Early 2025 Music Preview: Major Album Releases Announced from Ethel Cain, Mac Miller, Ringo Starr, and More

As the calendar turns towards a new year, the music world is already buzzing with anticipation for a slate of significant album releases scheduled for early 2025. January, in particular, is poised to deliver a diverse array of new projects spanning multiple genres, from indie and ambient soundscapes to country and posthumous works.

Kicking Off the New Year: Early January Highlights

The first major wave of releases arrives swiftly in the second week of January. On January 8, acclaimed artist Ethel Cain is set to unveil her highly anticipated album titled “Perverts”. While details surrounding the full project remain closely guarded, the lead single, “Punish”, has been described as embracing an ambient musical direction, hinting at the atmospheric depth listeners might expect from the full-length release.

Just two days later, on January 10, Scottish rock stalwarts Franz Ferdinand will release their latest offering, “The Human Fear”. Known for their distinctive post-punk revival sound, the album is expected to add another chapter to their influential discography.

Diverse Offerings Mid-Month

January 10 also brings a surprising and intriguing release from a music icon: Ringo Starr. The former Beatle is set to release a country album titled “Look Up”. The project features songwriting contributions from the highly respected producer and musician T Bone Burnett and is reported to focus on classic country themes, marking a notable foray into the genre for Starr.

Further into the month, January 17 is marked by two releases offering different perspectives on artistry. A posthumous project from the late rapper Mac Miller, titled “Balloonerism”, is expected on this date. This material was reportedly recorded around the period of his critically lauded 2014 release, “Faces”, offering fans a glimpse into his creative process from that era.

Sharing the January 17 release date is The Weather Station, the project led by Tamara Lindeman. “Humanhood” will be the seventh studio album from The Weather Station, promising more of the introspective songwriting and intricate musical arrangements that have garnered critical acclaim.

Country Momentum and Chart Success

Closing out the month of January, country music star Kane Brown is scheduled to release his fourth studio album, “The High Road”, on January 24. The album includes the single “Miles on It”, a collaboration with producer and DJ Marshmello. “Miles on It” has already demonstrated significant traction, reaching the coveted No. 1 position on the country airplay chart, signaling strong anticipation for the full album and Brown’s continued prominence in the genre.

A Look Ahead

The concentration of these diverse releases in January 2025 sets a dynamic tone for the year ahead in music. From established legends exploring new sounds and posthumous collections providing new insights into beloved artists, to critically acclaimed indie acts and country stars building on recent chart-topping success, the early months promise a rich tapestry of sounds for listeners worldwide. Music enthusiasts across genres will have much to explore as these highly anticipated projects begin to arrive.