Skip to content
Lists

A Guide to the Most Anticipated 2017 Summer Releases

What slow season? This summer, Arcade FirePhoenix, Lorde, Haim, and Broken Social Scene are just a few of the acts with hotly anticipated new releases. Find a preview of the season’s most talked-about forthcoming releases below, with all the singles, links, and info you’ll need to prepare.

Phoenix – Ti Amo (June 9)

Phoenix’s first album since 2013’s Bankrupt!, has been described by the band as reminiscent of “summer and Italian discos,” and was built around the word “gelato.” Phoenix have released a few singles in preview of Ti Amo—“J-Boy” is a highlight—and debuted a few other songs at recent shows. (Read our June cover story on the band here.)

Katy Perry – Witness (June 9)

Katy Perry’s new album Witness, the follow-up to 2013’s Prism, is still looking for a hit summer single. The singer has released three songs prior to the release: “Chained to the Rhythm,” “Bon Appétit” with Migos, and “Swish Swish” featuring Nicki Minaj, but none have found much critical acclaim. Perhaps that’s why she was so eager to sign on as a judge for The Voice?

SZA – Ctrl (June 9)

SZA released a new song called “Drew Barrymore” in January, followed by a performance on Jimmy Kimmel and another new song, “Broken Clocks.” Ctrl is SZA’s debut studio album, following her 2014 EP Z, and after a long wait for a release date, it’s finally here June 9.

Sufjan Stevens/Bryce Dessner/Nico Muhly/James McAlister – Planetarium (June 9)

Sufjan Stevensthe National’s Bryce Dessner, composer Nico Muhly, and percussionist James McAlister are trying out contemporary classical with a collaborative album about planets. We’ve heard three singles so far: “Mercury,” “Saturn,” and “Venus.”

Lindsey Buckingham and Christine McVie – Lindsey Buckingham/Christine McVie (June 9)

After their longtime partnership as members of Fleetwood Mac, Lindsey Buckingham and Christine McVie are joining up for a collaborative album and tour as a duo. Titled Lindsey Buckingham/Christine McVie, the new record features previously released singles “In My World” and “Feel About You,” the recording of which can be seen in their making-of documentary.

The Drums – “Abysmal Thoughts” (June 16)

Three singles into the buildup for their new album, New York jangle-pop favorites The Drums are set to return with “Abysmal Thoughts.” With the band now operating as a solo act, Thoughts is newly personal for singer Jonny Pierce, who’s opening up about his sexuality, his childhood, and his longtime love for sportswear.

Fleet Foxes – Crack-Up (June 16)

Following an elaborate L.A. listening party and previously released singles “Fool’s Errand” and “Third of May / ?daigahara,” Robin Pecknold and co. are back with Crack-Up, 11 tracks that appear to continue their penchant for soft vocals and lush, reverb-drenched harmonies. The new album follows 2011’s Helplessness Blues. An advance stream arrived today, and can be heard here.

Lorde – Melodrama (June 16)

After unveiling singles “Green Light,” “Liability,” and “Perfect Places,” and appearing on SNL, Lorde is finally returning with her long-awaited sophomore album. Titled Melodrama, it features much-imitated album art by Sam McKinniss and, according to Lorde, was inspired in part by her “first major heartbreak.”

Ride – Weather Diaries (June 16)

Twenty-one years since 1996’s Tarantula, shoegaze veterans Ride will release Weather Diaries. After touring throughout 2014 and performing at Coachella 2015, the band unveiled “Charm Assault,” “Home Is a Feeling,” and “All I Want” earlier this year. Their most recent single—the lush, swirling “Lannoy Point”—was released today.

2 Chainz – Pretty Girls Love Trap Music (June 16)

Atlanta rapper 2 Chainz is set to drop Pretty Girls Love Trap Music, which features Drake, Nicki Minaj, Pharrell, Gucci Mane, Migos, and Rae Sremmurd’s Swae Lee. The album follows singles “4 AM” and “It’s a Vibe” and 2 Chainz’ guest appearance on Gucci Mane’s recent DropTopWop.

Radiohead – OKNOTOK OK Computer 1997 2017 (June 23)

Yes, this one’s a reissue, but the 20th anniversary of Radiohead’s landmark 1997 album OK Computer is still occasion for anticipation. We’ve already heard one never-before-released song from back in the day, the tender “I Promise,” and usually reclusive band members are giving incredible interview quotes left and right—Thom Yorke called OK Computer “really fucking geeky,” and guitarist Ed O’Brien revealed that Radiohead briefly considered asking Dr. Dre to work on Kid A. The remastered OK Computer, packaged with three previously unreleased songs and lots of B-sides, arrives June 23.

Vince Staples – Big Fish Theory (June 23)

Fresh off a standout feature on the latest Gorillaz album, Vince Staples returns later this month with his sophomore album Big Fish Theory. So far, we’ve heard singles “Big Fish” and “BagBak.”

King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard – Murder of the Universe (June 23)

King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard‘s Murder of the Universe is their tenth full-length album in their 7-year existence. The album features singles “Digital Black” and “Vomit Coffin,” and is allegedly one of five albums schedule to be released by the band in 2017 alone.

TLC – TLC (June 30)

Following a Kickstarter fundraiser that launched back in 2015, ’90s superstars TLC are finally putting out new music. The self-titled album follows the Snoop Dogg-featuring “Way Back,” as well as the single “Haters” from earlier this May.

Calvin Harris – Funk Wav Bounces Vol. 1 (June 30) 

Calvin Harris has had a big year. After his tracks with Frank Ocean, Migos, Young Thug, Pharrell, Ariana Grande, Future and Khalid, the EDM multimillionaire announced the singles would be compiled into an album with the tongue-in-cheek title Funk Wav Bounces Vol. 1. In possibly the most feature-packed power move of all time, the album will also include appearances by Travis Scott, Kehlani, Future, Katy Perry, Big Sean, John Legend, Khalid, Schoolboy Q, D.R.A.M., Nicki Minaj, Lil Yachty, Jessie Reyez, PARTYNEXTDOOR, and Snoop Dogg.

Broken Social Scene – Hug of Thunder (July 7)

After a number of teasers for their first new album since 2010’s Forgiveness Rock Record, Broken Social Scene return with Hug of Thunder this July. It includes previously released singles “Skyline,” “Halfway Home” and the title track “Hug of Thunder,” which features Feist on lead vocals.

Melvins – A Walk With Love & Death (July 7)

The Melvins‘ A Walk With Love & Death will include the previously released single “Christ Hammer” and will be followed by an extensive 12-week tour across the US.

Haim – Something to Tell You (July 7)

After some heavy buildup to their new material, Los Angeles trio Haim will soon share their sophomore album Something to Tell You. The band has recently appeared on SNL and shared singles “Want You Back” and “Right Now.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D7krrRoJpT0

Waxahatchee – Out in the Storm (July 14)

After lead single “Silver” mysteriously appeared on Spotify in April, Waxahatchee announced a new album, Out in the Storm, to be released this July. It follows 2015’s excellent Ivy Tripp. Singer Katie Crutchfield was scheduled to appear on Lena Dunham‘s “Lenny: America IRL Tour,” which was later cancelled; Waxahatchee’s separate world tour kicks off next month.

Japanese Breakfast – Soft Sounds From Another Planet (July 14)

The new album from Japanese Breakfast (a.k.a. Michelle Zauner), Soft Sounds From Another Planet, is themed around ideas of science fiction and spiritual healing. So far, we’ve heard a new single called “Machinist,” which comes with a futuristic music video, and “Boyish,” a dramatic re-work of a song Zauner first wrote with her old band, Little Big League.

Sheer Mag – Need To Feel Your Love (July 14)

Sheer Mag’s debut full-length is titled Need to Feel Your Love. So far, they’ve released “Just Can’t Get Enough” and the fantastic title track, “Need to Feel Your Love.” SPIN just named Compilation LP, a January release that collects Sheer Mag’s first three EPs, one of the 50 Best Albums of 2017 So Far.

Lana Del Rey – Lust for Life (July 21)

Lana Del Rey told us to go fuck ourselves, but we still love her. After holding off on revealing a release date for several months, Del Rey tweeted that her new record Lust for Life will be out July 21. She’s shared a witchy album trailer and two new songs so far: “Love” and “Lust for Life,” which features the Weeknd (“Coachella – Woodstock In My Mind” is apparently a non-album track). Lust for Life follows 2015’s Honeymoon.

Arcade Fire – Everything Now (July 28)

After months of internet whispers, Arcade Fire return July 28 with Everything Now, produced alongside Daft Punk’s Thomas Bangalter and Pulp’s Steve Mackey. Only the title track is out so far, but the band’s already started to debut more new songs live, including “Signs of Life.” Everything Now is Arcade Fire’s fifth album, and their first for a major label: Columbia Records, with whom the band reportedly signed a two-album deal.

Downtown Boys – Cost of Living (August 11)

Punk rockers Downtown Boys‘ third full-length album is their Sub Pop debut. It’s titled Cost of Living and we’ve heard two songs so far: “Somos Chulas (No Somos Pendejas)” and “The Wall.”

Grizzly Bear – Painted Ruins (August 18)

Grizzly Bear last released new music since 2012, but after sharing a new song called “Three Rings” in early May, they confirmed that a new album is coming our way. There’s even a tour to match. The band has also shared Painted Ruins’ album art and another song called “Mourning Sound.”

The War on Drugs – A Deeper Understanding (August 25)

Also joining the major label club this year: The War on Drugs, now without Kurt Vile but still more than capable of making an 11-minute song (“Thinking of a Place”) you’ll wish lasted 30. Last week, the band released an excellent second single, “Holding On,” and shared the full details for A Deeper Understanding.

Iron & Wine, Beast Epic (August 25)

After a few years away from the indie-folk spotlight, Iron & Wine‘s Sam Beam returns with the newly announced Beast Epic. He’s already shared “Call It Dreaming,” a song sure to please longtime fans.

LCD Soundsystem – TBA (TBA)

We still don’t know exactly when to expect LCD Soundsystem’s new album, but frontman James Murphy recently posted a note on Facebook saying that the record was finished. Split single “Call the Police” and “American Dream” came out in April. LCD Soundsystem’s allegedly final record, This Is Happening, was released in 2010.