With the expanse of January looming, we round up the most anticipated albums due in 2023 – from Slowthai to Grimes and Gorillaz to Paramore.

As everyone’s albums of the year lists draw to a close, it’s time to turn attention towards the records that will define 2023. From Grimes’ “space opera” to Paramore’s Bloc Party-inspired ‘This Is Why’, here are seven projects to look forward to in the new year.

‘Don’t Be Dumb’ by A$AP Rocky

During a recent gig for Amazon Music Live, A$AP Rocky revealed that his new album, ‘Don’t Be Dumb’, is ready for release. Little is known about the record, other than that Metro Boomin features heavily on production. Despite being four years since ‘Testing’, the Harlem native has been busy dropping singles like “D.M.B” and “Shittin’ Me” this year.

‘UGLY’ by Slowthai

“Album 3 done. Ugly”, posted Slowthai to Instagram recently. Speculation began earlier in the year when his manager dropped hints in a Reddit forum, which were confirmed by the Northampton native just a few weeks ago. On Thai’s most recent tour, he debuted a slew of unreleased singles, including a collaboration with Fontaines D.C. Whether they’ll make the album, though, is yet to be confirmed.

‘Book 1’ by Grimes

Taking to Twitter in September to announce the album’s completion, Grimes has drip-fed fans information on new music for months. Currently, the Vancouver born alt-pop extraordinaire has 20 tracks which she plans to release in two parts. ‘Book 1’ is set for release this year and will follow Grimes’ fifth album ‘Miss Anthropocene’.

‘Cracker Island’ by Gorillaz

‘Cracker Island’ is the eighth studio album from Gorillaz. Featuring names such as Bad Bunny, Tame Impala and Thundercat, the record was finished in May this year and announced shortly after. “New Gold”, with its trancey grooves, is our pick from the singles so far.

‘Did You know That There’s a Tunnel Under Ocean Blvd’ by Lana Del Rey

Dreamy in tone, Lana Del Rey’s title track and lead single from her ninth album is a hazy summertime anthem. The opulent poeticness forebodes another noir-pop journey on the new record, which will be released 10th March 2023.

‘This Is Why’ by Paramore

Paramore’s sixth full-length album, ‘This Is Why’, promises to break new ground. Lead singer Hayley Williams says that the record is partly inspired by Bloc Party, and on its title track, hooky indie riffs are submerged in its entirety. Fans have waited a while for new Paramore, but if the record lives up to its singles, it will be worth it.

‘Heavy Heavy’ by Young Fathers

Releasing via Ninja Tune, ‘Heavy Heavy’ is Young Father’s first album since 2018’s ‘Cocoa Sugar’. Having won the Mercury Prize back in 2014, the Edinburgh post-trip-hop trio have made an everlasting impact on Britain’s musical landscape. The 10-track project will hit shelves and streaming services from 3rd February 2023.