by Maddie Knopke

In 2012, we saw the outbreak of several new alternative artists such as Fun. and Alabama Shakes as well as hits from our favorites like Taylor Swift, Mumford & Sons and Rihanna. 2013 introduces upcoming electro hip-hop stars including Azealia Banks and Atoms for Peace and brings back some of our old friends like Justin Timberlake. The following are albums scheduled for release this year.

February 12

Broke with Expensive Taste by Azealia Banks

Genre: Hip-Hop, Rap

A popular single by this artist: 212 (feat. Lazy Jay)

Previous albums & EPs: 1991 – EP

For fans of: Kreayshawn, M.I.A, Nicki Minaj

February 19

I am not a Human Being II by Lil Wayne

Genre: Hip-Hop, Rap

A popular single by this artist: How to Love

Previous albums & EPs: Tha Block is Hot (1999), 500 Degreez (2002), Tha Carter (2004), Tha Carter II (2005), Tha Carter III (2008), Rebirth (2010), I Am Not a Human Being (2010), Tha Carter IV (2011)

For fans of: Birdman, T.I., Drake

Clash the Truth by Beach Fossils

Genre: Alternative, Acoustic, Dreampop

A Popular single by this artist: Shallow

Previous albums & EPs: Beach Fossils (2010), What a Pleasure (2011)

For fans of: Wild Nothing, Best Coast, Atlas Sound

February 25

Amok by Atoms for Peace

Genre: Electronic, Techno Pop

A popular single by this artist: Default

Previous albums & EPs: (this will be their first studio album)

For fans of: James Blake, Björk, Flying Lotus

March 1

#willpower by will.i.am

Genre: Hip-Hop, Rap, Underground Rap

A popular Ssingle by this artist: Scream & Shout (feat. Britney Spears)

Previous Albums & EPs: Lost Change (2001), Songs About Girls (2007)

For fans of: David Guetta, Jennifer Lopez, Calvin Harris

March 5

Wondrous Bughouse by Youth Lagoon

Genre: Alternative, Dreampop, Electronic, Indie

A Popular Single by this artist: Afternoon

Previous Albums & EPs: The Year of Hibernation (2011)

For Fans of: M83, The Antlers, Animal Collective

March 19

The 20/20 Experience by Justin Timberlake

Genre: Pop

A Popular Single by this artist: Rock Your Body

Previous Albums & EPs: Justified (2002), I’m Lovin’ It – EP (2004), FutureSex/LoveSounds (2006)

For Fans of: NSYNC, Britney Spears, Backstreet Boyz

Sometime in April

Matangi by M.I.A.

Genre: Electronic, Hip-Hop, Pop, Rap

A Popular Single by this artist: Paper Planes

Previous Albums & EPs: Arular (2005), Kala (2007), MAYA (2010)

For Fans of: Kreayshawn, Robyn, Kid Sister

Bankrupt by Phoenix

Genre: Alternative, Rock

A Popular Single by this artist: 1901

Previous Albums & EPs: United (2000), Alphabetical (2004), It’s Never Been Like That (2006), Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix (2009)

For Fans of: Passion Pit, Temper Trap, The Shins

April 16

Mosquito by Yeah Yeah Yeahs

Genre: Alternative, Punk Rock

A Popular Single by this artist: Heads Will Roll

Previous Albums & EPs: Yeah Yeah Yeahs – EP (2001), Fever to Tell (2003), Maps – EP (2004), Show Your Bones (2006), IS IS – EP (2007), It’s Blitz! (2009)

For Fans of: The Kills, Metric, The Ravonettes

May 7

Modern Vampires of the City by Vampire Weekend

Genre: Alternative, Electronic, Pop

A Popular Single by this artist: Holiday

Previous Albums & EPs: Vampire Weekend (2008), Contra (2010)

For Fans of: MGMT, The Strokes, Arctic Monkeys

Summer 2013

(title to be announced) by Katy Perry

Genre: Pop

A Popular Single by this artist: Teenage Dream

Previous Albums & EPs: Ur So Gay – EP (2007), One of the Boys (2008), Teenage Dream (2010), Teenage Dream: The Complete Confection (2012)

For Fans of: Britney Spears, Rihanna, Sia

Crew Cuts by Hoodie Allen

Genre: Rap, Hip-Hop

A Popular Single by this artist: No Interruption

Previous Albums & EPs: All American (2012)

For Fans of: Macklemore, G-Eazy, Chiddy Bang

Date to be Announced

The following artists have been reported to be in the studio working on new albums that should debut sometime this year.

(title to be announced) by The Black Keys

Genre: Alternative, Rock

A Popular Single by this artist: Gold on the Ceiling

Previous Albums & EPs: The Big Come Up (2002), Thickfreakness (2003), The Moan – Ep (2004), Rubber Factory (2004), Chulahoma (2006), Magic Potion (2006), Attack & Release (2008), Brothers (2010), El Camino (2011)

For Fans of: The White Stripes, The Raconteurs, Arcade Fire

ARTPOP by Lady Gaga

Genre: Pop

A Popular Single by this artist: You & I

Previous Albums & EPs: The Fame (2008), The Fame Monster (2009), Born This Way (2011)

For Fans of: Madonna, Britney Spears, Carly Rae Jepsen

(title to be announced) by Beyoncé

Genre: Pop, R&B/Soul

A Popular Single by this artist: Single Ladies

Previous Albums & EPs: Dangerously in Love (2003), B’Day (2006), I am… Sasha Fierce (2008), 4 (2012)

For Fans of: Alicia Keys, Rihanna, Katy Perry

Indicud by Kid Cudi

Genre: Rap, Hip-Hop

A Popular Single by this artist: Day ’n’ Nite

Previous Albums & EPs: Man on the Moon: The End of Day (2009), Man on the Moon, Vol. II: The Legend of Mr. Rager (2010)

For Fans of: Kanye West, Wiz Khalifa, Chiddy Bang

(title to be announced) by Arcade Fire

Genre: Alternative, Rock

A Popular Single by this artist: Wake Up

Previous Albums & EPs: Arcade Fire – EP (2003), Funeral (2004), Neon Bible (2007), The Suburbs (2010)

For Fans of: Radiohead, The Shins, Band of Horses

(title to be announced) by MGMT

Genre: Electronic, Techno, Alternative

A Popular Single by this artist: Electric Feel

Previous Albums & EPs: Time to Pretend – EP (2005), Oracular

Spectacular (2008), Metanoia – EP (2008), Congratulations (2010)

For Fans of: Passion Pit, Vampire Weekend, Animal Collective