Our Most Anticipated Albums of 2023 (So Far)
Written by Tallulah Totten
Revised by Cassie Hunter
1.) Paramore - This Is Why
Release Date: February 10
The band’s long-awaited 6th studio album is sure to be one for the books. After a five year hiatus, Paramore is back and better than ever. With the release of singles “This is Why”, “The News”, and “C’est Comme Ça”, it looks like this album is sure to combine the electric energy of Riot with the pop-rock sound of After Laughter. This album will surely mark a new era for Paramore as the artists they once were and start to become collide. They’ll be hitting the road to tour the album this summer with openers Bloc Party, Foals, Genesis Owusu, and The Linda Lindas. As the band’s first official tour back for an album of theirs since the “After Laughter” tour in 2018, this is one you can’t miss.
2.) Caroline Polachek - Desire I Want To Turn Into You
Release Date: February 14
Between spending the past year on tour opening up for Dua Lipa and putting the finishing touches on her sophomore album, Polachek has been busy. The first single released off her new album titled “Bunny Is A Rider” echoes familiar sounds of her past album, Pang. The latest single, “Welcome to My Island”, explores mature themes in a catchy, upbeat fashion. The singles released provide a sneak peek into the album’s tropical, pop sound. The album’s sound thus far is an enhanced extension of Polachek’s pre-established musical style with a sharper emphasis on her unique production skills.
3.) Gracie Abrams - Good Riddance
Release Date: February 24
This will be Abrams’ highly anticipated debut album. Since the release of Abrams’ debut EP minor in 2020, Abrams has gained a cult following. Between baking cakes in celebration of songs and selling her tour out in a matter of hours, something bigger connects the audience to artist here. The stories Abrams tells through her songwriting touch many of her adoring fans. Producer and friend to Abrams, Aaron Desner joins her on the album and brings out the most honest version of Abrams we’ve seen yet. The album is sure to be a beautiful culmination of Abrams’ honest storytelling and intimate production.
4.) M83 - Fantasy
Release Date: March 17
Fantasy will be M83’s first album in almost four years. With a resurgence of songs off the 2011 album Hurry Up, We’re Dreaming due to Tik Tok, the artist's name is fresh in everyone's mind. The lead single off the album, “Oceans Niagara” is packed with crashing synths, guitar and other grandiose instrumental moments that give you the classic, cinematic M83 feel. They released five more tracks today as a part of what they’re calling “Chapter 1”. Tracks “Water Deep”, “Us And The Rest'', “Earth to Sea'' and “Amnesia” are journey’s in sound that build up to a larger than life sound M83 is so loved for. While “Radar, Far, Gone” is a slower, more laid back track with intimate guitar and echoes of gentle lyrics. To accompany the album, M83 will be heading out on a month-long North American tour stretching from April to May.
5.) boygenius - the record
Release Date: March 31
The second EP from power trio boygenius is set to be released at the end of March. After the release and tour of their debut EP, the three put the band on the backburner to pursue solo careers. Now, the strong solo acts we’ve grown to love-Julien Baker, Phoebe Bridgers, and Lucy Dacus-come together to release their first album under the band name “boygenius”. With their solo careers bringing them a larger audience than ever, they’ve become some of the biggest names on festival lineups. The trio announced their return with their appearance on the 2023 Coachella lineup, and dropped three tracks off the new album shortly after. The new tracks titled “$20”, “Emily, I’m Sorry”, and “True Blue '' are a perfect display of their newly-developed, individual sounds working together to create a new boygenius sound we’re excited to explore.