January is not normally a time for lots of album releases. Many records are released before Christmas so that people can snatch them up for gifts. That means what remains the following month is normally very good.
There are potential gems throughout the month, starting with a Wednesday release on January 8. Ethel Cain returns and the first few singles off the album are stunningly good. This one is going to be a must-buy.
If you are looking to buy a ton of new albums, that will probably need to wait until February. That is when the Grammy Awards are held and musical artists will want to get a bounce off of that. January is still going to be fun, though.
Full listing of new albums coming in January 2025
January 8
Ethel Cain - Perverts
If you do not think you have heard Ethel Cain but you have seen the film, It Ends With Us, then you have heard Ethel Cain. Only, not really. The performer produces cathartic songs that can go from silent to extremely loud in seconds. It is brilliant.
January 10
Franz Ferdinand - The Human Fear
Moonchild Sanelly - Full Moon
Ringo Starr - Look Up
Franz Ferdinand is always a good time with their brand of rock and roll that also helps you shake your booty to the beat. Ringo Starr is following Beyoncé's lead and going full country for his new record. It should be...interesting.
January 17
David Gray - Dear Life
jasmine.4.t - You Are The Morning
Mac Miller - Balloonerism
Sophie Jamieson - I still want to share
The Weather Station - Humanhood
Gray's album is his 13th. He has had several relative chart-successful songs in the UK and everyone seems to know "This Year's Love." Will there be any nearly accidental hits on the new album? Or is this record simply for the fans?
January 24
Anna B Savage - You and i are Earth
Benjamin Booker - Lower
DITZ - Never Exhale
Edvard Graham Lewis - Alreet?
The Weeknd - Hurry Up Tomorrow
There is no typo in Savage's title for the new album. We did the work and confirmed that to be so. That somehow makes the record even more appealing? What other hidden gems might there be?
January 31
Bonnie 'Prince' Billy - The Purple Bird
Circa Waves - Death & Love Pt.1
Geologist & D.S. - A Shaw Deal
L.S. Dunes - Violet
Lilly Hiatt - Forever
Manic Street Preachers - Critical Thinking
Maribou State - Hallucinating Love
Perhaps the best record of the month comes in the final week. The Manics will deliver their 15th studio album, and the first couple of songs show slick production but a sound that truly does not seem like anyone else. The band has grown slightly poppier (if one can call it that), but no less entertaining.