5. Elbow – ‘Little Fictions’ – Out February 3 on Polydor
Announced in 2016, Elbow’s follow-up record to 2014 release ‘The Take Off And Landing Of Everything’ is now finally right around the corner. Colourful artwork and some of the band’s most unique and compelling material of their career to-date makes this not only one of February’s must-listens, but one of the year’s most exciting releases announced so far. The LP release is followed by an extensive tour across the UK and Ireland, which will be the group’s first tour as a four-piece following the departure of drummer Richard Jupp in 2016.
4. Big Sean – ‘I Decided’ – Out February 3 on Def Jam
Big Sean is releasing his most ambitious album ever with this concept record, circling around the idea of rebirth and showing a present day and older version of the singer on the album artwork. During an appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, he gave more insight into the record and its title, rapping the final verse of his song ‘Bounce Back’: “I decided that counting money never feel as good as counting blessings… I decided for the first time in my life no second guessing. I decided in the moment and time right now who the best is. I’m the best.”
3. Rag’n’Bone Man – ‘Human’ – Out February 10 on Columbia
Working with producers Two Inch Punch, Jonny Coffer and Mark Crew on the songs for his debut record release ‘Human’, Rag’n’Bone man continues to go from strength to strength following his momentous win of the Critics’ Choice Award ahead of this year’s BRITs. The singer-songwriter will be hoping to match the success of titular debut single ‘Human’, which peaked at number one in Austria, Germany, Belgium and Switzerland.
2. The Orwells – ‘Terrible Human Beings’ – Out February 17 on Atlantic
Returning with their third studio album, American band The Orwells are back with ‘Terrible Human Beings’, produced by Jim Abbiss who worked with the group on their previous album. Delivering 13 new tracks to their fans, the group of five will be looking to build on the foundations of their previous success with this new release. If the full product sounds anything like what we’ve heard so far, we can’t wait to hear how the record turns out!
1. Ryan Adams – ‘Prisoner’ – Out February 17 on Paxam
Ryan Adams is gearing up for his 16th(!) studio album this year via his own label, having teased the record with a pair of new releases at the back-end of 2016. Citing the LP as being influenced by both professional and personal goings-on, we’ll surely be listening to some hugely emotional tracks come ‘Prisoner’s release following Adams divorce from Mandy Moore. He previously said to Japanese publication The Japan Times: “To be me and to go through that the way that I did was destructive on a level that I can’t explain. So a lot of extra work went into keeping my chin up and remembering what I did and what I loved about who I was.”
Tagged in Elbow Ryan Adams Big Sean Rag'n'Bone Man