11 Albums to Look Forward to in 2018

2017 is drawing to a close. The past year has seen acts like Kesha and Lorde make massive comebacks and artists like Khalid and SZA release incredible debuts. We're super sad to bid it goodbye but there are plenty of albums to look forward to in 2018.

We cannot wait to get our hands on the new music of our faves both new and old.

From the confirmed LPs to the rumoured releases, we've got you covered.

Below is a small taste of what albums to expect in the coming months...

1. Ariana Grande

It's no secret that Ariana Grande is one of the biggest stars on the planet. From 'Love Me Harder' to 'Into You', she has a knack for releasing perfect pop and it looks like AG4 will continue the trend. As it stands the 'Side to Side' singer has remained tight-lipped about the project but confirmed collaborator Pharrell Williams has already referred to it as "amazing" and her manager Scooter Braun has said that "it's time for [Ariana] to sing the songs that define her". We couldn't be more excited to hear it.

Due Date: It is 579 days since Ariana released her last album.

2. Beyoncé

With Beyoncé being Beyoncé, it's no shock that details surrounding her new album are scarce. Both of the 'All Night' hitmakers' last two records were surprise releases and we're pretty sure that her next one will follow suit. Our guess is that an album is on its way because Beyoncé has been seen hard at work on her laptop lately and she's performing at Coachella exactly two years after the release of Lemonade. Could that rumoured joint album with JAY-Z be coming or is a solo Beyoncé LP in the works?

Due Date: It is 606 days since Beyoncé released her last album.

3. Camila Cabello

Camilizers have been patiently awaiting Camila Cabello's debut solo album for months now. The popstar originally intended to release the LP in September this year but pushed it back after the blockbuster success of 'Havana'. Fear not though; this one is set in stone. Camila is out January 12th next year. Judging by epic new single 'Never Be the Same' and candid instant grat 'Real Friends', it could be amazing. With Charli XCX, Ryan Tedder and Ed Sheeran all involved, it almost definitely will be.

Due Date: It is 23 days until Camila Cabello releases her first album.

4. Lady Gaga

It has barely been a year since Lady Gaga released her last album but she's already made clear that she is hard at work on her next one. The 'Bad Romance' star has been in the studio with long-term producer, DJ White Shadow, and he's already referred to her new LP as the "little sister" to Gaga's 2013 album ARTPOP. After dabbling in rock and country, it looks like Gaga is going back to her pop roots. Oh and Gaga's film with Bradley Cooper, A Star Is Born, is out in May complete with a new soundtrack.

Due Date: It is 404 days since Lady Gaga released her last album.

5. Little Mix

Little Mix are four of the hardest working people in pop. The living legends have dominated the Top 40 all year long with Glory Days and they have been chart mainstays ever since they released 'Wings' back in 2012. Rumour has it that LM5 will be out around next November and the lead single could even drop as soon as June before they head out on their Summer Hits tour throughout July. With the girls' material getting stronger with every release, this album could be their best collection to date.

Due Date: It is 397 days since Little Mix released their last album.

6. Nicki Minaj

Nicki Minaj may have been killing it on the charts all year long with hit features ('Swalla', 'Rake It Up', 'MotorSport') but it's now over three years since she released her last album. Fear not though; NM4 is definitely on its way now. Nicki has discussed it in multiple interviews and it sounds brilliant. Speaking with The New York Times, she said “this is definitely the most inspired and free and excited I’ve been since I started releasing albums through a label" and chatting with Dazed, she called it a "classic".

Due Date: It is 1101 days since Nicki Minaj released her last album.

7. Rihanna

Up until recently, it was normal to expect a Rihanna album close to every year. Rated R, Loud, Talk That Talk and Unapologetic were all released 12 months apart. However, the superstar spent over three years working on ANTi and it paid off. Not only is it her best record to date but it's also cemented Rihanna's status as an icon. With that in mind, it's hard to tell when we'll receive R9 but considering that the 'Love on the Brain' singer has already been working hard on it, a 2018 release seems very likely.

Due Date: It is 692 days since Rihanna released her last album.

8. Rita Ora

Rita Ora is easily one of the UK's biggest popstars. She has four UK Number 1 hit singles under her belt and the personality to match. Nevertheless, due to label conflicts, she's not been able to put out a new record for over five years. Thankfully that is all set to change. Now signed to Atlantic, Rita has already kickstarted a triumphant comeback with three hit singles ('Your Song', 'Lonely Together', 'Anywhere') this year. Her album is scheduled for 2018 and we have no doubt that it'll be worth the wait.

Due Date: It is 1941 days since Rita Ora released her last album.

9. Selena Gomez

Selena Gomez was originally meant to release a new album in 2016 but instead, put music on hold to go to rehab and focus on her mental health. Since then she's released four hit singles ('It Ain't Me', 'Bad Liar', 'Fetish' and 'Wolves') and undergone a life-changing kidney transplant. Selena is better now though and an album is on its way. Speaking to Nick Grimshaw on Radio 1, she revealed "there is an album" and "it will be out very soon". If it's anywhere near as good as Revival, we're in for a treat. 

Due Date: It is 792 days since Selena Gomez released her last album.

10. Shawn Mendes

Few stars are as successful as Shawn Mendes is today. Two LPs into his career and he's already amassed two US Number 1 albums and his past three singles have all gone Platinum in the UK. The 'There's Nothing Holding Me Back' hitmaker is in the process of making his third album and, while nothing is confirmed as of yet, it seems like we can expect it to feature some of Shawn's signature songwriting. Not only that but there are rumours that he has recorded a duet with Niall Horan. Imagine.

Due Date: It is 453 days since Shawn Mendes released his last album.

11. ZAYN

Whispers about ZAYN's new album have circulated all year. It was originally supposed to be out by now but the 'PILLOWTALK' star decided to spend a little longer on it. With features from the likes of Nicki Minaj and potential new single 'Hurts', written by the team behind 'Havana', it looks like we have plenty to look forward to though. Not to mention ZAYN's 2017 hit singles (the mellow 'Still Got Time' and the epic 'Dusk Till Dawn') are both excellent. We cannot wait to see how the album compares.

Due Date: It is 635 days since ZAYN released his last album.

So there we have it and these are just a few of the albums to expect.

We cannot wait to hear them all in full and see who else joins them.

Words: Sam Prance

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