Can anything top 2017’s groundbreaking year in pop music? Well, it just might. Here are some artists—from big-name popstars to newcomers—that we’re keeping an eye and an ear out for in 2018.
1. Troye Sivan
Following his debut album ‘Blue Neighborhood,’ the former YouTube star has finally reemerged. Although the release date for his sophomore album hasn’t been announced yet, he recently released his powerhouse single ‘My My My!’—a high-energy, dance club hit—along with the iconic, black and white music video directed by Grant Singer who’s notorious for videos by The Weeknd and Lorde. It’s safe to say the video makes us all very envious of his epic and one-of-a-kind dance moves.
2. Fickle Friends
We’ve found the perfect pop band to lift your spirits in 2018. Fickle Friends are set to release their debut album ‘You Are Someone Else’ on March 16. They’ve been serving the idealistic pop dream tunes we never knew we needed since 2014. Tracks like ‘Say No More,’ ‘Glue‘ and ‘Hard To Be Myself’ are a must listen if you want to get familiar with the British band.
3. Arctic Monkeys
It’s been quite a while since we’ve heard a peep from the Arctic Monkeys. Back in 2013, they were one of the hottest bands on the scene with their album ‘AM’—especially with their Grammy-nominated tune ‘Do I Wanna Know?‘ Now it’s been rumored that they’re returning this year with a new album and tour, even confirming themselves as a headliner for Firefly Music Festival.
4. Charli XCX
Charli XCX released a plethora of collaborations in 2017—with her mixtapes ‘Number 1 Angel’ and ‘Pop 2,’ she worked with a very diverse group of artists like rapper cuppcakKe, Carly Rae Jepsen, Tove Lo and MØ. She’s been hinting at another release sometime soon—with Instagram posts galore about her creative process and coveted studio time. All we know is, ever since her daydreamy track ‘Boys‘ we want more Charli and we want it now.
5. The 1975
‘I like when you sleep, for you are so beautiful yet so unaware of it’ was a strong second album for the indie-pop band. With hits like ‘Love Me‘ and ‘Somebody Else,’ The 1975 were the band everyone was dying to see. After almost a year-long break from touring, the group might be back in 2018. Teasing a possible release for June 1, the guys are leaving us on the edge of our seats for more indie-pop goodness.
6. ZAYN
Even though there hasn’t been any official announcement of a release date for Zayn‘s upcoming second album, we’re all heavily anticipating it to be one of our favorites of 2018. After his single ‘Dusk Till Dawn‘ featuring superstar Sia debuted in September of last year, we can only hope that his LP is just as catchy. It’ll be hard to top ‘Mind of Mine’ but we’re sure the former One Direction member can do it.
7. Pale Waves
If you’re familiar with The 1975 then you probably know all about Pale Waves. With both groups signed under the same record label, they’re pretty tight-knit and you might even find a little similarity in their sounds if you listen close enough. But don’t mistake them as a copy—they have a style all their own. Releasing singles all throughout 2017 like ‘Television Romance,’ ‘New Year’s Eve,’ and most recently ‘My Obsession,’ helped them establish grunge rocker chic perfectly and we can’t wait for more. They recently announced the release date of their EP ‘All The Things I Never Said’ for March 16.
8. Liam Payne
Liam Payne had a strong 2017—with ‘Strip That Down‘ and his recently track ‘For You‘ alongside Rita Ora that’s featured on the Fifty Shades Freed soundtrack—he’s strapping up for an even better 2018. While he hasn’t confirmed a release date for his album, we have a feeling it’s coming soon. It’s sure to add to the diversity of each One Direction member’s music style.
9. Louis Tomlinson
Louis Tomlinson has proved himself to be a powerhouse hitmaker especially while being a member of the world’s biggest boyband. But now as a solo artist, he’s proven himself even further. In 2017, he came out with three unique tracks ‘Back to You,’ ‘Just Like You‘ and ‘Miss You‘—all fitting his demeanor and style perfectly. He’s said to be working on his own album which has made many loyal 1D fans very happy. Although he hasn’t officially announced when the LP will be available for all the world to hear, he’s hinting at sometime very soon.
10. CHVRCHES
The electro-pop trio CHVRCHES are back after their 2015 album ‘Every Open Eye.’ Lead singer Lauren Mayberry revealed they worked with producer Greg Kurstin—notorious for working with critically acclaimed artists like Adele and P!nk. This will be the band’s third album and will supposedly be the most pop-like sound the Scottish band has ever released.
11. Betty Who
Betty Who has delivered time and time again music that teeters on the edge of 80s synth-pop with a modern twist. After her sophomore album ‘The Valley,’ she’s come back with her new single ‘Ignore Me’ after she recently broke away from her record label RCA. ‘Ignore Me’ is her first independent single in years, making it that much better. Very vocal and candid about her disappointment on her relationship with her former label, the singer is paving her own way and we’re excited to hear more.
12. Justin Timberlake
Last but not least, Justin Timberlake is returning after his 2013 release of ‘The 20/20 Experience.’ It’s been a while since he’s come out with a full-length studio album and we missed seeing him around. ‘Filthy’ is the first single off his fifth LP ‘Man of the Woods’—it’s one of the grooviest tracks we’ve heard and we’re loving every minute of it. It showcases the Justin Timberlake we know and love. ‘Man of the Woods’ drops February 2.
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