Editor’s Pick: Most Anticipated Albums of 2019

Hozier – Wasteland, Baby! (March 1st, 2019) On January 16th, Hozier posted a YouTube video announcing the release date and track-list for his second album, Wasteland, Baby! The fourteen track album is set to feature songs “Nina Cried Power (feat. Mavis Staples)” and “Shrike” from his 2018 EP Nina Cried Power as well as newer releases “Movement” and “Almost (Sweet Music).” If these tracks are anything to go by, we’re in for one heck of an album. On a more local note, Hozier is also set to play Irish Independent Park here in Cork on June 25th with support from fast-rising star Maggie Rogers. The 1975 – Notes on a Conditional Form (May 2019) I’ll be honest, I’m really hoping this album doesn’t disappoint me like A Brief Inquiry Into Online Relationships did. Notes on a Conditional Form will be The 1975’s fourth studio album and the second instalment in the Music For Cars era. Anyone who is a long-time fan of The 1975 will understand the significance of this era and how much it means to both the band and their fans. The album is set to feature the old but unreleased song “102” – a fan favourite considering the five-year old YouTube video of singer Matty Healy performing the song on a park bench at night time has 3.2 million views. I have high hopes for this album. Ariana Grande – Thank U, Next (Release TBA) Pop-sensation Ariana Grande is set to release her fifth album, Thank U, Next this year. You may recognise that title from her recent song which took the internet by storm. Personally, I’m not a huge fan of Ariana Grande but I cannot deny that her songs are catchy as heck and the empire she has built by empowering herself and others is extremely admirable. You can often hear the words “Ariana Grande” and “YAS QUEEN” in very close proximity to each other and it’s not hard to see why. I’m looking forward to seeing what Ariana has up her sleeve for this album considering it is so soon after her 2018 album Sweetener.