10 albums to look forward to in 2022

A new year means a whole load of new music to look forward to. Whilst every album that we're going to see in 2022 hasn't been announced yet a lot have been confirmed already and there are a lot of rumours flying about for some big returns. With the majority of difficult times seemingly behind us, it seems as though this year may just be the one where some massive names re-emerge.

We have put together ten of the most exciting albums to look forward to in 2022, which one do you think will be your favourite?

The Weeknd- Dawn FM

When: Friday 7th January

Announced out of the blue and much to people's surprise The Weeknd is back with barely a weeks notice for his new album Dawn FM. Released via a cinematic trailer and the credits coming up with the surprising name of Jim Carrey being attached to the record, it's shaping up to be a memorable experience. 

After the incredible success of 2020's After Hours, The Weeknd is one of the biggest artists in the world right now and another critically-acclaimed album may well be on the cards.

Yard Act- The Overload

When: Friday 21st January

Yard Act are the latest indie band that you should have on your radar. The Leeds-based band have been all over the airways on BBC 6 Music, finding plenty of fans on the station. A post-punk band with a bit of a difference, they perfectly translate our modern frustrations into chantable choruses.

Their live shows are known to be close, sweaty and full of people having a great time, egged on by the incredibly likeable frontman James Smith.

Arctic Monkeys

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When: TBA

Do we have the insider scoop that the Arctic Monkeys album is being released this year? Unfortunately, no but all signs point to yes with drummer Matt Helders confirming that the recording had been finished and all-around just having fun teasing fans who are desperate for news.

The band are headlining Reading and Leeds this year and have announced European dates as well, we would expect the album to land somewhere in the second half of 2022.

Years & Years- Night Call

When: Friday 21st January

If you missed the news, Years & Years is now the solo project of Olly Alexander, with him taking full creative control of the project which he pretty much had anyway. After starring in the Channel 4 series It's A Sin, his profile has definitely been raised in the last year and we can't wait to see which direction he goes in.

It'll be the first album of this new iteration of Years & Years, expect a lot of pop bangers to be found throughout.

Mitski- Laurel Hell

When: Friday 4th February

Mitski is quite simply a prolifically brilliant songwriter. The first three singles we've heard from her new project, Working for the Knife, Heat Lightning and The Only Heartbreaker are gloriously dramatic and quite simply jaw-dropping. She's shaping up to release a project that could be one of the year's best.

A lyricist who pens memorable lines in every song, prepare to fall deeply into Mitski's world.

Metronomy- Small World

When: Friday 18th February

Metronomy are a lot of fun, it would be a surprise if you hadn't heard their most successful singles The Look and The Bay. Always making alternative tunes that you can dance to, the band are constantly evolving with each album they put out but never hold back in creating joyous tunes.

Never ones to take themselves entirely seriously, you should look into their discography before their new album comes out to explore some of your new favourite songs.

Charli XCX- Crash

When: Friday 18th March

Why does it still somehow feel like Charli XCX goes under the radar? She's been consistently putting out some of the best pop music within the past decade. Pop 2 is an absolute must-listen pop album, now Charli is back with her latest album and she's not in the mood to mess about.

Going harder than ever, she's going through a breakup with her label and it seems to have sparked some new sense of no fucks given determination. Bolder than ever, we await the day that Crash arrives.

Swedish House Mafia- Paradise Again

When: April 15th 

It was unexpectedly announced last year that Swedish House Mafia were to return after it looked like they have split up permanently in 2012. Now a decade later they'll be releasing a new album and that will surely be music to the ears of their legions of fans after an emotional farewell.

Maybe Swedish House Mafia will be back for a while now and it is guaranteed that they'll be headlining a festival near you soon.

Father John Misty- Chloe and the Next 20th Century

When: Friday 8th April

Father John Misty is another big name that is set to return to our playlists this year. He's announced that his new album will be called Chloe and the Next 20th Century. The first single Funny Girl clearly an ode to his wife, gives us a more orchestral sound than what we're used to from him but it has elevated his vocals to whole new proportions.

Mark this one down on your calendars, it'll be an emotional one.

Wet Leg- Wet Leg

When: Friday 8th April

Wet Leg recently came second in the BBC Sound of 2022 poll but it really felt like they came out of nowhere in 2021. Propelled to success with their single Chaise Lounge, it was soon followed up with the equally catchy and irresistible Wet Dream. This is clearly a band that are in it for their own fun.

Now they have a debut album coming out in April of this year and it'll definitely be tongue-in-cheek. We look forward to seeing a lot more from the band.

If you fancy catching any of these artists this year then head to either our Live page or our Festival Finder to help you get some plans together for 2022.