For music lovers, the past year has been odd to say the least. While many new records offered moments of escape during the long days of self-isolation – dancefloor-ready bops from Dua Lipa Nostalgia for the future and The Weeknd’s After hours, to the intimacy directly inspired by the lockdown of Taylor Swift folklore and Charli XCX’s how i feel now– many of the most anticipated albums of 2020 have either been delayed or, in some cases, shelved entirely.

And to top it off, during a year where live music was lacking, we could only dance to our favorite records from within our own four walls. (Or maybe it’s just me throwing shapes at Jessie Ware’s disco bangers alone in my room on a Monday night?)

Now, however, as we tentatively re-enter civilization, there’s not just a slew of new records to look forward to, but the promise of seeing our favorite artists again comes temptingly closer, as musicians begin to publish their tour schedules for an article -vax world. So what exactly will we be listening to in these stadiums and concert halls when they open towards the end of the year?

Here find VogueThe pick of the most anticipated albums this summer, which you can expect to sell gigs in this fall. Go to the first row.

Liz Phair, Sober (June 4)

Kicking off next week is legendary singer-songwriter Liz Phair, whose upcoming album Sober seems to be as provocative as it is profound. She describes her first record in 11 years as a tribute to the bands that inspired her to make music in her early years as an art school student, including The Psychedelic Furs, Talking Heads, The Velvet Underground and Laurie Anderson. Reflecting on her journey through addiction and motherhood over the past decade with searing intimate lyrics, the record’s darkest moments are lifted with a deliciously bouncy, inflected ’90s sound that echoes the era of her rise to stardom – one, of course, that she helped define.

Sleater-Kinney, Way of well-being (June 11)

Since its redesign in 2014, first-generation riot grrrl group Sleater-Kinney has proven its willingness to experiment with new sound textures and traverse unexpected lyrical terrain, notably on its daring 2019 record produced by Saint-Vincent. , The center will not hold. Since their longtime drummer Janet Weiss left the band, Way of well-being marks the first disc of Sleater-Kinney written in duet; it is also completely self-produced. Promising to be the ultimate distillation of the band’s irrepressible, punk energy, it’s a riff-laden celebration of Sleater-Kinney’s enduring influence, with some very candid lyrics to go with it.

Lana del Rey, Blue ramps (4th July)

Barely three months after the release of his latest album, March’s Chemtrails on the Country Club, Lana Del Rey continues her career as the most prolific musician working in pop today, releasing her eighth album in 11 years, Blue ramps, this July. After the surprise release of three tracks from the album last week, which seem to pick up where it left off ChemtrailsThe dark and atmospheric dive of American femininity in the 21st century, the razor-sharp lyrics and ravishing production of Del Rey will surely be a soundtrack to many lazy afternoons once the hottest days roll in.

Billie Eilish, Happier than ever (July 30)

Billie Eilish is back! (But then again, did she ever really get the chance to leave?) After winning the Grammys’ Record of the Year trophy two years in a row, Eilish debuted “Your Power,” the lead single from his next album Happier than ever, alongside the unveiling of a new platinum blonde look that marks the growing maturity and artistic evolution of the 19-year-old musician. As lyrically incisive as ever, the song sees Eilish taking on a predator of the music industry; indicating that she will move to more personal ground on her second album – but not without the signature, quirky production flourishes that made her debut so exhilarating.

Bleachers, Take out the sadness of Saturday night (July 30)

Jack Antonoff is perhaps now best known as the producer of the crème de la crème of indie pop – Taylor Swift, Lorde, St. Vincent, Carly Rae Jepsen, among others – but he has also managed to continue his solo project, Bleachers, which he first launched in 2014. A charming, fanboy-ish celebration of ’80s pop that wouldn’t feel out of place with a soundtrack of a John Hughes classic, the songs he released until now have all the charm of his collaborations with some of the biggest stars in music. (There’s even a track with Antonoff’s hero Bruce Springsteen in the mix.)

Lil Nas X, Montero (date to be confirmed)

At this point, Lil Nas X has more than proven he’s no flash in the pan. Despite the runaway success of his hit “Old Town Road,” the 22-year-old rapper continued to raise the stakes in terms of sound and style, especially with his latest number one song, “Montero (Call Me By Your Name ), ”And the incredibly ambitious video that came with it, which saw him slide down a pole in hell and give Satan a lap-dance. Release of her next single, “Sun Goes Down”, on Saturday Night Live this past weekend – a crooner-worthy ballad that perfectly shows the vocal talents of Lil Nas X – all we can say for this one is expect the unexpected. There is clearly a lot more stuff up the sleeve of Lil Nas X.

Nameless, Factory baby (date to be confirmed)