Music preview: Anticipated albums from acclaimed artists usher in blooming music landscape
(Valerie Liman/Daily Bruin staff)
As leaves return to the trees and bees pollinate new flowers, new sounds are also on the horizon.
Several exciting albums are due to be released in the next few months from some of the music industry’s biggest stars and acclaimed creators. Across languages and genres, fresh LPs are springing up before sunshine propels listeners into summertime.
Read on for information about a handful of the anticipated albums of the spring season.
“Sincerely,” by Kali Uchis
“Endlessly” beloved singer Kali Uchis has returned to the music scene.
The Grammy-winning R&B artist is releasing her fifth studio album “Sincerely,” on May 9, making this her third LP to be released in the past three years. While her 2023 album “Red Moon In Venus” and 2024 release “ORQUÍDEAS” were issued through the label Geffen, Uchis will be progressing with Capitol Records for the next chapter of her musical career. Since Uchis’ 2015 breakout with the mixtape “Por Vida,” her fans have found sanctuary in the ethereal neo-soul crooning the Colombian American is best known for. Keeping this tempo, “Sunshine & Rain…,” the lead single of “Sincerely,” features mellow drums and a ‘90s-style indie rock sound.
After the birth of her and rapper Don Toliver’s son in 2024, Uchis took a step back until her recent statement to fans: “I know I’ve been distant, but we’ll see each other again sooner than you think.” This beguiling promise has come to fruition with great zeal, as her coming album has vowed to be a collection of cathartic letters to the music world. Known for her beautiful ability to blend English and Spanish with ease and intimacy, Uchis’ “Sincerely,” has the potential to be yet another composition of sensuality and emotional depth.
Rain or shine, Uchis’ beautiful artistry ensures that “Sincerely,” will brighten this spring season.
– Eleanor Meyers
[Related: Rising Artists: Blossoming musicians deliver fresh sounds, lush lyrics this spring]
“Music For People Who Believe In Love” by Joe Jonas
Joe Jonas has always known his audience: those who believe in love.
The Grammy-nominated Jonas Brothers member and DNCE frontman is exploring yet another chapter in his musical career with his sophomore solo record “Music For People Who Believe In Love.” The May 23 release comes nearly 14 years after his debut solo project, exploring new depths of vulnerability through a self-reflection on fatherhood, friendship and the joys in his life. The 14-track album’s first single “Work It Out,” released in July, offers a glimpse into the album’s introspective lyricism with its upbeat, pop-rock sound.
In an interview with Billboard, Jonas shared that the album takes a sonic departure from his previous work, steering away from his debut’s club-focused electropop feel. Drawing on a diverse range of influences from garage rock to ‘90s country, Jonas worked closely with acclaimed producers – including Alexander 23, Justin Tranter and Jason Evigan – to write most of the album in under three weeks. Initially slated for release Oct. 18, the record’s delay was attributed to a spur of last-minute inspiration, Jonas revealed on Instagram, ensuring the album could reach its full potential before reaching listeners’ ears.
With “Music For People Who Believe In Love,” Jonas is bringing a more intimate look into his identity as a solo artist – all while staying true to the heartbeat of his career.
– Ruwani Jayasekara
“Something Beautiful” by Miley Cyrus
Miley Cyrus has “Something Beautiful” in the works.
The three-time Grammy winner is set to release her new album “Something Beautiful” on May 30. The LP follows Cyrus’ 2023 full-length “Endless Summer Vacation,” which housed the international No. 1 hit “Flowers” and garnered six Grammy nominations. With the new album, Cyrus is set to embark on a fresh era, heralded by the release of a trailer March 25 that dubbed the new project “a one of a kind pop opera.”
The album has already been preceded by the release of three of its 13 songs, including the spoken-word opener “Prelude” and the title track. The focus single for the LP so far is the disco-infused “End of the World,” released April 4 alongside its music video. Adding to the visuals that Cyrus has in development, the album trailer hinted that the pop star’s fans can expect a film to go alongside “Something Beautiful” in June.
With an elaborate campaign, Cyrus’ album seems bound to be “Something Beautiful,” but it will likely be something memorable, too.
– Reid Sperisen
“Lotus” by Little Simz
Little Simz is cultivating her own bloom this spring.
The British rapper’s sixth studio album, “Lotus,” is set to release June 6, after being postponed from its original May 9 release date. In an Instagram post announcing the LP, Simz said “Lotus” represents her blossoming journey as an artist over the past year as she “learned how to thrive in muddy waters.” With two singles released – including the intense lead single “Flood” – and more slated for the coming months, Simz embraces the atmosphere of grime and experimental musicality she is known for while rapping about themes of renewal and growth.
“Lotus” comes just over a year after Simz’s last EP, “Drop 7,” which dropped Feb. 9, 2024. Fresh in its digital and percussive sonic composition, “Drop 7” differed from Simz’s previous introspective lyrics and organic instrumentation by emphasizing a heavier electronic sound. Fans can expect “Lotus,” which Simz said embodies her “evolving artistry,” to lean further into this experimental change. Already, the album cover – the first of Simz’s to not feature herself and to depict a vibrant shock of pink – marks a departure from the rapper’s artistic conventions.
With rhythmic confidence and punchy lyrics, “Lotus” promises a transformative experience for both artist and listeners alike.
– Gwendolyn Lopez
