Upcoming Albums in February

Rock, pop, and reggae, oh my! This description barely scratches the surface of the plethora of genres we see in February's upcoming albums. From re-releases to live albums, solo careers to final albums, this month has it all.

George Michael - Faith

In 1987, Michael released his first solo album, Faith, where he wrote and produced every track on the recording, except for one, which he co-wrote. Faith has been remastered, and has been re-released today. Tracks include I Want Your Sex and, of course, Faith. It's no surprise that the album achieved diamond certification in the United States.

 

Ricky Martin - Música + Alma + Sexo

Ricky Martin is back. Released today, Música + Alma + Sexo contains both English and Spanish tracks. Love or hate him, his catchy tunes linger after long they've been played. Check out The Best Thing About Me is You, featuring Joss Stone, and pick your side.

 

Matisyahu - Live at Stubb's I Vol. II

Known for blending traditional Jewish themes with reggae, rock, and hip hop beat-boxing sounds, Matisyahu's live album, released, today, will no doubt satisfy your musical needs with a great beat and compelling message. The album drops today.

 

Nick Carter - I'm Taking Off

On February 2, Nick Carter's solo album, I'm Taking Off, hits shelves everywhere. Better known as one of the members of Backstreet Boys, Carter has been working with OneRepublic singer Ryan Tedder, Ne-Yo, Chris Brown, and many others in preparation.

 

P.J. Harvey - Let England Shake

Musically, Harvey dislikes repeating herself, which results in each of her sounding so different from one to another. She has experimented with a variety of genres, including rock, pop, electronica, and folk. So each album is a surprise! This surprise arrives on February 15.

 

Mogwai - Hardcore Will Never Die, But You Will

Described as post-rock, Mogwai's style has been influenced by bands including MC5, My Bloody Valentine, Sonic Youth, Fugazi, and Slint. Debut album Mogwai Young Team was described as "stunningly dynamic...[shifting] seamlessly from tranquil, bleakly beautiful soundscapes to brain scrambling white noise and sledgehammer riffing." This band tends to compose lengthy guitar-based instrumental pieces that feature dynamic contrast, melodic bass guitar lines, and heavy use of distortion and effects. If you enjoy exceptionally long songs, this might be the album for you. You can pick it up on February 15.

 

Bright Eyes - The People’s Key

The People's Key, the supposed last one of the Bright Eyes saga, will depart from the folk sound their audience is used to. "We're over the Americana, rootsy, whatever that sound is. People say country but I never thought we were very country at all. But whatever that element is or that aesthetic is, I guess it's worn a little thin for me these days. So we very much wanted it to be rocking and, for lack of a better term, contemporary, or modern," stated singer/songwriter and guitarist Conor Oberst. End of an era.

The People's Key is scheduled for a February 15 release, Conor Oberst's birthday.

 

The Dears - Degeneration Street

This Montreal indie band has an orchestral, dark pop sound, and dramatic live shows. Their music has been described as a cross between The Smiths and Serge Gainsbourg with Lightburn's singing voice being likened to Morrissey, and Blur's Damon Albarn. The complexity of the music and arrangements has also been compared to Radiohead, Jethro Tull, and early Genesis. If that doesn't get you excited about Degeneration Street, I don't know what will. Check the album out on February 15.

 

Adele - 21

Adele is a multi-Grammy Awards winner. This album, 21, has a sound described as having classic and contemporary roots, as well as embodying a country music vibe. The change in sound from her first album was the result of her bus driver playing contemporary Nashville music when she was touring the American South. Her first single, "Rolling in the Deep," is described by Adele as a "dark bluesy gospel disco tune." The single entered the UK charts at #2 while the album 21 went straight into #1 on January 30. The album was released in the United Kingdom on January 24, and will be released in the United States on February 22.