. January tends to be a quieter month for music as everyone prepares for the Grammys in early February, but there’s still a handful of gems to tide us over. From Sam Smith to Samia, here are nine albums dropping this month that you should have on your calendar.

January 6

Iggy Pop – ‘Every Loser’

• The biggest punk of the ‘70s returns with his 19th solo album, EVERY LOSER, as the first major release of 2023. Iggy Pop has done it all, from electronic and jazz experimentation to collaborations with Josh Homme and David Bowie, he’s left no stone unturned throughout his nearly 60-year career. On EVERY LOSER, Iggy returns to his punk-rock roots with help from guitarist Josh Klinghoffer, Travis Barker, Chad Smith, and the dearly departed Taylor Hawkins, and he sounds better than ever. “Frenzy” is a hectic start to the record straight out of 1973, and “Strung Out Johnny” is beautifully layered with guitars and synths showcasing the range of the record. Check this one out, and perhaps you’ll find yourself diving deep into Iggy’s prolific discography.

January 13

Margo Price – ‘Strays’

• Alternative-country rising star Margo Price releases her fifth studio record this month, titled Strays. Produced by Jonathan Wilson, the main producer for Father John Misty, Strays is Margo’s most mature work to date. Tackling demons of self-image and letting go of past pains, Margo is on an introspective journey that illustrates her ambitious new musical direction. “Lydia” is a loose and enveloping ode to Margo’s past struggles, while “Change of Heart” is a hypnotic rock track worthy of your vacation playlists. With collaborations from Sharon Van Etten, Lucius, and Mike Campbell, Strays is Margo proving once again that she’s an ascending star in country music.

Velvet Negroni – ‘Bulli’

• Experimental R&B extraordinaire Velvet Negroni is back with Bulli, the follow-up to 2019’s revelatory NEON BROWN. Inspired by a period in his life that “involved drug abuse, bank fraud, and a house fire”, Bulli is experimental pop and R&B at its best. With intricate production, catchy hooks, and hard-hitting lyrics, Bulli is poised to be an explosive record in 2023. “Sinker” has a beat and vocal line that’ll be stuck in your head, while “Pop Song 1” is a beautiful crescendoing song reminiscent of Bon Iver and James Blake. If you’re a fan of serpentwithfeet, Erika de Casier, or Nick Hakim, this record is in your wheelhouse.

January 20

Mac Demarco – ‘Five Easy Hot Dogs’

• The wildest man in indie-rock is back. Mac Demarco’s apathetic yet thoughtful approach to rock and pop music helped create the bedroom pop movement, and subsequently, many Gen-Z artists have cited him as being one of their biggest inspirations. With the hype comes a ton of pressure, and Mac has recently taken some time off to explore other artistic endeavors. Five Easy Hot Dogs is a collection of instrumental tracks recorded on a road trip from Los Angeles to Utah. Mac says that “this record sounds like what rolling around feels like”, which sets this record up to be another wild trip from indie-rock’s most interesting mind. 

July Talk – ‘Remember Never Before’

• Leah Fay and Peter Dreimanis have been a staple in the Toronto rock scene for nearly a decade. With two remarkably distinct voices, earth-shattering riffs, and anthemic hooks, July Talk is one of the noteworthy Canadian rock bands to flourish in recent years. Their fourth record, Remember Never Before, is out this month, and was driven by their mantra of “hurl yourself into the moment”. Every single thus far has been great, “Repeat” is reminiscent of Joy Division, and “After This” sounds like Radiohead’s In Rainbows era. If you’re new to July Talk, Remember Never Before is the perfect place to start.

Måneskin – ‘Rush!’

• The Italian kings of X-Factor and Eurovision return with Rush!, their fourth studio album featuring singles “LA FINE” and “THE LONELIEST.” Måneskin’s quick rise to the top of the rock music charts has been crazy, with their cover of The Four Seasons “Beggin’” amassing over a billion streams and has led to the group seeing massive success worldwide. The band recorded nearly 50 new tracks for Rush! and sought inspiration from artists like Arctic Monkeys, Sam Fender, and Dua Lipa during its creation. With tour dates including sold-out shows at London’s O2 Arena and Unipol Arena in Italy, 2023 is going to be another massive year for Måneskin, and Rush! is the perfect way to kick it all off.

January 27

Samia – ‘Honey’

• Indie darling Samia follows up her beloved debut record The Baby this month with Honey, an album about “learning to see the love around you.” At only 26 years old, Samia reflects on life and ruminates on the stories she’ll tell when she’s older. Recorded with friends in the North Carolina woods, Honey is a massive step forward for Samia and proves she’s a sincere voice worth hearing in the crowded indie-pop world. “Mad At Me” is an infectious dance bop while “Sea Lions” slows things down with atmospheric synths and nostalgic lyrics. Samia is poised to blow up with Honey, and you need to be ready to dive in on release day.

Sam Smith – ‘Gloria’

• The smoothest voice in major label pop music is back with Gloria, their much anticipated fourth album. Teased as Sam’s boldest statement yet, the record is already destined for massive success as it’s riding the coattails of the chart-topping lead single “Unholy” featuring Kim Petras. Gloria is touted as a “personal revolution” for Sam, as they sing of “sex, lies, passion, self-expression, and imperfection” across the 13-song tracklist. Written and recorded between Los Angeles, London, and Jamaica, Gloria might be Sam’s grandest artistic statement yet and should have fans excited to listen when midnight hits on release day. 

Jonah Yano – ‘Portrait of a Dog’

• If there’s an artist you should be looking out for this month, it’s Montreal’s Jonah Yano. With his beautifully delicate voice and intricate jazz instrumentation, Jonah is ready to show the world that he is an artist to watch in the indie-pop and jazz-pop scene with Portrait of a Dog. Produced by BADBADNOTGOOD, the record continues Jonah’s exploration of identity and family while departing from his pop tendencies. “Leslianne” is littered with gorgeous pianos and guitars while “Always” ends with a stunningly cathartic jazz jam, and the rest of the record is sure to floor you with dazzling production and sincere lyricism. If you’re a fan of Laufey, Charlotte Day Wilson, or Lianne La Havas, definitely check this record out.