From Selena Gomez To Madonna, The Most Anticipated Albums Of 2019

Mike Nied | December 30, 2018 10:00 am
The 30 Best Videos Of 2018
From 'APESHIT' to 'thank u, next,' here are our 30 favorite videos of 2018.

UPDATE: Why stop at 30? We’ve decided to expand our original list of the 30 most anticipated albums of 2019 to recognize several more releases that are on our radar for the new year. Check out the updated list below!

The new year is just around the corner. And while year-end coverage typically looks back at what has already happened, it is refreshing to know there’s even more quality content on the way. With scheduled releases from Avril Lavigne and Sigrid, Q1 is already looking good. When you factor in potential new music from Selena Gomez, Madonna and Miley Cyrus, 2019 is shaping up to be a banner year for pop. Our most anticipated albums of 2019 are listed below (in alphabetical order).

Adam Lambert

Title: TBA

Release Date: TBA

What We’ve Heard: “Two Fux”.

We’ve spent far too many lonely nights without new music from Adam Lambert, but something is on the horizon. And it’s not just another tour with Queen. The glam rocker offered a couple hints about the direction of his fourth album in an interview with Schon magazine. It isn’t much, but it’s enough to tide us over until we get more substantial news.

Ariana Grande

Title: Thank U, Next

Release Date: TBA

What We’ve Heard: “thank u, next” and “imagine”.

Despite having just released her fourth album in August, Ariana Grande is already gearing up to drop her fifth. Considering the record-shattering success of “thank u, next,” it is safe to say that we may be approaching her most successful era to date.

Ashley Tisdale

Title: Symptoms

Release Date: TBA

What We’ve Heard: “Voices In My Head”.

Thank god for pop miracles. Ashley Tisdale, the Oscar-robbed actress behind Sharpay Evans and bops like “He Said, She Said” has returned. Prayerfully, her third album includes a duet with fellow High School Musical alumna, Vanessa Hudgens.

Astrid S

Title: TBA

Release Date: TBA

What We’ve Heard: “Closer” and “Emotion”

Astrid S already has several hits under her belt, and she hasn’t even dropped her debut album yet. That’s set to change in 2019. The Norwegian pop star continued her hot streak and showed off her versatility on the untitled album’s first two singles, and they have us excited to see where she will go next.

Ava Max

Title: TBA

Release Date: TBA

What We’ve Heard: “Sweet But Psycho”

Ava Max captured lightning in a bottle with “Sweet But Psycho.” With her goal of making listening to pop more fun, she’s definitely a breakout star of the year. And she’s just hitting her stride. In an exclusive interview she promised that more singles were on the way with the end goal being an album. Bring it on!

Avril Lavigne

Title: Head Above Water

Release Date: February 15

What We’ve Heard: “Head Above Water” and “Tell Me It’s Over”.

Avril Lavigne’s return to music has been one of the highlights of 2018, and a full album is coming in February. Based on the official tracklist, it is safe to assume we’ll be getting plenty of emotional power ballads (“It Was In Me”) and some pop/punk sass (“Dumb Blonde”).

Backstreet Boys

Title: DNA

Release Date: January 25

What We’ve Heard: “Don’t Go Breaking My Heart” and “Chances”

Backstreet’s back, and it is way better than just alright! The legendary man band enjoyed a massive renaissance in 2018, and it is expected to continue into the new year with the unveiling of their forthcoming LP.

Becky G

Title: TBA

Release Date: TBA

What We’ve Heard: “Sin Pijama,” “Zooted” and “Cuando Te Besé”.

Becky G, queen of streaming and Latin bops, has plans to drop two albums – one in English and one in Spanish. She opened up about both in Galore. “The Spanish side… is definitely reggaeton-inspired with pop influence,” she revealed. “There is the English side of me, that is working on music that is just as urban, but a little bit more R&B inspired.” Bring them on!

Bella Thorne

Title: What Do You See Now?

Release Date: TBA

What We’ve Heard: “Goat,” “Bitch I’m Bella Throne” and “Pussy Mine”

Watch out Nicki Minaj and Cardi B. There’s a new Rap Queen on her way to claim the throne. Her name is Bella Thorne, she’s already got several bratty bops to her name and we can’t wait to see what is on the way in 2019.

Betty Who

Title: Betty

Release Date: February 15

What We’ve Heard: “Between You & Me”

Betty Who went back to her roots on the endearingly introspective lead single to her third album (the first she will release as an independent artist). The result is an infectious and relatable earworm that has us hooked.

Billie Eilish

Title: TBA

Release Date: TBA

What We’ve Heard: “You Should See Me In A Crown” and “When The Party’s Over”

At only 16-years-old, Billie Eilish is one of the brightest talents to emerge in recent years. That is evident after one listen to her shadowy discography. With a recent co-sign from Apple and her incredible streaming numbers, it is abundantly clear she is on the verge of a commercial breakthrough. Her debut album is bound to be another step in that direction.

Broods

Title: Don’t Feed The Pop Monster

Release Date: February 1

What We’ve Heard: “Peach” and “Everything Goes (Wow)”.

Kiwi brother-sister pair Caleb and Georgia Nott went through a sonic reinvention with the unveiling of “Peach” earlier this year. We’re expecting more of the same on their brilliantly-titled third LP.

Camila Cabello

Title: TBA

Release Date: TBA

What We’ve Heard: N/A

After the breakout success of 2018, Camila Cabello would be forgiven for resting on her laurels. But that’s not the case. In an interview with Billboard, she mentioned plans to drop her sophomore LP before the end of 2019. With any luck it boasts another “Havana”-sized smash.

Carly Rae Jepsen

Title: TBA

Release date: TBA

What We’ve Heard: “Party For One”.

We have so many emotions! Carly Rae Jepsen kicked off her new era with the euphoric “Party For One” in 2018 and the self-love anthem makes it abundantly clear she hasn’t lost her touch. Hopefully the public doesn’t sleep on this album.

Cher

Title: Dancing Queen 2

Release Date: TBA

Cher’s Dancing Queen provided a brief moment of pure, unadulterated joy in the shitstorm that was 2018. And it turns out the generous legend may have plans to drop a second album of ABBA covers. The tracklist is there. Now she just needs to book that studio time!

Christina Aguilera

Title: TBA

Release Date: TBA

There will be no six-year gap between Liberation and Christina Aguilera’s next album. Legend X performed some previously unreleased music while on tour and has heavily teased that her follow-up may be arriving in the new year.

Ciara

Title: TBA

Release Date: TBA

What We’ve Heard: “Level Up,” “Freak Me” and “Dose”.

The viral success of Ciara’s “Level Up” helped the queen of all things crunk return to the Billboard Hot 100. Since then, she has dropped a couple more automatic, supersonic, hypnotic, funky fresh bops that will eventually culminate in her next album.

Dido

Title: Still On My Mind

Release Date: March 8

The Queen of Easy Listening is back. Dido marked her return with the utterly gorgeous, electro-kissed “Hurricanes.” She’ll follow it up with a new LP and her first tour in 15 years.

Dinah Jane

Title: TBA

Release Date: TBA

What We’ve Heard: “Bottled Up,” “Retrograde” and “I Don’t Mind”.

Dinah Jane paid tribute to her 5H roots on her debut solo single. Since then, the diva has live-premiered a couple of new bops. By now, it is clear that she is One To Watch in 2019.

Ellie Goulding

Title: TBA

Release Date: TBA

What We’ve Heard: “Close To Me”

Ellie Goulding’s comeback single was a saccharine bop dedicated to her rebellious partner in crime, and it will hopefully usher in a new era of equally infectious anthems.

Iggy Azalea

Title: TBA

Release Date: TBA

What We’ve Heard: N/A

She’s a free bitch, baby! After exiting her contract with Island Records, Iggy Azalea promised to drop more new music in 2019. Hopefully it will hold up to her sublime Survive The Summer EP.

Jack & Jack

Title: A Good Friend Is Nice

Release Date: January 11

What We’ve Heard: “No One Compares To You” and “Rise”

Viral hitmakers and childhood friends Jack & Jack will drop their debut LP in 2019. The nostalgic cover is cute beyond words, and the content we’ve already heard off the tracklist (“No One Compares To Yo” and “Rise”) is just as promising!

Janet Jackson

Title: TBA

Release Date: TBA

What We’ve Heard: “Made For Now”.

Janet Jackson’s anti-FOMO banger “Made For Now” signified a musical rebirth for the “All Nite (Don’t Stop)” icon. She has subsequently signed a new international deal with Paradigm and released a Latin remix, making it clear something big is on the way.

Jennifer Lopez

Title: TBA

Release Date: TBA

What We’ve Heard: “Dinero,” “El Anillo,” “Te Guste,” “Us,” and more.

2019 may be the year we receive two albums from Jennifer Lopez. The reverse-aging legend has graced us with a bevy of English and Spanish-language bangers. Next up are the albums and a summer tour.

Julia Michaels

Title: TBA

Release Date: TBA

What We’ve Heard: “Jump”.

Julia Michaels effortlessly made the transition from songwriter to pop star with the unveiling of “Issues.” Since then, she has dropped a mini-album’s worth of brilliant bops, appeared on several soundtracks and dropped the lead single to her full-length debut. Everything is coming together nicely for her to soar even higher in 2019.

Katy Perry

Title: TBA

Release Date: TBA

What We’ve Heard: N/A

Katy Perry mentioned the possibility of taking a break after finishing her Witness Tour. However, she’s been spotted in the studio with Max Martin and Zedd, and has graced us with a bunch of one-off releases like “Waving Through A Window.” Does that mean something bigger is on the way?

Keiynan Lonsdale

Title: TBA

Release Date: TBA

What We’ve Heard: “Kiss The Boy” and “Preach”

Actor, dancer and musician Keiynan Lonsdale has proven to be a pop star well-worth keeping an eye on in the future. Which means it is a good thing the Love, Simon star has an album in the works. And if the music we’ve already heard is anything to go by, then it’s going to be a must-listen.

Kim Petras

Title: TBA

Release Date: TBA

What We’ve Heard: “Heart To Break,” “Can’t Do Better,” “All The Time,” “I Don’t Want It At All” and more.

Kim Petras’ discography grows more impeccable with every release. And, although she treated us to a Halloween-themed mixtape in 2018, she is hopefully readying her debut LP for 2019.

Lady Gaga

Title: TBA

Release Date: TBA

What We’ve Heard: N/A

Recently, it has been all about A Star Is Born for Lady Gaga… but that’s about to change. Her Vegas residencies are on the horizon, and rumor has it that we will be getting a follow-up to 2016’s Joanne. Sophie, DJ White Shadow, BloodPop and Boyz Noize have been tied to the project, and it seems the hitmaker will be back to her experimental best. Oh yeah, she’s also rumored to be dropping a second album of jazz standards with Tony Bennett. Does Mother Monster ever sleep?

Lana Del Rey

Title: Norman Fucking Rockwell

Release Date: TBA

What We’ve Heard: “Venice Bitch” and “Mariners Apartment Complex”.

With a title as epic as Norman Fucking Rockwell, Lana Del Rey’s next album is already iconic. Luckily, the content is also holding up to expectations so far.

Lauren Jauregui

Title: TBA

Release Date: TBA

What We’ve Heard: “Expectations”.

Lauren Jauregui ditched her pop roots in favor of a sexier soul sound on her debut solo single. She premiered other songs while on tour with Halsey, making us even more excited to hear what she has in store on her first album.

LÉON

Title: TBA

Release Date: TBA

What We’ve Heard: “Baby Don’t Talk” and “Falling”

One of Sweden’s best exports is pop music, and LÉON is anything but an exception to that rule. It seems physically impossible for the rising star to drop a bad song, a fact which has us excited to see what her debut album will sound like.

LSD

Title: TBA

Release Date: TBA

What We’ve Heard: “Genius,” “Audio,” “Thunderclouds” and “Mountains”

A pop supergroup comprised of Sia, Labrinth and Diplo was one of 2018’s happiest surpirses. Since launching, the trio have dropped a handful of bops, and they’ve made it clear that more are on the horizon.

Madison Beer

Title: TBA

Release Date: TBA

What We’ve Heard: “Hurts Like Hell”

“Dead” remains one of the most underrated pop songs in recent memory, and Madison Beer is just getting started. The diva dropped another rebellious anthem earlier this year. I’m hoping that means at least another EP is coming in 2019.

Madonna

Title: Magic

Release Date: TBA

What We’ve Heard: N/A

The Queen Of Pop is gearing up for a much-anticipated comeback in 2019. After spending time in the studio with “Music” producer Mirwais and Mike Dean, Madonna is bound to reassert her dominance. We’re in the final mixing stages, meaning that she’ll have her heel at our throat sooner rather than later. And based on the latest rumors, it looks like the title may be Magic.

Maggie Lindemann

Title: TBA

Release Date: TBA

What We’ve Heard: “Obsessed,” “Human” and “Would I”

Maggie Lindemann blossomed as an artist in 2018. She’s already showcased her range with releases like the eerie “Human,” feather-light “Would I” and fiery “Obsessed.” And in an exclusive interview she made it clear that we’ve only scratched the surface of what she is capable of thus far.

Maggie Rogers

Title: Heard It In A Past Life

Release Date: January 18

What We’ve Heard: “Alaska,” “On + Off,” “Fallingwater,” “Give A Little” and “Light On”

Maggie Rogers seems to best herself with each new release. Now That The Light Is Fading was one of 2017’s best EPs, which means that her debut LP should be a thing of utter beauty when it arrives in January.

Marina

Title: TBA

Release Date: TBA

What We’ve Heard: “Emotional Machine”

One rebrand later, Marina and the Diamonds is now going by Marina. And she is working on new music. If her Clean Bandit and Luis Fonsi collab “Baby” and performance footage of “Emotional Machine” are anything to go by, you’ll want to stick around to see what’s next!

Mark Ronson

Title: TBA

Release Date: TBA

What We’ve Heard: “Nothing Breaks Like A Heart”

Mark Ronson’s Heartbreak Era is already a serious triumph. He kicked things off by partnering with Miley Cyrus on the critically acclaimed “Nothing Breaks Like A Heart” but also promised collaborations with the likes of King Princess, Lykke Li and YEBBA.

Meghan Trainor

Title: Treat Myself

Release Date: TBA

What We’ve Heard: “Treat Myself,” “All The Ways,” “Can’t Dance,” “Let You Be Right” and “No Excuses”.

Meghan Trainor was so inspired in 2018 that she decided to delay the release of her third LP. However, she treated us to enough glistening floorfillers to keep us on the hook until the final product is ready.

Mike Posner

Title: A Real Good Kid

Release Date: January 18

What We’ve Heard: “Song About You” and “Stuck In The Middle”.

Inspired by the death of his father, Mike Posner’s third album is said to be unlike anything he’s released before. If it’s half as good as the promo singles we’ve already heard, then it may be one of the best albums of 2019.

Miley Cyrus

Title: TBA

Release Date: TBA

What We’ve Heard: N/A

Younger Now may not have gone according to plan, but it wasn’t enough to keep Miley Cyrus down for long. The 26-year-old relaunched alongside Mark Ronson on the triumphant “Nothing Breaks Like A Heart,” which will feature on his upcoming album. It’s a good sign of things to come, as the super-producer has several songs on MC7. Another familiar face to keep an eye out for is Mike Will Made-It. Bangerz 2.0, anyone?

Nina Nesbitt

Title: The Sun Will Come Up, The Seasons Will Change

Release Date: February 1

What We’ve Heard: “The Best You Had,” “Somebody Special,” “Loyal To Me” and “Colder”

Based on its glorious cover alone, Nina Nesbitt’s sophomore LP is already deserving of critical acclaim. And that’s not even considering the bops the Scottish hitmaker unveiled ahead of the album’s February release date. Suffice to say that this is one to keep on your radar.

Normani

Title: TBA

Release Date: TBA

What We’ve Heard: “Waves,” “Checklist” and “Slow Down”.

What better way to launch your solo career than by fronting one of the year’s most successful singles? That’s exactly what Normani did when she partnered with Khalid on “Love Lies.” Since taking the slinky bop all the way to the top 10, she has showcased her smart perspective on a handful of equally promising buzz tracks. Now, the world is ready for her to make the leap to superstardom with a full-length effort.

Olivia O’Brien

Title: TBA

Release Date: TBA

What We’ve Heard: “UKD,” “I Don’t Exist” and “Care Less More”

Olivia O’Brien has come a long way since finding breakout success with “I hate u, I love u” in 2016. And she’ll take it one step further by dropping her first full-length project.

PRETTYMUCH

Title: TBA

Release Date: TBA

What We’ve Heard: “Jello,” “Summer On You,” “Solita” and “Real Friends”

Vocals? Check. Tightly choreographed routines? You bet. Sold-out shows? Yup. Bangers? Without a doubt. The next thing we need from PRETTYMUCH is a debut album! Hopefully it is on the way in 2019.

Rihanna

Title: TBA

Release Date: TBA

What We’ve Heard: N/A.

Rihanna changed the game with the release of ANTI. So I’d prepare for a similar shake-up when she finally gets around to dropping R9. However, this time she is rumored be returning to her roots on a dancehall-inspired album, according to Rolling Stone.

Selena Gomez

Title: TBA

Release Date: TBA

What We’ve Heard: “Bad Liar,” “Fetish” and “Wolves”.

Even without an album to promote, Selena Gomez once again managed to dominate the scene in 2018. “Back To You” – a contribution to 13 Reasons Why season 2 – went Top 20 on the Hot 100. As did “Taki Taki,” the frenetic and star-studded DJ Snake track. However, the pop princess is expected to drop a follow-up to 2016’s Revival in 2019. When she does, keep an eye peeled for her favorite track, “Rare.”

Sia

Title: TBA

Release Date: TBA

What We’ve Heard: N/A

There is a lot on the horizon for Sia. Between LSD and other creative collaborations, the “I’m Still Here” siren dropped a slew of content in 2018. And next year more (including an album and a musical) is on the way based on a tweet she posted. Does the Aussie superstar ever sleep?

Sigrid

Title: Sucker Punch

Release Date: March 1

What We’ve Heard: “Sucker Punch,” “Don’t Kill My Vibe,” “High Five” and “Strangers”.

Norwegian pop extraordinaire Sigrid found the secret to sustained success in a flooded industry – authenticity. Her unique sensibilities have yielded a multitude of streaming hits, and the 22-year-old is bound to find similar success with her debut LP come March.

Solange

Title: TBA

Release Date: TBA

What We’ve Heard: N/A

We don’t know much about the follow-up to 2016’s critically acclaimed A Seat At The Table just yet. However, Solange shared a hint at the sonic direction, listing jazz and trunk-rattling hip-hop as inspirations in an interview with T magazine. Sounds good to me!

Taylor Swift

Title: TBA

Release Date: TBA

What We’ve Heard: N/A

Despite being released in 2017, Taylor Swift’s Reputation was one of the biggest albums of 2018. And new music is on the horizon. While announcing her historic move to Universal Music Group, she teased the birth of a new era.

The Driver Era

Title: TBA

Release Date: TBA

What We’ve Heard: “Preacher Man,” “Afterglow” and “Low”

2018 signified a new beginning for brothers Ross and Rocky Lynch. It saw them leave behind their pop roots as a member of family-band R5 and relaunch as The Driver Era. Thus far, they’ve embraced a more alternative sound on singles like “Preacher Man” and “Low.” And what we’ve heard will definitely have us coming back for more.

The Japanese House

Title: Good At Falling

Release Date: March 1

What We’ve Heard: “Lilo” and “Follow My Girl”.

Four excellent EPs later, The Japanese House (AKA Amber Bain) will unleash her debut album in Q1, 2019. Included in the mix is her dreamy “Lilo” and the equally ethereal “Follow My Girl.”

Tinashe

Title: TBA

Release Date: TBA

What We’ve Heard: “Like I Used To” and “Throw A Fit”

Tinashe overcame the odds and finally dropped her sophomore LP Joyride this year. But don’t expect her to wait too long to drop even more music. Mere months later, she was already treating us to bops like “Like I Used To” and my personal favorite bratty anthem – “Throw A Fit.” More like this, please!

Zara Larsson

Title: TBA

Release Date: TBA

What We’ve Heard: “Ruin My Life”

Zara Larsson’s “Ruin My Life” is a slice of literal pop perfection, and it is only a taste of what is to come with the unveiling of her sophomore album.

What album are you most excited for? Let us know below, or by hitting us up on Facebook and Twitter!