A$AP Ferg – “Always Strive and Prosper”
April 22, 2016

As the sun starts to shine, the April 22 release of A$AP Ferg’s “Always Strive and Prosper” is destined for summer playlists. Entirely unafraid of collaboration, as seen in feature spots with stars like Missy Elliott, Skrillex and Future, A$AP Ferg’s sophomore album will surely be a masterful collection of artistry. Following the release of his highly successful debut solo album, “Trap Lord,” A$AP Ferg’s “Always Strive and Prosper” will undoubtedly surpass the sophomore slump.

Meghan Trainor – “Thank You”
May 13, 2016

Following her viral fame at the hands of “All About That Bass,” Meghan Trainor has been busy. Releasing singles like “Dear Future Husband” and sealing featured spots on tracks like Charlie Puth’s “Marvin Gaye,” Trainor has been on an unstoppable trajectory. Upon the release of her single “NO,” Trainor presented listeners with a new, more pop-driven direction that resonated. Shimmering with catchy hooks and unrelenting attitude, “NO” is emblematic to the type of confidence that should come with such assured fame. Audiences can expect the release of Trainor’s next album, titled “Thank You,” to be brimming with similar buoyant, radio-friendly tracks just in time for summer.

Fifth Harmony – “7/27”
May 20, 2016

Is there any girl group more prominent than Fifth Harmony? The answer, at least within the past five years, is no. Like the Spice Girls or South Korea’s Girls’ Generation, the advent of Fifth Harmony has been unrelenting. Following their formation on the failed U.S. recreation of “The X Factor,” Fifth Harmony’s success was a surprising yet well-deserved outcome. Hit singles “Sledgehammer” and “Worth It” only cemented them in the industry. The release of their second album “7/27” comes just in time to fill radio air waves with very likely “song of the summer” candidates in early releases “Work From Home” and “The Life.”

Lacuna Coil – “Delirium”
May 27, 2016

Metal heads rejoice. Lacuna Coil, the heavy metal and rock band from Milan are set to release their latest record titled “Delirium.” With a career that has stood the test of time and enough member changes to form five other bands, Lacuna Coil’s latest release should portray this resiliency. On lead single, “The House Of Shame,” Lacuna Coil’s full throttle approach to music stampedes through cascading vocals and visceral instrumentals. Expectations are high for “Delirium” and while Lacuna Coil experiences continued transitions in members, the tumultuous and gothic aesthetic of the group will undoubtedly remain strong.

Dierks Bentley – “Black”
May 27, 2016

In terms of modern country superstars, few names appear as frequently as Dierks Bentley. With thirteen singles hitting number one on the country singles charts and more tracks maintaining strong positions, Bentley’s career has been nothing short of a success story. The release of his eighth album, “Black,” should continue this storyline. Titled after his wife’s maiden name, “Black” promises to be a strong record of relationship rollercoasters and promise. The lead single, “Somewhere On A Beach” has already impressed with a live performance on “The Ellen DeGeneres Show” and a coveted spot in the Top 20 of Billboard’s Hot Country Songs. Fans should expect the May 27 release to be a favorable compilation of tracks that continue Bentley’s longstanding career.

Tegan and Sara – “Love You to Death”
June 3, 2016

If there ever was a pair that transcends through indie-alternative and the mainstream so successfully, it would be Tegan and Sara. The sisters, who have found fans across a variety of genres, pierce thematically pop music with originality and edge. While their hit single “Closer” found the twins closer to pop than ever before, their creative personalities and indie roots have persevered, always angling the two towards widespread appeal. The release of their next album, “Love You to Death,” will more than likely continue this directionality as the women seem to have finally landed in the spotlight.

KONGOS – “Egomaniac”
June 10, 2016

When KONGOS released “Come With Me Now,” people flocked behind them. From rockers to Top 40 listeners, it seemed that everyone could get behind the four brothers’ cataclysmic sound. Everywhere you turned, the band seemed to be on the cusp of a newly revitalized sub-genre of rock featuring artists and bands like Imagine Dragons and Bastille. Each found their place on Billboard charts and internationally, and despite harsher melodies and aggressive instrumentals, their entertainment value bolstered them into the mainstream. With the release of “Egomaniac” and the lead single off of the record “Take It From Me” already showcasing a continuance of the style that made them stand out, audiences should once again fall in line.

Shura – “Nothing’s Real”
July 8, 2016

Perhaps lesser known than the other standouts on this list, Shura’s relevance is the result of a uniquely driven story of reclaiming control and a cult following that has allowed her to permeate onto many year-end “best of” lists. Her sound, while electro-pop at its core, brims with inflections of R&B and indie styles. Her debut full-length release “Nothing’s Real” will confidently elaborate on Shura’s future in a constantly diversifying industry. Listeners can expect easy listening tunes with strong songwriting skills presented by the creative singer.