October is looking to be a bigger month for music than September. Despite some exciting albums last month, October is expecting some more mainstream releases that the general public might gravitate much more towards.
Taylor Swift - Midnights: Not much is known about the pop star’s soon to be tenth album (her first body of new work since 2020). In a surprise announcement at the MTV Music Awards August 28, Swift described Midnights as “a journey through terrors and sweet dreams.” The songs were written during some of Swift’s sleepless nights. The album is produced by frequent collaborator, Jack Antonoff, known for his production on albums such as Melodrama (Lorde), NFR! (Lana Del Rey), Sling (Clairo), and Dedicated (Carly Rae Jepson). Antonoff has also produced all of Swift’s albums since her 2014 hit, 1989. Midnights has had no singles released and will drop October 21.
Carly Rae Jepson - The Loneliest Time: The fifth studio album by pop singer Carly Rae Jepson was developed as an early quarantine project. A sonic departure from the booming synth-oriented dance tracks of her previous albums (Emotion and Dedicated), The Loneliest Time explores many different production styles and lyrics. With three singles released, “Western Wind”, “Beach House”, and “Talking to Yourself”, it’s obvious she has dropped some of her retro inspired beats that were the reason many listeners dissatisfied with modern pop flocked to her. How this will go over with diehard fans is yet to be determined, but luckily there should be some of those classic Carly tracks included on the album for them to enjoy. The Loneliest Time will be released October 21.
Zella Day - Sunday in Heaven: Though not a widely known artist, Day recently collaborated with sad-pop trailblazer Lana Del Rey on Del Rey’s seventh album (Chemtrails Over The Country Club). Day’s own discography includes just one album, Kicker, released over seven years ago, and one EP, Where Does The Devil Hide, from mid 2020. Day released five singles for Sunday in Heaven: “Dance for Love”, “Girls”, “Golden”, “Radio Silence”, and “Mushroom Punch”. The album’s singles reveal a folk inspired psychedelic pop route. She’s added more funk beats as well creating an interesting and lighthearted sound for the album. Sunday in Heaven drops October 14.
Arctic Monkeys - The Car: The forthcoming seventh studio album by rock supergroup Arctic Monkeys was announced August 24. Only two singles have been released as of now, “Body Paint” and “There’d Better Be a Mirrorball.” The singles are laid back, opting for smooth jazz inspired beats and production. Vocally, lead singer, Alex Turner, sings in a higher key than previous albums, almost breathy at times. The songs also invoke cinematic string backings making them sound quite theatrical. Though a departure from previous sounds, fans should enjoy the album which drops October 21.
The 1975 - Being Funny in a Foreign Language: The fifth studio album by English group The 1975 is yet another indie rock record. Filled with 80s coded production and focused heavily on vocals, this was yet another record produced by super producer Jack Antonoff. The band sought out Ant’s help because of their respect for his work with Lana Del Rey. At times the singles can sound eerily similar to Antonoff’s own work under the stage name The Bleachers—though this mimicry isn’t necessarily a fault, as they do sound good. With four singles out, “Part of the Band”, “Happiness”, “I’m in love with you”, and “All I need to Hear”, the album will drop October 14.
Tove Lo - Dirt Femme: This month, Swedish pop singer Tove Lo is set to release her fifth studio album. She describes the album as contradictory having multiple song styles for all moods. With deeper lyrics than boast albums, it highlights a trend of new music being more introspective. Still a quintessential pop album like her others, she’s released four singles, “How Long”, “No One Dies from Love”, “True Romance”, and “2 Die 4”. Fans can expect this album October 14.