While most individuals associate January with exam season and all the stress and anxiety that comes along with it, I prefer to look ahead. One of my favourite things about the new year is thinking about all the new music that’ll gradually be released throughout the year. I could go on and on about my love for music, but I figure I’ll keep it short and cut to the chase. Without adieu, here are my most anticipated albums of 2016.

The 1975 – I Like it When You Sleep, For You Are so Beautiful Yet so Unaware of it

Much like their album title, the songs scream fun and different. If you close your eyes and listen to the first track, “Love Me”, off of their aforementioned album, it’s quite easy to imagine yourself in an 80’s club with their addictive synths and bass licks. Is this a bad thing? Not at all. They may not be everyone’s cup of tea but their songs are refreshing and addictive. If you catch me dancing in public, don’t be surprised if I’m listening to one of their songs. The band’s sophomore album is set for a February 26th release. Listen to their first single off the album, Love Me, below.

The Last Shadow Puppets – TBA

Though we don’t have a name yet, The Last Shadow Puppets (co-fronted by Arctic Monkeys frontman Alex Turner and former frontman of the Rascals, Miles Kane) have been hard at work working on their latest studio album. Their latest single, “Bad Habits”, is full of addictive bass lines and smooth vocals that serve as the perfect accompaniment to any activity. Their single is a testament to the fact that their second release will be a hit and draw a large crowd of fans with their alluring lyrics and hard hitting riffs. Listen to their first single since 2008 below.

Haim – TBA

Speaking to Beat 1’s Zane Lowe last October, Haim stated that their album was nearly finished, meaning there’s no time better than 2016 to release their next album after debuting Days Are Gone in 2013. After a number of festival appearances, features with Calvin Harris and M83, their own radio show and a spot opening up for Taylor Swift, the Haim sisters are finally ready to bless our ears with more dreamy pop music. I know I’m eagerly awaiting their next release, but to tide you over until then, listen to their single “Forever” off of their debut album.

Sky Ferreira – Masochism

The wait between Ferreira’s debut “Night Time, My Time” and her sophomore release “Masochism” have been long but I eagerly await to see what she has in store. Though she’s remained relatively under the radar, you may have heard her single “You’re Not The One” (posted below) which tells of a relationship where there is not enough mutual interest. Ferreira described the album as “more aggressive” than her debut, which makes me even more excited than I would be normally. Her debut is full of addictive, dance-pop anthems and her next release surely won’t disappoint.

Drake – Views From The Six

2015 was a big year for Drake with his smash hit Hotline Bling and various performances. He wasn’t one to stay out of the headlines, what with his beef with Meek Mill and chart-topping songs making waves. If one thing is for sure, Drake has been working hard on his next album. If anything, Hotline Bling, Back to Back and his mixtape with American rapper Future are proof that Drake has been working hard and his success doesn’t show signs of stopping anytime soon. While you wait for him to release his next album, listen to Hotline Bling below and revel in those admirable dance moves.

Frank Ocean – Boys Don’t Cry

If you’re like me, 2012 was spent obsessing over Ocean’s debut “Channel Orange”, which earned him a Grammy Award for Best Urban Contemporary Album. In the years since, fans and critics alike have eagerly been waiting for their next dose of Frank Ocean, and suffice to say, we’re still waiting. I’m a firm believer in good things come to those who wait, and I apply this to this scenario. And so I’ll wait, albeit eagerly, for his next studio album. It’s rumoured that his next album will be released this year, and so until then, I’ll keep listening to “Swim Good” on repeat.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PmN9rZW0HGo

2016 is gonna be full of so many good releases that won’t disappoint. These aren’t all of the albums on my list, because believe me this could be a long post, but it’s just a taste of what this year will have to offer and boy it’s gonna be good.