After Beyonce's unexpected self-titled album drop in 2014, the U.S. music industry shifted towards “New Music Friday,” a somewhat-designated day for artists to release new albums, songs, and other projects. This spring, many of music’s biggest names have released or announced albums: J. Cole, Taylor Swift, Beyonce, and Ariana Grande, to name a few. With summer quickly approaching, music listeners can expect a plethora of new singles, albums, and even tours!
Bryson Tiller by Bryson Tiller: The self-titled fourth studio album by Bryson Tiller is an R&B project that was dropped on Friday, April 5 as a “surprise album.” Victoria Monet is featured on “Persuasion,” the fourth track of the album. Other notable songs include “Whatever She Wants,” “Attention,” “Assume the Position,” and “CALYPSO.” Tiller will also be going on tour this summer.
Might Delete Later by J. Cole: Released as a surprise “mixtape” on April 5, Might Delete Later is a 12-track album and J. Cole’s first release since 2021. The album’s first song, “Pricey,” has a unique sound, with features from R&B singer Ari Lennox, as well as rappers Young Dro and Gucci Mane. The final track of the album, “7 Minute Drill,” takes a jab at Kendrick Lamar, who dissed Cole on “Like That” with Future and Metro Boomin just a few weeks prior.
Ehhthang Ehhthang by GloRilla: The Memphis native released her third rap album on April 5. With 12 tracks and features from Megan thee Stallion and Moneybagg Yo, Ehhthang Ehhthang is a great summer album, especially since GloRilla will be opening for Megan thee Stallion this summer on tour.
Older by Lizzy McAlpine: Lizzy McAlpine, a Philadelphia-born and raised singer/songwriter, released her third album on April 5. Older is more mature than her past projects, diving into the hardships of growing up and experiencing your 20s. My early favorite is “All Falls Down,” an upbeat track that perfectly highlights McAlpine’s ability to combine cheery, silly background instrumentals with lyrics that will leave listeners pondering.
WE STILL DON'T TRUST YOU by Future and Metro Boomin: WE STILL DON'T TRUST YOU is a follow-up album to WE DON'T TRUST YOU, which was released by the rapper/producer duo in March. The 25-track album includes features from The Weeknd, Lil Baby, and A$AP Rocky. Both drops were planned, though the dissant nature gives the album an edge, making it popular in the public eye almost immediately.
Cowboy Carter by Beyonce: This album was released on March 29, but it just feels wrong to not include one of the most popular new albums this year. In true Beyonce fashion, she transforms and elevates from what is typically considered traditional country music; “Queen Bey” uses influences and features of the country genre while still making the album her own. With covers of “Blackbird” by The Beatles and her own take on “Jolene” by Dolly Parton, the most recent Beyonce album is nothing short of entertaining, fun, and transformative.
Scarlet 2 CLAUDE by Doja Cat: Continuing the trend of unexpected drops, Doja Cat released the deluxe version of her 2023 album Scarlet on April 5. Though the album was leaked two days before it's release, Doja Cat and fans remained unbothered and receptive to the new album. Teezo Touchdown and A$AP Rocky are featured on two of the new songs from the deluxe.
The Tortured Poets Department by Taylor Swift: The highly anticipated eleventh studio album from the dominant pop star was released on April 19.
Other April releases: Fireworks & Rollerblades by Benson Boone, WE STILL DON’T TRUST YOU by Future and Metro Boomin, NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE by ERNEST, att. By Young Miko, It’s Us Vol. 1 by Concrete Boys and Lil Yachty.
To view a calendar of all April releases: https://genius.com/Genius-april-2024-album-release-calendar-annotated
Ryen Hawkey
