Most Anticipated Music Albums of 2025

A year of diverse releases from global superstars to innovative newcomers

Key Takeaways

• Genre Diversity: 2025 showcases a wide range of genres, including pop, rock, country, hip-hop, and experimental sounds.
• Major Return Albums: Established artists like The Weeknd, Lana Del Rey, and Lady Gaga are releasing highly anticipated new projects.
• Posthumous and Solo Projects: Significant releases include posthumous works and solo albums from members of prominent groups.

Top Anticipated Albums

The Weeknd – Hurry Up Tomorrow

Release Date: January 24, 2025

Concluding his chart-dominating trilogy, The Weeknd's "Hurry Up Tomorrow" is expected to delve into darker themes inspired by personal fears and universal anxieties. Building on the success of "After Hours" (2020) and "Dawn FM" (2022), this album promises innovative production and haunting vocals that have become synonymous with his sound. Fans eagerly anticipate this release as it marks the culmination of an influential musical narrative (Variety, NME, The FADER).

Lana Del Rey – The Right Person Will Stay

Release Date: May 21, 2025

Lana Del Rey continues to captivate audiences with her cinematic soundscapes and evocative lyrics. Her tenth studio album, "The Right Person Will Stay," is rumored to take a country-esque turn, featuring collaborations with acclaimed producers Jack Antonoff, Drew Erickson, and Luke Laird. This project promises to blend her signature melancholic storytelling with fresh musical influences, solidifying her position in the industry (Variety, Radio X, NME).

Lady Gaga – LG7

Release Date: February 2025

Lady Gaga's seventh studio album, "LG7," is set to be an out-and-out pop masterpiece intertwined with chaotic and genre-bending elements. Known for her reinvention and versatility, Gaga aims to push creative boundaries again, blending her signature pop sensibilities with experimental sounds. Her latest single, "Disease," has already set the tone for what fans can expect from this highly anticipated release (Variety, Vulture, Euronews, Consequence).

FKA twigs – Eusexua

Release Date: January 24, 2025

FKA twigs' "Eusexua" is eagerly awaited for its avant-garde approach and genre-blending artistry. The album is expected to showcase her progressive pop vision with innovative production and emotionally charged performances. Singles released so far suggest a continuation of her experimental journey, making this album a standout release for 2025 (Variety, NME, The FADER).

Mac Miller – Posthumous Release

Release Date: TBA

A posthumous album from Mac Miller is generating significant interest, featuring unreleased material and carefully curated collaborations by his estate. This project promises to offer fans a deeper glimpse into his artistic evolution and personal expression, continuing his legacy in the hip-hop community (Variety, Esquire).

Japanese Breakfast – For Melancholy Brunettes (& sad women)

Release Date: March 21, 2025

Michelle Zauner's Japanese Breakfast is set to release a new 10-track project titled "For Melancholy Brunettes (& sad women)." This album is anticipated to be more introspective and guitar-driven compared to their previous work, offering a nuanced exploration of emotions and personal narratives. Fans of indie pop and experimental sounds are particularly excited for this release (Variety, Radio X, Consequence).

Nine Inch Nails – TBA

Release Date: TBA

Nine Inch Nails is returning with a highly anticipated album that fans and critics alike are eager to dissect. Known for their industrial beats and introspective lyrics, this release is expected to blend their iconic sound with contemporary musical influences, continuing their legacy of innovation in the rock and alternative genres (Consequence, Variety).

Deftones – TBA

Release Date: TBA

Renowned for their dynamic and atmospheric sound, Deftones’ forthcoming album is highly anticipated within the rock and alternative scenes. The project is expected to bridge their iconic style with new, contemporary influences, offering a fresh yet familiar experience for long-time fans and new listeners alike (Consequence, Variety).

Bartees Strange – Horror

Release Date: February 14, 2025

Bartees Strange is teaming up with Jack Antonoff to co-produce his sophomore album "Horror," which is expected to be a genre-defying release. The collaboration promises a unique blend of alternative rock, electronic elements, and experimental sounds, positioning the album as a standout release for 2025 music enthusiasts (them.us, Variety).

Emerging Trends in 2025

Genre-Blending and Experimentation

Artists like Lady Gaga, FKA twigs, and Bad Bunny are leading a trend toward genre-blending, integrating diverse sounds and themes into their music. This experimentation is evident in upcoming releases, pushing the boundaries of traditional genres and creating innovative soundscapes that appeal to a wide audience (NME, Variety).

Posthumous Releases

The demand for posthumous projects remains strong, with Mac Miller's upcoming album serving as a prime example. These releases offer fans a final glimpse into the artistic visions of beloved artists, curated with care by their estates to honor their legacy (Variety, Esquire).

K-Pop’s Expanding Influence

K-pop continues to make significant strides on the global stage, with solo projects like Lisa of BLACKPINK's "Alter Ego" anticipated to make waves internationally. This trend underscores the genre's growing influence and its ability to captivate diverse audiences worldwide (9Meters, NME).

Release Calendar Highlights

To keep track of all the exciting releases, Billboard has curated a comprehensive release calendar that will be continually updated with new information as albums are announced. This resource is invaluable for fans wanting to stay informed about upcoming releases throughout the year.

Fan Engagement and Polls

Engaging directly with fan communities, Revolver Magazine conducted a poll to highlight the top five most anticipated albums, reflecting the voices and excitement of music enthusiasts. This interaction ensures that the most eagerly awaited projects are recognized and celebrated by the fanbase.

---

Summary

• Diverse Range of Genres: From pop and rock to hip-hop and experimental sounds, 2025 offers something for every music lover.
• Highly Anticipated Returns: Major artists like The Weeknd, Lana Del Rey, and Lady Gaga are set to release new, influential works.
• Innovative Collaborations: Collaborations with renowned producers and artists are shaping the sound of upcoming albums.
• Global Influence: International artists, especially from the K-pop genre, continue to expand their global footprint.