Written By: Joy Yang
“And the Grammy goes to…” is one of the most important sentences for any musical artist in the industry today.
Each year, music artists from every genre set out to create an album worthy of the Recording Academy’s recognition. With awards that stretch from “Best Gospel Album” to “Best New Artist” to “Best Rap Album”, every artist is given a chance to make an album respectable enough to accept an award. With high stakes and an undying love of pop culture today, here are some of the most anticipated albums for the rest of this year:
Deafheaven, Lonely People with Power (March 28)
One of the year’s most anticipated albums for lovers of black metal and rock. It’s been three years since they dropped their last album, ‘Infinite Granite’, where they were made known for contrasting sounds of harsh screams and memorable instrumentals.
Red Rocks Worship, ‘The King is Coming’ (March 28)
This album focuses on fixing our eyes on Jesus and His second coming. Originating from Red Rocks Church in Colorado, this contemporary Christian band has blended modern worship with pop and indie rock to create uplifting songs that speak to today’s Christian world.
John Mark McMillan, Cosmic Supreme (April 4)
John Mark McMillan releases his first worship album in more than eight years. He tells New Release Today that there was a period of his life when he didn’t think he would ever write corporate worship music anymore. When life circumstances forced him to slow down, different praise melodies began to echo amidst the mundane of daily life. At first he wasn’t going to even write them down, let alone record them until that moment he says, “I found that my days had become pleasantly haunted by these sweet worship songs. So, I started to feel like maybe they deserved a home.” Check out Beauty of the Lord, Ancient Love and Heart’s Delight on theMEL.fm! John Mark McMillan performs at the Fine Line on Tuesday, May 27!
Jon Guerra, Jesus (April 4)
A dozen songs, each exploring the life of Jesus found in the various parts of scripture. As you listen you begin to feel the whole beauty of Jesus- almost as if He is singing to you instead.
Djo, The Crux (April 4)
Best known for the famous Joe Keery, Djo is a unique blend of psychedelic rock, synth-pop, and funk. Having had major success with his song “End of Beginning,” fans of both Joe’s acting and singing career are anticipating new music.
Lana Del Ray, The Right Person Will Stay (May 21)
As an American singer-songwriter known for her melancholic, vintage, and cinematic aesthetics, Lana Del Ray’s music has become popular for an alternative pop and indie rock sound. According to Variety (Garcia et al., 2025), “The foggy teasers continued with Lana clarifying the album had transitioned to have more of an ‘Americana’ feel” (para. 10). We do know for sure that the album will be produced by big-shot producers such as Jack Antonoff, Luke Laird, Zack Dawes, and Drew Erickson.
Miley Cyrus, Something Beautiful (2025)
Although an official date is yet to come, fans of Miley have been anticipating the release of new music. According to Genius.com, “The album sets to depart itself away from the pop landscape that orienteered her prior album, ‘Endless Summer Vacation’, to go towards a more rock, hypnotic sound… with the narrative seeming to be the reconciliation of lost time and making up such in the now” (2024).
Lizzo, Love in Real Life (2025)
Set to be released in the summer, Lizzo has created a platform surrounding positive body image and self-love, accompanied by a musical sound that blends pop, hip-hop, and R&B. This album will be her first solo release since her 2022 album, “Special”.
Miguel, ‘Viscera’ (2025)
After his breakthrough album “All I Want Is You” in 2010, Miguel has been recognized for his soulful songwriting and producing. His willingness to experiment with different sounds has built a fanbase that continues to anticipate new music. Miguel announced his new album “Viscera” with the release of his single, “Give it to Me”, and it is anticipated to arrive this year.
Music is community and comfort. Music is history. It holds ideas, opinions, feelings, and so much more. For these artists, music is life. They are defined by the music they create and those they create it for. I hope that music finds you and that you find in it something to hold onto.
