While 2023 has seen many great music releases, including Bonnie “Prince” Billy’s “Keeping Secrets Will Destroy You” and P.J. Harvey’s “Inside the Old Year Dying,” the year isn’t over yet. Here are some of my most anticipated albums for the rest of 2023.
WILCO – “Cousin”
With its previous album “Cruel Country” having been released just last year, Wilco has been particularly prolific recently. While its previous album returned to frontman Jeff Tweedy’s alt-country roots that harkens back to his days with the band Uncle Tupelo, each Wilco release is distinct and unique.
The album’s first two singles, “Evicted” and “Cousin,” were released in August and September, respectively. These songs are more evocative of indie-pop influenced by the Beatles previously explored by Wilco on its seminal 1999 album “Summerteeth.”
“Cousins” releases Sept. 29 on the dBpm label.
SUFJAN STEVENS – “Javelin”
After taking many experimental detours over the last decade, Sufjan Steven’s upcoming album “Javelin” is shaping up to be a return to form, at least if its singles are any indication.
The latest single, “Will Anybody Ever Love Me?” is a melancholic folk song that would have comfortably fit in on any of Stevens’ classic albums like “Seven Swans” or “Carrie & Lowell.”
“Javelin” is out Oct. 6 on Stevens’ label Asthmatic Kitty.
THE MOUNTAIN GOATS – “Jenny From Thebes”
Much like Wilco, the Mountain Goats have managed to be both incredibly prolific and consistent, delivering something fresh with each new album.
The album’s lead single, “Clean Slate” features the kind of catchy melody that the band is known for, complete with a twinkly piano and subtle orchestral arrangements.
“Jenny From Thebes” releases Oct. 27 on Merge Records.
TAYLOR SWIFT – “1989 (Taylor’s Version)”
Taylor Swift’s long awaited re-recording of her massively popular album “1989,” which was released in 2014, is finally arriving. According to Billboard, the album sold 1.287 million copies in the first week of its release.
Taylor Swift is re-recording her albums to guarantee she owns the rights to her songs, according to an Instagram post by Swift in 2021.
In addition to recording new versions of every track on the album, the release will include five previously unreleased tracks that Swift’s fans are undoubtedly dying to hear.
“1989 (Taylor’s Version)” is out Oct. 27 on Republic Records.
MICKY DOLENZ – “Dolenz Sings R.E.M.”
Micky Dolenz, the last surviving member of the beloved ‘60s pop group The Monkees, is recording an E.P. of R.E.M. covers.
The first single from the project, a cover of R.E.M.’s classic song “Shiny Happy People” was released in September. Dolenz delivers a surprisingly fresh and unique arrangement of the song, infusing the sunshine-filled baroque pop that made The Monkees famous into it.
“Dolenz Sings R.E.M.” releases Nov. 3 on 7a Records.
CAT POWER – “Cat Power Sings Dylan: The 1966 Royal Albert Hall Concert”
Cat Power takes the stage at the Royal Albert Hall, performing a song by song recreation of Bob Dylan’s iconic 1966 performance. This release is one of the more unexpected upcoming releases this year.
This live album is sure to be an interesting homage to a pivotal moment in the history of rock music.
“Cat Power Sings Dylan: The 1966 Royal Albert Hall Concert” releases Nov. 10 on Domino Records.
