12 Most Anticipated Albums of 2015 #3-1

Frank Ocean, TBC

Frank Ocean is that rare talent who’s well loved by both sides of the spectrum. The older, more principled and uptight audience see him as an artiste well immersed in their era and sensibilities whilst the younger audience see in him all the artistic merits that need to be kept alive for generations to come. While Sam Smith has had an amazing year, the feeling is that he has merely kept the seat warm for Ocean whose songwriting prowess and versatility is surely on a different planet to the Brit’s. The album has been shrouded in a lot of secrecy meaning it could make a Beyonce esque surprise appearance. We await. Reported collaborators includeHitboy, Rodney Jerkins, Happy Perez, Charlie Gambetta, and Kevin Ristro.

Adele, 25/26

Adele’s last album 21 was a classic. Her magnum opus. It won Album of the Year at the Grammy’s and sold by the bucketload (It was the best selling album in 2011 AND 2012). Adele’s whole act is built on very simple, minimalist foundations: fantastically well written music that’s easy to relate to, delivered by an amazing voice whose no frills personality endears her to the audience. 21 was on love and heartbreak. Between albums, she’s gotten in a new relationship and become a Mother for the first time. It’s believed that the album, 25 will continue the age themed titles of her previous work.

Kanye West, TBC

Every Kanye West album is an event. Understandably so. Undoubtedly the premier music maker of the 2000s, every album is effectively Mr West reinventing himself and charting new territory. Graduation saw him infuse a Pop element in the bid to create “stadium music”, 808s & Heartbreak was moody yet brilliant. My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy was the most tightly knitted treatise on race, politics, sex and debauchery of our time whilst Yeezus was designed to rabble rouse. 2014 was the first year since 2009, there was no Kanye West commercial release. Unsurprisingly time has been booked with run of the mill protégés like Travis Scott, Theophilus London, Evian Christ, Malek Yusef whilst Q Tip claimed he’s playing executive producer with Rick Rubin. James Fauntleroy, Mike Will Made It, Gee Roberson, James Blake, Young Thug, Young Chop, DJ Mustard and French Montana have also hinted at working on the album.

There’s also a rumored song with Paul McCartney that should make great listening. IT DOES MAKE GREAT LISTENING. Listen here.