Who's releasing albums in 2019? Here's a heads-up on some of the albums you should set a calendar reminder for
Madonna
MADONNA is set to make a comeback at some point this year with her 14th studio album, which will reportedly be inspired by Portuguese fado music. The new record will be her first in four years, following 2015's Rebel Heart. In October, Madonna told WWD: "I'm finishing my record, which I'm going to release next year. Yep, in between rose mist spray and serums, I'm actually making music. Can't quit my day job." Fans of the superstar have suggested that the record might be called Magic, as she's been using #magic on her social media posts for several months and, in a recent newsletter to subscribers advertising her 2019 calendar, she promised the year would be "a #magic one for us all". The Like A Virgin and Material Girl hitmaker is working with long-standing collaborator, French record producer Mirwais on her new stuff, after working with him on a number of albums, including Music, American Life and Confessions On A Dance Floor.
Dido
IT'S been five years since Dido released music, but somehow it feels longer. The singer, who had her breakthrough with debut No Angel nearly 20 years ago, is back with her fifth album Still On My Mind in March. The record follows her 2013 effort Girl Who Got Away, which peaked at number five in the charts. Fans will no doubt be hoping for the calibre of songs from her earlier days, such as White Flag, Thank You and Here With Me. Dido recorded the album in the UK and it is a continuation of her long-standing professional career with her brother and Faithless founder Rollo. She recently said of their partnership: "It was simple, I only wanted to make another album if it was with him. It was made in such an easy way, all the vocals recorded on the sofa, a lot of it recorded at home." Later this year she will also embark on her first tour in 15 years across Britain and Ireland.
Avril Lavigne
ANOTHER beloved early-noughties music icon is also marking her return to music this year: Avril Lavigne is dropping her sixth record Head Above Water next month. The Canadian superstar has promised an open and honest collection in this, her first album in half a decade following her self-titled 2013 release. Lavigne, who has battled Lyme disease in recent years, said: "I feel like I've really opened up on this record more than I ever have before. Each song tells a story that will hopefully inspire others to believe in themselves and stand up for what they know is right and what they truly deserve." One of the tracks on the album, an anthemic rock ballad called Tell Me It's Over, has already been released, with Lavigne explaining that it's about "putting your foot down and closing the door on a relationship that you know is wrong after some time," giving another hint at Lavigne's current headspace.
The Specials
DON'T adjust your eyes, you are reading this correctly: The Specials are returning in 2019 with their first new music in nearly 40 years. That's right, the two-tone and ska revival band – who have been described as among the most influential and important in British pop culture history – are stepping out of an eye-wateringly long hiatus to release Encore next month. Comprised of 10 new tracks, the album was produced by Specials founding members Terry Hall, Lynval Golding and Horace Panter, alongside Danish producer Torp Larsen. It marks the first time the original trio have recorded new material together since the band's 1981 classic Ghost Town. The new album also helps to mark the 40th anniversary of the formation of the group and their Two-Tone label in Coventry in 1979, as well as celebrating 10 years since they reformed in a touring and performing capacity.
