With so much new music dropping all the time, it can be hard to keep track and listen to everything. But a few times a year, some upcoming albums spark that familiar thrill—the late-night countdowns, the pre-saves, the speculation over tracklists. Here are the albums on my radar that I cannot wait to listen to!

The Favors — The Dream

When FINNEAS and Ashe announced they were forming a band together, I nearly screamed into my phone. Two of my favorite artists teaming up? That’s basically the dream (pun fully intended).

Under their new name, The Favors, they’re set to release their debut album The Dream on September 19. The expectations are pretty high, as both are already great artists; FINNEAS as the Grammy-winning songwriter/producer behind Billie Eilish (and his own cinematic solo work), and Ashe as the singer-songwriter who’s given us pop anthems like Moral of the Story.

We’ve already gotten their first single “The Little Mess You Made,” and as expected, I loved it! This is one of those releases I’m counting down to because I know it’s going to be amazing.

Balu Brigada — Portal

If you haven’t heard of Balu Brigada yet, let me introduce you to your obsession. Made up of brothers Henry and Pierre Beasley from Auckland, New Zealand, they’ve been quietly building a reputation for crafting catchy, groovy tracks. Their sound is a mix between COIN’s bright energy, Glass Animals’ genre-blending quirkiness, and The 1975’s nostalgic yet modern pop edge.

After a some singles and EPs that have lived on my playlists for months, they’re finally dropping their debut full-length album, Portal, on August 29 via Atlantic/Warner Music Australia. From the singles they've teased, (my favorite is Backseat) the record is looking really promising. If you’re looking for a good listen that still packs lyrical depth, Portal is about to be your end-of-summer soundtrack.

Blood Orange — Essex Honey

If you love R&B, indie music, and soulful pop, then Blood Orange is an artist you definitely want on your radar. Devonté Hynes, aka Blood Orange, has been creating music for years—blending smooth grooves, introspective lyrics, and cinematic production that pulls you right in.

His upcoming album, Essex Honey, is releasing on August 29th, and I’m already waiting for it with great anticipation. If you’re into artists like Solange, Frank Ocean, or James Blake, Essex Honey is going to be something you'll probably enjoy!

Conan Gray — Wishbone

Conan Gray rose to fame with his raw, emotional pop music. He quickly became one of the most exciting young voices in pop, blending great melodies with deeply personal lyrics about love, growing up, and feeling like an outsider. He has been one of my favorite singers since Kid Krow, his debut album, and this new era feels like him at his most personal yet. He’s been quietly working on it for over two years and you can feel that intimacy in the singles we’ve heard so far.

He's already released two singles: This Song, which will wreck you in the best way with its bittersweet nostalgia, and Vodka Cranberry which feels like the soundtrack to a summer love you can’t get back. If you’re into artists who can make you dance one moment and cry the next this is going to be your album. Conan has a way of making every lyric feel like it was written for you, and with Dan Nigro back in the producer seat, I know Wishbone is going to be equal parts cinematic, vulnerable, and relatable. August 15 can’t come soon enough!!!

Deftones — private music

If you’re not familiar with Deftones yet, they’re one of the most influential bands in alternative metal and shoegaze, known for blending heavy, aggressive riffs with dreamy, atmospheric soundscapes. I couldn’t believe it when I heard the news: Deftones are finally releasing their 10th studio album, private music, on August 22. It’s their first new album in five years, following Ohms in 2020, and that wait only makes me more hyped.

They dropped the lead single, “My Mind Is a Mountain,” on July 10, and it was the exact sound we needed for their comeback. Then they followed it up with “Milk of the Madonna” on August 8, another great track full of dark textures. The band teamed up again with producer Nick Raskulinecz (he produced Diamond Eyes and Koi No Yokan, two of my all-time favorite Deftones albums) to capture that signature sound they’ve perfected over decades.

Sombr — I Barely Know Her

Sombr is one of those artists who seems to have appeared out of nowhere but instantly created a pretty big fanbase. He blends indie-pop with heartfelt, melancholic lyrics. His singles so far—especially 12 to 12 and undressed—have been on permanent repeat for me.

Now, with his debut 10-track album I Barely Know Her dropping August 22 via Warner Records, we’re about to get a bigger, more immersive look at his work so far. If the rest of the album carries the same energy as his singles, I already know it’s going to be in my most played list this year.

Taylor Swift — The Life of a Showgirl

At exactly 12:12 a.m. on August 12, Taylor Swift dropped the announcement of her brand new album, The Life of a Showgirl (TS12), sending the fandom into full chaos—and honestly, me too. The reveal happened during an episode of New Heights, the podcast hosted by Travis Kelce and Jason Kelce, making it feel like one of the biggest events of the year. Earlier, there had been some social media teasers by Taylor Nation and New Heights, along with a countdown lighting up Taylor’s website just hours before the announcement.

The anticipation was real. I don’t know about you, but I’m ready to dive into The Life of a Showgirl and live in this new era! This is definitely going to be an album to remember.

These are my most anticipated albums so far! What albums or singles are you most excited to listen to this year? Drop your fave upcoming releases in the comments!