Here’s the thing about pop music: Those who listen to it are always quick to forgive a bad release (we’re looking at you, Madonna). While 2015 won’t bring new material from the reigning queen, Taylor Swift, there still looks to be a big year in pop coming up. Here are the 10 most anticipated pop albums of 2015.
Rihanna, “#R8”
Release Date: TBA
While there’s no release date yet, we’ve already heard the “World Peace” demo from upcoming new album. It’s rumored to be called “#R8.” The track is an uplifting club banger that appears to have been produced by Zedd or Calvin Harris with a bit of dub for good measure. We won’t hold that against RiRi, as long as she keeps bringing her hypnotic vocals and crazy tats to the table.
Christina Aguilera, “Fire and Fun”
Release date: TBA
It has been three years since the world has listened to a full length album from the ex-Mouseketeer, . But, according to her it appears a new album is in the works.
“New baby. New Music. New season of @NBCtheVoice. Bringing #FireAndFun to all, can’t wait for 2015!,” she wrote in the tweet. If the hashtag is a hint, “Fire and Fun,” will either be the single or album title. Hurray for alliteration.
Kelly Clarkson, TBA
Release date: TBA
American Idol hasn’t yielded many big time artists, but its first and only shining star is set to release a new album this year. , the pop, country, dance and R&B hybrid, is looking towards a banner 2015 according to few tweets of her own that shed some light on the expectations for an album release. confirms the release of a pop album, and the name drops Dr. Dre. Dr Dre wouldn’t do that, would he? After all, we’re still waiting for “Detox.”
Gwen Stefani, TBA
Release Date: Early 2015
Mrs. Gavin Rossdale has been on a No Doubt hiatus for a minute, but that departure hasn’t stopped from assembling material for a third solo album. Two singles have been released with the production work of Ryan Tedder and Pharrell Williams with vibes that are still harnessing the “Harajuku Girl” steez. Just don’t look for Stefani on “The Voice” this year with the re-introduction of Christina Aguilera and the support of the new album.
Britney Spears, TBA
Release date: TBA
Headlining Planet Hollywood in Vegas has to have its perks. Or in the case of , a baggage full of cash. Either way, both have come with the opportunity of recording a new album. The follow up to “Britney Jean” will come this year, with the first taste of new music due out this month according to . And this new song is , which must have been made in marketing heaven.
Mark Ronson, “Uptown Special”
Release date: Jan. 27
Mark Ronson’s new, Bruno Mars-featured track, “Uptown Funk,” has already become one of the first No. 1 U.K. singles of 2015. The producer/DJ’s fourth album will include appearances by Stevie Wonder, Bruno Mars and Tame Imapla’s Kevin Parker.
Justin Bieber, TBA
Release Date: March 1
Yes, Justin Bieber is, in fact, still a musician, even though he’s taken on the new role of Most Hated Man in America. He spent the year getting in , , getting arrested and . But, it’s back to music, as Bieber’s Manager Scooter Braun a picture that hints new material is on the way. The rumor is that Bieber wants to have the new album by his birthdate, March 1.
Meghan Trainor, “Title”
Release date: Jan. 9
The patron saint of women with curves is “bringing booty back” effectively this month. will follow-up the tremendous success of “All About That Bass” (one of the best selling singles of all time) with her debut full length album. “Title” is due out on Jan. 9 and will feature collaborations with John Legend and Shy Carter.
Madonna, “Rebel Heart”
Release date: March 10
Madonna is no stranger to crazy antics to highlight album releases. This goes back to “Like a Virgin” and “Like a Prayer.” However, even for Madonna, the use of Martin Luther King to promote a new album seems like a stretch. Most recently, we put together our list of prospective producers for her forthcoming album, “Rebel Heart,” scheduled to drop March 10.
Adele, “25”
Release date: TBA
The most anticipated album of 2015 rests on the shoulders of . She is the golden child of the music industry and looks to release another platinum selling album with “25.” No release date is set, but we do know that to the album. As an added bonus, Phil Collins will have a hand in the new release as well. Let’s hope he give it an “Invisible Touch.”
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Julio Enriquez is a Denver writer and photographer, editor of the blog and a regular contributor to Reverb
