As summer quickly approaches (seriously, how is it almost June?!), I’m filling up my calendar with all the new album releases I can’t wait for. And there are SO many this year! Not only does keeping track of these new tunes give me a little something to look forward to on Fridays, but it’s also a great way to keep my library instantly growing and changing. Summer 2016 is definitely no exception, as there are great new albums set to be released almost constantly from Memorial Day Weekend through the lazy, hazy days of August. Here are some of the ones I’m most looking forward to—and check out the playlist of singles from each below.
May 27, 2016
The Ride — Catfish & the Bottlemen (Alternative)
After the success their single “Kathleen” found last summer, there’s no doubt Catfish & the Bottlemen will be a festival staple band this summer. Based on the songs they’ve released on iTunes from their new album, The Ride, it sounds like it’s going to be full of alternative/indie jams. AKA the perfect soundtrack to your summer drives and barbecues.
Single to check out: “Soundcheck”
Pendulum EP — Winterbourne (Indie/Folk)
I first heard Winterbourne as I was walking through a popular busking spot in the heart of downtown Sydney. Winterbourne’s classic rock/indie vibe is what sucked me in and I’ve kept up with the duo ever since. I’m really excited for Pendulum EP because Winterbourne’s sound is warm, calming, and so effortlessly delightful.
Single to check out: “Shape”
June 3, 2016
Love You to Death — Tegan and Sara (Alternative/Pop)
Tegan and Sara is just one of those must-have girl groups who know how to rock and in turn, make you want to dance. I have a feeling Love You to Death is going to deliver on the alternative/pop front. Plus I just really love the Quin sisters’ voices.
Single to check out: “Stop Desire”
Obsessed — Dan + Shay (Country/Pop)
High-school-Kim would be embarrassed that a country album made it onto this list. But the truth is, Dan + Shay have vocals and melodies that melt me like a damn popsicle. And if their single “From The Ground Up” is any indication of how swoon-worthy the rest of Obsessed is going to be, then this release is absolutely making it into my library in June. Plus, c’mon, I need a little country/pop for my road trips!
Single to check out: “From The Ground Up”
June 10, 2016
Egomaniac — KONGOS (Alternative)
I. LOVE. KONGOS. Nearly three years ago, my local alternative radio station started playing this group of brothers from South Africa and I was instantly hooked. Their vocals, harmonies, and accordion-fueled jams are absolutely worth the listen and I’m pumped for Egomaniac to be one of my go-to albums this summer.
Single to check out: “Take It From Me”
Last Year Was Complicated — Nick Jonas (Pop)
Can you really go wrong with an album released by (arguably) the most talented Jonas brother? With an assortment of sensual slow jams, upbeat pop tracks, and a few noteworthy cameos, Last Year Was Complicated is destined to be my musical boyfriend this summer. No shame.
Single to check out: “Close”
Fitz & The Tantrums — Fitz & The Tantrums (Alternative/Pop)
The last few weeks, I’ve heard multiple people call Fitz & The Tantrums’ new single “HandClap” the song of the summer. And I’ll admit, I tried to fight it (I mean, how can you decide it’s the song of the summer already?!)… but damn, if this song isn’t catchy AF. You win, Fitz & The Tantrums. And I can’t wait to hear what else you’ve got for us to clap our hands to this summer.
Single to check out: “HandClap”
A / B — Kaleo (Indie/Rock)
A friend of mine told me about Iceland’s Kaleo last fall and it took me only thirty seconds into the first song I listened to (“Way Down We Go”) to buy the single on iTunes. Between their distinct, soulful vocals and their apparent gritty blues influence, Kaleo’s sound is absolutely captivating. And it’s safe to say that A / B is probably the album I’m most excited to hear come June.
Single to check out: “Way Down We Go”
Josh Pyke at the Sydney Opera House — Josh Pyke & Sydney Symphony Orchestra (Singer/Songwriter)
Josh Pyke is one of my all-time favorite Aussie singer/songwriters. When I saw a pre-order for his live album with the Sydney Symphony Orchestra, I was beyond thrilled— if only because it sounds like an amazing combination. Josh’s lyrics are like poetry and when he sings them, it really hits you in the soul (which I love). Add in a live orchestra… and whoa. This is going to be a good one.
Single to check out: “The Lighthouse Song (Live)”
June 24, 2016
Conscious — Broods (Alternative/Indie)
Broods’ sound is entrancing (and slightly reminiscent of both Lorde and Ellie Goulding). After the success of their debut album, Evergreen, I’m excited to see what this sibling duo from New Zealand will deliver next. The first single off Conscious, “Free,” is a hypnotic pop anthem that’s sure to end up on a lot of summer playlists this year.
Single to check out: “Free”
ROCKISDEAD — DOROTHY (Alternative/Rock)
Forever grateful that one of my Discover Weekly playlists on Spotify introduced me to DOROTHY. This four piece’s debut album, ROCKISDEAD, has been described as “bewitching” (perfect) and is sure to bring the heat with a number of jam-worthy, gritty rock songs. This one will be a go-to for when you want to feel like a total badass.
Single to check out: “Wicked Ones”
July 1, 2016
California — Blink-182 (Punk Rock)
When Blink-182 has an album release on the horizon, no list of anticipated albums would be complete without them. While their lineup isn’t the same as back in the day, these guys are still arguably one of 2000s punk rock’s most legendary groups. And I, for one, am stoked to hear California. Bless you, Mark Hoppus, for keeping the Blink dream alive.
Single to check out: “Bored to Death”
July 8, 2016
Where the Light Shines Through — Switchfoot (Pop/Rock)
It seems like July is the month of old bands delivering new tunes and I’m all for it. With their many soulful ballads, Switchfoot has always been one of those feel-good bands for me. When it comes to Where the Light Shines Through, lead singer Jon Foreman explains, “Ironically, this album of light was born from one of the darkest times I’ve ever been through.” And that alone has me convinced this album will be worth a listen.
Single to check out: “Live It Well”
August 5, 2016
Into The Night — Jeremy & The Harlequins (Rock)
I’m a sucker for ’60s rock’n’roll, so when I heard Jeremy & The Harlequins’ “Trip Into The Light” during an episode of Hart Of Dixie, I knew I’d found a new favorite. Into The Night is the band’s second album and if it’s anything like their first, it’ll be a dreamy retro rock album that will put a modern spin on what made rock’n’roll so wonderful nearly 50 years ago.
Single to check out: “Into The Night”
August 12, 2016
Home of the Strange — Young the Giant (Alternative/Indie)
Young the Giant has had so many hit singles over the last six years: “Cough Syrup,” “My Body,” and “Mind Over Matter,” just to name a few. With those songs in mind, I think it’s guaranteed their third full-length release, Home of the Strange, is going to be chock-full of catchy tracks as well. These guys know what they’re doing and I’m excited to hear what this new album will bring!
Single to check out: “Something To Believe In”
TBD
TBD — The Wind + The Wave (Alternative/Indie/Folk)
The Wind + The Wave is one of my all-time favorite bands and I know I’m not the only fan of theirs who has been waiting patiently for a new release since their debut album, From The Wreckage. Patty and Dwight recently announced they signed to Island Records after working with Butch Walker on their second album (don’t even get me started on how amazing that combo is). The duo released a new single a couple of weeks ago, which makes me think/hope their official album announcement is on the horizon. Fingers crossed it’ll be out before the end of summer!
Single to check out: “Grand Canyon”
We’d love to hear what albums you’re looking forward to this summer. Did we pick any you’re also looking forward to? Any others we should check out? Leave a comment here or tweet us @litdarling!
