This post was updated Jan 22 at 7:46 p.m.

Every January brings new beginnings, but the entire winter season can be sprinkled with fresh change.

Among the developments in early 2025 is a series of anticipated albums on the horizon. From indie favorites to rising pop artists to global superstars, there are a variety of genres and performers set to unleash new music before winter is over.

Keep reading to learn more about some of the albums the Daily Bruin will be eager to try in the coming months.

“EUSEXUA” by FKA twigs

FKA twigs is redefining sensuality in sound – and it’s “eusexua.”

The electronic pop music sensation will release her third album, “EUSEXUA,” on Jan. 24, almost six years after 2019’s critically acclaimed “MAGDALENE.” She announced the record in September alongside the powerful teaser track with the same title. The song explores hauntingly ethereal themes of intimacy and self-discovery, blending atmospheric beats with otherworldly vocals that feel deeply human. With delicate and intoxicating melodies, she weaves sensuality and vulnerability into every note.

Accompanying the single, the singer released a surreal music video, blending the track with another electronic teaser from the album, “Drums of Death,” which was released in November. The video features extraterrestrial dance moves choreographed by VMA-nominated Zoi Tatopoulos, or “ztato,” who has continued to stun viewers with her creative direction and unexpected visuals since 2014. The alienlike choreography will continue on FKA twigs’ upcoming North American and European tours, which will kick off this March. As anticipation for the album release rises, FKA twigs continues to push boundaries and prove that her experimental artistry knows no limits.

Listeners must now prepare to be transported, as “EUSEXUA” promises to be FKA twigs’ most groundbreaking work yet.

– Natalie Ralston

[Related: Concert preview: Winter season brings R&B singers, indie artists to Los Angeles stages]

“Hurry Up Tomorrow” by The Weeknd

The weekend is ending – and fast.

Pop icon Abel Tesfaye, most famously known by the moniker “The Weeknd,” is releasing his sixth studio album “Hurry Up Tomorrow” on Jan. 31. The release concludes a trilogy of hit-packed albums that includes 2020’s “After Hours” and 2022’s “Dawn FM.” The album arrives a few months before a psychological thriller film of the same title starring Tesfaye, Jenna Ortega and Barry Keoghan that will be released May 16. The finale in his autobiographical narrative, “Hurry Up Tomorrow” is set to be a raw dive into the psychological toll of being an artist and the hauntingly fleeting nature of stardom in the music industry.

Tesfaye said he was inspired by an eye-opening event at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, performing for a sold-out show Sept. 3, 2022, when he abruptly lost his voice. In an interview with Variety, Tesfaye opened up about the years of emotional stress and mental strain, from familial issues to his musical fame, that ultimately caused his voice to go out on him. “Hurry Up Tomorrow” is the product of his reflection and self-analysis, closing the chapter on “The Weeknd” to start afresh. The album’s music echoes his state of mind, exploring unknown genres like classic R&B alongside his characteristic electronic sound. Despite Tesfaye’s indisputable success in the past, he is unattached to the fame the new album brings, instead simply hoping his audience understands what he has to say.

By preparing to retire the persona of “The Weeknd,” Tesfaye is eagerly stepping into a new tomorrow.

– Puja Anand

“So Close To What” by Tate McRae

Tate McRae is bringing a steamy, romantic vibe to winter.

Set to release Feb. 21, McRae’s third studio album “So Close To What” will feature 15 tracks, including already released singles “It’s ok I’m ok” and “2 hands.” According to a press release from RCA Records, “So Close To What” captures the seemingly infinite journey of growing up and offers an “introspective exploration of self-discovery, love, and searching for balance.”

The Canadian singer-songwriter is known for her viral pop hits, Y2K-inspired beats and hard-hitting lyricism. She gained prominence at the age of 13 as a finalist on the reality television show “So You Think You Can Dance” before pivoting to music with her single “One Day” in 2017. In 2021, McRae’s EP “TOO YOUNG TO BE SAD” was the most streamed female EP on Spotify. “So Close To What” promises to captivate listeners with McRae’s signature vocals and propulsive rhythms, building upon the success of her earlier albums. Following the album’s release, McRae will embark upon the Miss Possessive Tour of Europe and North America beginning in March.

With the pressure to outdo McRae’s recent hits, “So Close To What” aspires not only to come close to listener expectations but to surpass them.

– Sydney Gaw

“Alter Ego” by LISA

LISA is shocking listeners as she shines light on her five alternative personalities.

After the success of singles such as “New Woman” and “Moonlit Floor (Kiss Me),” the Thai dancer, rapper and singer from BLACKPINK will release her debut solo studio album “Alter Ego” on Feb. 28. The album’s lead single, “Rockstar,” reached No. 1 on Billboard Global Excluding United States chart, and its music video has more than 250 million views on YouTube.

LISA’s versatility as an artist is on full display in the teaser video for “Alter Ego.” While the instrumentals and ad-libs from her song “Rockstar” blare in the background and sparks fly around her, LISA stands with an electric guitar and undeniable confidence. Minutes later, LISA presents a softer side of herself as she lays in a peaceful flower field and “Moonlight Floor (Kiss Me)” begins to play. Within three minutes, LISA dominates the screen and later gently invites the audience to enjoy the moonlit floor. Her ability to execute vastly different songs is sure to continue throughout her forthcoming LP.

With her many alter egos, LISA will become a “New Woman” each time someone listens to one of her songs.

– Amy Wong

[Related: Rewinding 2024: Presenting the year’s best songs, from chart-toppers to deep cuts]

“For Melancholy Brunettes (& sad women)” by Japanese Breakfast

Music fans with brown hair or who enjoy somber vibes can start getting excited for Japanese Breakfast’s new album.

The indie pop band’s fourth LP – the 10-track “For Melancholy Brunettes (& sad women)” – will arrive March 21. The project will be the group’s first full-length release since 2021’s Grammy-nominated “Jubilee” and was preceded by the release of lead single “Orlando in Love” earlier this month. Although the band’s origins trace back to Philadelphia, the new album will fittingly include a song called “Winter in LA.”

It has been almost a decade since Japanese Breakfast’s first album, “Psychopomp,” was released in 2016. In the time since, frontwoman Michelle Zauner and her bandmates have explored a variety of genres stretching from dream pop and chamber pop to indie rock and lo-fi. When it came to creating “For Melancholy Brunettes (& sad women),” producer Blake Mills – who has worked with artists such as Alabama Shakes, Bob Dylan and Fiona Apple – was tapped as a collaborator.

Even if its title suggests it might be most appealing to a specific audience, Japanese Breakfast’s new album is sure to pack flavor any music listener can enjoy.

– Reid Sperisen