The 22 Most Anticipated Albums of 2020

Album: West of Eden
Release Date: February 7

It says a lot about a band when their debut album is seen one of the year’s most exciting records prior to its official release. For this genre-bending English collective known as HMLTD (and formerly known as Happy Meal Ltd. prior to a cease-and-desist letter), they’ve managed to accrue a sizeable and dedicated fanbase thanks to their numerous singles which blur the lines between punk, electronic, and the glam-rock genres.

With their debut EP being issued back in 2018, HMLTD are finally set to release West of Eden on February 7, with the group noting that the record’s story “unfolds against the backdrop of the collapse of Western civilisation.” An experimental effort for confronting times, HMLTD’s debut record is set to serve as the next major step in their already bright career, and will hopefully bring them down to Australia at long last.

Album: Notes on a Conditional Form
Release Date: April 24

When The 1975 shared A Brief Inquiry into Online Relationships in 2018, it appeared as though the group had reached a new creative peak, opening up the doors for Radiohead comparisons due to their experimental yet measured approach to their craft. Serving as the first of their newest “era”, the release of their next album – Notes on a Conditional Form – was originally slated to take place before their appearance at the Reading Festival, before eventually being pushed back to February of 2020, and again to April 24.

Described by frontman Matty Healy as an “emo” record of sorts, further descriptions have seen him liken it to English hip-hop outfit The Streets and acclaimed electronic musician Burial. However, while ferocious lead single “People” drew comparisons to the likes of Welsh rockers mclusky, it remains to be seen whether Notes on a Conditional Form will feature a thematic approach for its content, or whether it will serve as a musical scrapbook of the band’s best work.

Album: Always Tomorrow
Release Date: February 21

It’s currently been close to five years since fans last heard a full-length record from Los Angeles duo Best Coast. To be fair, while California Nights arrived in 2015, the pair did release a children’s album titled Best Kids in 2018, leaving their older fans to wonder when a new record of their traditional work might materialise. Thankfully, this question was answered in November when Best Coast released “For the First Time”, the first single from their upcoming fourth album.

Titled Always Tomorrow, it’s currently scheduled to be released on February 21, with the group gearing up to embark upon a US tour across the next few months. No word yet as to when they may return to Australia, but local fans undoubtedly have their fingers crossed.

Album: Imploding the Mirage
Release Date: Autumn 2020

Having released the politically-charged “Land of the Free” in 2019, Las Vegas outfit The Killers hinted that a new record was on the way by the middle of the year, sharing cryptic messages on social media to support their cause. Thankfully, they didn’t keep their supporters in suspense for too long, formally announcing in November that their sixth album, Imploding the Mirage, would be out in 2020.

Currently slated to drop in autumn of 2020 (that’s spring for those in the northern hemisphere), The Killers are keeping the exact release date of their new record under wraps, though their announcement of a UK tour for May indicates that it would presumably be released prior to the tour kick-off. Logically, a new single should be arriving sooner rather than later, so keep an eye out for that one.

Album: Ordinary Man
Release Date: February 21

The last few years haven’t been kind to Ozzy Osbourne, as evidenced by his exposure to a potentially-deadly staph infection, the flu, pneumonia, and the cancellation of his entire 2019 tour due to a fall. Not content to simply put his feet up in the meantime, the former Black Sabbath frontman returned to the airwaves as a guest on Post Malone’s “Take What You Want”, which introduced him to a younger audience and gave him his first top ten single in the US in over 30 years.

While fans were basking in the return of his voice, the rock icon soon revealed he would be releasing his first album in ten years, announcing the release of Ordinary Man for February 2020. Featuring contributions from Red Hot Chili Peppers drummer Chad Smith, Duff McKagan and Slash of Guns N’ Roses, and Elton John, it’s on track to be one of his most unique albums to date. Considering Ozzy still thinks he’s yet to release his “Sgt. Pepper” album, it seems as though this new effort will feature the metal pioneer once again giving his all.

Album: TBA
Release Date: TBA

It’s fair to say that everyone was blindsided by last year’s news that not only were the Red Hot Chili Peppers saying goodbye to guitarist Josh Klinghoffer, but that they would be welcoming John Frusciante back into the fold. Arguably their most successful and best-known guitarist, Frusciante’s tenure lasted from 1988–1992 and again from 1998–2009, recording classic records such as Blood Sugar Sex Magik, Californication, and By The Way during his time with the group.

Discussing the return of the guitarist, drummer Chad Smith recently confirmed to Rolling Stone that the band were working on a new record, stating that “we’ll mostly be concentrating on new songs and writing a new record. We’re all real excited to make new music.” Considering Frusciante’s presence within the group has resulted in their most successful and beloved albums, there’s every chance that their forthcoming record will be the return to form that fans have sought for years.

Album: TBA
Release Date: TBA

Since Haim broke into the mainstream with 2013’s Days Are Gone, the Los Angeles sisters have had high expectations thrust upon them. Having delivered Something to Tell You in 2017, the last year saw the trio offering up a number of new singles which hinted towards the arrival of a larger body of work in the near future.

Interestingly though, while the music world awaits further information regarding their upcoming release, it seems that the Haim sisters themselves don’t quite know when the album will be released, noting their current approach involves “just writing it, getting in the studio and putting it out as it comes.” While it’s logical to assume that their new record will be unleashed at some point this year, we can’t be certain until we receive official word from the group.

Album: TBA
Release Date: TBA

Though he’s well-known as a member of Radiohead, it took until 2019 for Ed O’Brien to share “Santa Teresa”, the first taste of solo material from the guitarist. Serving as one of the last members of the English outfit to embark upon a solo career, it served as the first single from his as-yet-unnamed solo album under the moniker of EOB, which has seen him working alongside musical luminaries such as Flood, Catherine Marks, Alan Moulder, Laura Marling, Portishead’s Adrian Utley, Wilco’s Glenn Kotche, and his Radiohead bandmate Colin Greenwood.

Though his first full-length solo effort is due in “early 2020”, O’Brien has remained relatively silent when it comes to details. However, he has revealed there will be an accompanying tour involved, details relating to the album’s content, release date, title, and tracklist remain under wraps at the current time.

Album: TBA
Release Date: TBA

When English trio The xx shared their debut album in 2019, fans were blown away by this masterful creation which would soon go on to be considered one of the greatest records of all time. A stunning collection of indie rock and dream pop, The xx only continued this positive reception with their next two releases, with 2012’s Coexist and 2017’s I See You hitting #2 and #1 on the ARIA charts, respectively.

For the last three years though, things have been a little lacking in terms of new material from the group. However, while fans have questioned just when The xx might share their long-awaited fourth record, the trio took to social media earlier this year to hint towards that new material might emerge in 2020. “Looking forward to 2020,” they wrote. “We’ve all been working on new music can’t wait to share it with you!” No word yet as to when it might arrive, but fans are undoubtedly looking towards this year with a newfound sense of optimism.

Album: TBA
Release Date: TBA

When Barbadian singer Rihanna shard Anti after a four-year wait in 2016, it served as a message to her fans that a one or two year turnaround for albums was no longer set to be the norm, and that she was determined to have total control over her music, offering up a richer sonic palate for the critically-acclaimed release. Despite this, fans have remained hungry for new music ever since, and while a new record – which singer Shakka described as “insane” – was promised to be released in 2019, the deadline came and went with no new material.

Despite this, it appeared that things were happening behind the scenes, presumably as part of a lead-up to a wider album rollout. With the announcement of Rihanna signing to Sony/ATV Music Publishing and a social media blackout taking place, expectations are high for an imminent announcement of the album which the artist previously noted would be a reggae project.

Album: TBA
Release Date: TBA

In February of 2013, the elusive My Bloody Valentine crashed their own website when they announced the surprise release of m b v, a record which had been in the works for a number of years and even predated their 1997 split. Although a number of tour dates were held in support of the record, the group remained relatively inactive until a number of shows took place in 2018.

However, it was during these shows that frontman Kevin Shields ramped up the excitement, revealing to fans that not only would a new EP be arriving in the following year, but that it would be joined by another full-length record. Unfortunately, this announcement was made in August of 2018, leaving us to ponder whether Shields was a little optimistic with his timeline, or if sessions had stalled once again. Whatever the case, we’re not too far removed from 2019, meaning that we could still be receiving the records at any given moment.

Album: White Hot Forever (and Violet)
Release Date: TBA

Lana Del Rey’s Norman Fucking Rockwell! was a surprising success upon its release in August. One of the most critically-beloved additions to her discography, it managed to be named one of the decade’s best albums, and even nabbed a couple of Grammy nominations in the process. Not one to rest on her laurels though, Del Rey was quick to reveal she’s already hard at work on her next record, with White Hot Forever reported on track for a “surprise release” around October or November.

It doesn’t end there though, with the musician also revealing that her previously-announced spoken-word poetry project would also be unleashed in early 2020. Though Violet missed its January 4th date due to a family robbery over Christmas, plans for its arrival are still underway, and it’s expected to drop sooner rather than later.

Album: TBA
Release Date: TBA

Considering that all six of their 21st century albums have topped the Australian charts, there’s a precedence of high expectations for the Foo Fighters. So when Dave Grohl revealed last year that the band were getting to work on a new record, fans felt confident it would be another chapter in an already-stellar career. Claiming that the record is set to be “fucking weird”, Grohl and his bandmates heightened excitement by sharing various clips on social media that boasted a hashtag of #FF2020 and #FF25, indicating that there’s big news coming.

But what can fans expect? With the group having shared an excess of archival material in 2019, drummer Taylor Hawkins noted that he was confident much would be made of the band’s 25th anniversary in 2020, with Grohl promising “seriously crazy shit” was on the way. Considering their tenth anniversary brought with it the release of the double record known as In Your Honour, it’s sensible to assume there could be a similar project in the works.

Album: TBA
Release Date: TBA

2014’s Rock or Bust undoubtedly served as one of the final moments of serenity within the AC/DC camp before things began to go off the rails somewhat. Within years, the public witnessed the replacement of Brian Johnson by Axl Rose, the legal troubles of Phil Rudd, and the passing of Malcolm Young, though recent rumours have indicated the future is looking up for fans.

In December, Twisted Sister’s Dee Snider put the idea of a new record from AC/DC in the headlines again. Snider falsely contended that the hard-rock icons set to headline the NFL Super Bowl, he also claimed they’ll be hitting the road in support of a new record which utilises both Brian Johnson on vocals, and guitar tracks from Malcolm Young.

Most recently though, Triple M’s Eddie McGuire fuelled this gossip, revealing that “speculation” points towards a new record from the group in either “February or March”, with an Australian tour set to follow in “October or November”. Earlier rumours also pointed towards Phill Rudd’s return as well, though all details are yet to be officially confirmed.

Album: Live From the Moon (and two others)
Release Date: TBA

Considering that Robert Smith reportedly had every intention to end The Cure following the release of 2001’s Greatest Hits compilation (as alluded to in the title of “Cut Here”), every record that the band’s fans have received since have been welcomed with gratitude and cautious hope of more to come. While a 12-year wait has followed 2008’s 4:13 Dream, Smith has kept fans informed of the band’s plans for new material, previously stating that a new album – reportedly titled Live From the Moon – would likely arrive before Christmas of 2019.

Though this proved untrue, Smith has claimed that in addition to this ostensibly forthcoming album, The Cure also have two other records in the works. Currently untitled, he described one release as containing “much freer pieces and with a more pronounced, stronger sound”, while the last record was referred to as a “noise disc, with different aspects and environments”. Although information is sparse, it appears as though Live From the Moon is still on track as previously indicated.

Album: Run the Jewels 4
Release Date: Early 2020

Throughout the initial years of Run the Jewels, the hip-hop supergroup of Atlanta’s Killer Mike and New York City native El-P proved themselves as one of the most prolific new acts on the scene, sharing new records each from 2013 to 2016. Since the release of Run the Jewels 3 however, only their contribution to the Venom soundtrack has surfaced, with reports they’ve teamed up with iconic producer Rick Rubin helping to satiate a desire for new material.

In late 2019 though, fans received their biggest update in regards to the new album so far, with El-P revealing that while touring, married life, and scoring responsibilities had left both he and Killer Mike unable to deliver Run the Jewels 4 as expected, their efforts would see a “hard as fuck” new record arriving “earlyish” in 2020. An exact date is yet to be released, though even El’s ballpark figure is enough to keep fans satisfied until it drops.

Album: Miss Anthropocene
Release Date: February 21

With Grimes’ Art Angels serving as her critical and creative peak up to that point, expectations were high for a swift turnaround for the next release. Despite revealing new music was on the way, a disagreement with her label derailed these plans, and questions remained about a potential timeline. Since then, we’ve witnessed a highly-publicised relationship with Elon Musk, her recent pregnancy announcement, and reports of the artist changing her professional moniker to c preceded the release of “We Appreciate Power” in November of 2018.

Though Miss Anthropocene was eventually announced in March of 2019, the release date was pushed back due to the death of Grimes’ former manager, Lauren Valencia, eventually resulting in a new street date of February 21. While previous singles have provided fans with an idea of what to expect, the musical chameleon that is Grimes proves that the contents of the final product will be anyone’s guess.

Album: TBA
Release Date: TBA

On New Year’s Eve, The Strokes’ charismatic frontman, Julian Casablancas, admitted to a hometown crowd that the band had taken most of the previous decade off. While only two studio albums arrived over the last decade before an EP followed in 2016, the last few years have been something of a guessing game for their dedicated followers. Though 2019 was described as the start of their “global comeback“, indicating big things were on the horizon, the results weren’t as groundbreaking as many thought they would be.

So far, while a number of global tour dates have taken place, fans have seen new material by way of “The Adults Are Talking” and “Ode to the Mets” receiving a live debut. When the latter was premiered at the close of 2019, Casablancas claimed the band were finally “unfrozen” and that a new album was set to follow in 2020. Fans are still waiting for specifics, though a confirmation of all the rumours that have been flying looks to finally end a seven-year wait.

Album: TBA
Release Date: TBA

When it comes to new music from Frank Ocean, it’s anyone’s guess as to what might actually arrive, if at all. Famously, Ocean shared Endless in 2016, putting an end to a four-year hiatus that kept fans wondering when new music would arrive. As it turned out, this album apparently served as a way to fulfil his contractual obligations so that he could in fact release his “real” second album – Blonde – on his own label.

Since then, we’ve seen Frank Ocean share a number of new singles, collaborate with other artists, and sporadically appear on his Blonded Radio program, yet he’s managed to maintain a rather low profile in the meantime. However, with his output ramping up considerably over the last few months, and the fact he’s managed to nab a headlining spot on the Coachella lineup, it appears as though 2020 might be the year fans witness a fully-fledged return from Frank Ocean.

Album: TBA
Release Date: TBA

Given his prolific status as one of the most respected hip-hop artists in the world, it’s hardly surprising that Kendrick Lamar took most of 2019 off. With only a handful of live appearances, and no music being released since the Black Panther soundtrack in 2018, speculation has quickly turned to the question of what will Kendrick return with, and when? In late 2018, the artist revealed via a profile in the Los Angeles Times that he had “been writing long-form” between spending time in the studio, though he neglected to mention just what form this would take.

January, however, saw unconfirmed rumours from former Billboard Editorial Director Bill Werde, who revealed sources told him not only was Kendrick heading in more of a rock-based direction for his new album, but it was nearing completion. At this stage, Kendrick hasn’t revealed any information to his fans, and there’s no word as to whether these rumours are true. However, we’re sure he’s gearing up to make this a very memorable release.