When music undergoes a seismic shift, the aftershocks are just as intriguing. In 2024, subversive girly pop dominated the scene, with Charli XCX, Sabrina Carpenter, and Chappell Roan leading the charge. However, with these artists likely focusing on touring and writing, the question remains: What comes next? And can icons like Lady Gaga and Madonna adapt to this evolving landscape?
Country music continued its expansion, stretching its boundaries with artists like Jelly Roll and Shaboozey. With rumors swirling about a new Morgan Wallen album, the genre’s momentum shows no signs of slowing down.
The traditional album rollout—announcing a release date and teasing singles—feels almost outdated, making details on 2025’s major releases scarce. However, we do know that Ed Sheeran is returning to mainstream pop, Miley Cyrus is drawing inspiration from The Wall, and both Blondie and LCD Soundsystem have new albums on the way. There are also whispers—though unconfirmed—of projects from Janet Jackson and Cardi B.
Some believe Taylor Swift might take a break after her massive Eras tour, but let’s be honest—she doesn’t seem wired for downtime. And then there’s Rihanna. Nine years have passed since Anti, yet every January, fans still make a wish.
As we await official announcements, here’s what we know so far about the most anticipated albums of 2025.
Mac Miller, Balloonerism (January 17)
Mac Miller’s Circles (2020) was his first posthumous release following his passing in 2018, becoming his most successful album to date, featuring the hit single “Good News.” Now, another long-rumored project is set to emerge—Balloonerism, an often-bootlegged collection dating back to 2014.
This album reportedly includes collaborations with a then-rising artist—none other than SZA—years before her mainstream breakthrough. In announcing the project, Miller’s family revealed that the rapper had nearly completed the album, even commissioning official artwork before his passing.
“We believe Balloonerism highlights both the depth of his musical talent and his fearless creativity,” said his estate. “Releasing this album was something Malcolm frequently expressed was important to him.”
The Weeknd, Hurry Up Tomorrow (January 24)
Abel Tesfaye is set to conclude the trilogy that began with After Hours (2020) and continued with Dawn FM (2022). His highly anticipated sixth studio album will arrive alongside a psychological thriller film starring Jenna Ortega and Barry Keoghan, set for release in May.
With production from industry heavyweights Max Martin and Pharrell Williams, the album promises to be a defining moment in Tesfaye’s career. He has hinted that this could be his final project under the Weeknd moniker, stating, “I’m definitely trying to shed that skin and be reborn.”
Lana Del Rey, The Right Person Will Stay (May 21)
After making headlines with her unexpected shift to country, Lana Del Rey initially announced Lasso for a September release. However, as recording progressed—and the title evolved to The Right Person Will Stay—it seems she has softened her stance on fully embracing the genre. That said, she’s still set to headline the Stagecoach festival in April, signaling that country influences will play a role in the new sound.
The 13-track album will feature the first single, “Henry”—likely the same song as “Henry, Come On”, which she teased last year. Production credits include longtime collaborators Jack Antonoff, Zach Dawes, and Drew Erickson, alongside Nashville hitmaker Luke Laird, adding further intrigue to this genre-blending project.
Lady Gaga, TBA
After enduring the chaos surrounding Joker: Folie à Deux, Lady Gaga made a triumphant return with “Die with a Smile,” her hit duet with Bruno Mars, followed by “Disease,” the first single from her upcoming seventh studio album, set for release in February.
Gaga has described the album as a fusion of multiple genres and styles, calling it “a collection of different dreams.” She also hinted at its deeply personal nature, stating, “There’s a lot of pain associated with this adventure.… And when I start to explore that pain, it brings out another side of my artistry.”
Paul McCartney, TBA
After his 2020 “rockdown” solo album McCartney III, Sir Paul McCartney has been collaborating with superproducer Andrew Watt on his next project—an effort that even led him to the studio with The Rolling Stones in 2023. While things had gone quiet, McCartney recently shared a promising update on his website, revealing that his New Year’s resolution is to finish the album.
“I’ve been working on a lot of songs and had to put it aside because of the tour,” he wrote. “So, I’m hoping to get back into that and finish up.” With speculation mounting, it looks like McCartney’s next release could arrive sooner than expected.
Elton John, TBA
After wrapping up his five-year farewell tour, Sir Elton John shows no signs of slowing down. In recent months, he’s released the Never Too Late documentary (featuring a new duet with Brandi Carlile), launched The Devil Wears Prada musical in London (where he revealed his struggles with vision loss), and seen the Broadway debut—and closure—of Tammy Faye.
Despite these ventures, Captain Fantastic isn’t ready to step away from music. He recently confirmed that he’s working on a new album with longtime lyricist Bernie Taupin. “You will be getting some more [music],” he told Stephen Colbert. “The juices have never dried up.”
J. Cole, The Fall Off (TBA)
It was a J. Cole lyric that ignited the Kendrick Lamar vs. Drake feud that dominated hip-hop in 2024, but now, all eyes are back on Cole himself. During a recent Madison Square Garden performance, he hinted that his long-awaited album, The Fall Off, could drop before the fifth and final Dreamville Festival in April.
“Hopefully, I’ll have something new to perform for y’all,” he told the crowd, fueling speculation that the release is finally imminent. Originally teased in 2016 and announced for 2020, The Fall Off has been a long time coming—but maybe, just maybe, 2025 is the year.
Madonna, TBA
Since releasing Madame X in 2019, Madonna has faced a series of personal and professional challenges—from a bacterial infection that led to hospitalization and the postponement of her Celebration Tour, to the passing of her brothers Anthony and Chris, and years of struggles with her long-planned autobiographical film.
Now, the Queen of Pop is shifting her focus back to music, reuniting with longtime collaborator Stuart Price. In a recent post, she expressed her excitement:
“Songwriting and making music is the one area where I don’t need to ask anyone for their permission,” she wrote. “I’m so excited to share it with you. Who wants to hear new music in 2025?”
It looks like Madonna is ready for a triumphant return.
Bruce Springsteen, TBA
Bruce Springsteen may have turned 75 in September, but the Boss shows no signs of slowing down. He’s still hitting the road, with European tour dates lined up for the summer. August will mark the 50th anniversary of Born to Run, while filming continues on Deliver Me from Nowhere, a project focusing on the making of Nebraska, starring Jeremy Allen White as Springsteen.
In December, his team confirmed that 2025 will see the release of multiple projects, including “a look back at Springsteen’s storied recording career, featuring never-before-heard material.” This has sparked speculation about a potential sequel to Tracks (1998)—a box set packed with outtakes, B-sides, alternate versions, and demos. Fans are eager to see what the Boss has in store for next year.
Spinal Tap, Spinal Tap II (TBA)
Turn the amps up to 11 and get ready to rock—Spinal Tap is making its triumphant return. 41 years after the iconic mockumentary This Is Spinal Tap, the band is back with Spinal Tap II, set to drop later this year.
The film’s soundtrack will feature appearances from Paul McCartney and Elton John, who both have cameo roles (though, according to director Rob Reiner, they won’t be performing “Spinal Tap-type songs”—just tunes that fans will recognize). While it’s still unclear if other stars like Lars Ulrich, Garth Brooks, and Questlove will contribute to the soundtrack, Reiner did tease a new track from Derek Smalls called “Rockin’ in the Urn,” which is about how he’ll keep performing even after he’s gone. Looks like the band’s legacy is as immortal as ever.