New Music Releases for 2011: What to Expect

Like every other year in music, 2010 was full of surprise hits and unforeseen flops. Lady GaGa, Katy Perry, Taio Cruz and Kesha all scored with radio airplay and huge sales, while artists like Gorillaz, M.I.A., Elton John and more didn't quite have the impact they had hoped for. And so it will be in the year 2011. The New Year already promises the return of potentially great music, from artists old and new. Check out what's in store in the coming year:

Pop Spotlight

Lady GaGa

One of the most anticipated albums comes from one of the most popular artists of the past two years. Following the huge success of her smash sets "The Fame" and "Fame Monster," GaGa is all too eager to unleash this one, entitled "Born This Way," on her many fans.

More New Pop Music

Several other big name artists will be returning with new albums in the coming year. Beyonce is looking to match the success of her 2008 double-platinum CD "I Am...Sasha Fierce" with an all new set. Former pop superstar Janet Jackson looks to return to her glory days this February with her first set of new material since 2008's "Discipline." Pop singer Britney Spears is reportedly already working on her follow-up to her 2008 smash "Circus" and rumors have been swirling around a new Madonna CD, as well.

As for the men of pop, expect the sophomore set from American Idol runner-up Adam Lambert, new albums from teen heartthrobs Jesse McCartney and Joe Jonas, and a hopeful return to the spotlight by Latin crooner Ricky Martin.

Alternative Spotlight

Foo Fighters

It's almost hard to believe, but the Foo Fighters have been around for more than fifteen years now. Well, David Groh and the gang have already been working on a new set of songs for their next studio album, the band's 7^th. Drummer Taylor Hawkins tells Spinner that there are already fifteen or so songs the band has been toying with. Though they're still in the beginning stages of creating the album, Hawkins promises it will be out sometime in 2011.

More New Alternative Music

Green Day will be releasing a new, live 2 disc/DVD sometime in March entitled "Awesome as a F**k", with material from their latest tour. British alternative rockers Coldplay had hoped to get their latest out for Christmas 2010, but that hasn't happened. Look for their 5^th album sometime in 2011. Other alternative acts set to release new albums in 2011 include Fiona Apple, Bush, Franz Ferdinand, Lady Antebellum, Panic! At the Disco, The Offspring, Primus, Jane's Addiction, Radiohead, and the Ting Tings.

Rock

Some tried and true, old time rock and roll bands are working on new music set for release in the coming year. Aerosmith has been working on new music for some time now and 2011 brings the possibility of a release, while new Rush ("Clockwork Angels) and U2 ("Songs of Ascent") are more of a sure thing. Other rock bands set to release new material in 2011 include Limp Bizkit, Insane Clown Posse, and Marilyn Manson.

Hip Hop

The Beastie Boys return in 2011 after a cancer scare and almost four years since their last CD, 2007's "The Mix Up." Look for "Hot Sauce Committee, Part 2" to be released sometime in the spring. Busta Rhymes will be releasing a sequel to his 1998 "Extinction Level Event", and expect new stuff from Dr. Dre, Eve, a joint effort by Jay Z and Kanye West ("Watch the Throne"), Wyclef Jean, Outkast, and Latino rapper Pitbull.

Comebacks and Reunions

Blink 182

Spin Magazine has reported that Blink 182 have been working on their first studio album in seven years, following their appearance together at 2009's Grammy Awards Show. The pop punk band last put together a eponymous studio album in 2003 and had been on hiatus since 2005. Bass player Mark Hoppus says the band hopes to release the new album sometime in April or May and that it'll be full of the same "high-energy pop punk" that their fans have been missing.

Return of the 80s

Several acts that were big in the 80's are making returns in 2011, including Blondie ("Panic of Girls"), The Cars (their first in 23 years!), and Human League ("Night People"). Most notable of 80's band reunions is the reported new Culture Club CD anticipated some time in 2011.

Other Comebacks and Reunions

Aside from the notable reunions of prime 80's bands, 2011 promises even more new music from tried and true, but not heard from in a long time, bands. Matchbox Twenty ("More than You Think You Are") is set to release just its third studio album early in 2011, followed by some tour dates. No Doubt returns with their first effort since 2001's "Rock Steady". The Red Hot Chili Peppers are working on their first since 2006's "Stadium Arcadium" and are promising some whole new sounds. Finally, former super band REM returns with their fifteenth studio album.

Amy Winehouse

Troubled singer Amy Winehouse garnered a lot of attention and a lot of fans with her multi-platinum 2006 sophomore release, "Back to Black." Ever since she hit it big with such hits as "Rehab" and "You Know I'm No Good", fans have been clamoring for something new from the talented songstress. Rumors have abounded throughout the past two years that she'd been working on some new stuff, but always to no avail. In July of this year, Winehouse fed the speculation, saying she'd have a whole new set of stuff out this January. We haven't heard much since. We'll just have to see...

Dance/Club

British songstress Estelle will be releasing her much anticipated sophomore effort and DJ/producer Paul Oakenfold brings his first new set since 2006's "A Lively Mind." Hot producer David Guetta will be returning to the spotlight early on in 2011 with "One More Love."

R&B

R&B songstress Jill Scott returns this February with "The Light of the Sun." Chris Brown, Patti Austin, and Kelly Price will be releasing all new sets and Anita Baker hopes to make a rousing comeback with her all new "21^st Century Love." Popular 90's group Az Yet returns with an all new album, "Memory Lane", due out early in the year.

Country

Country music duo Steel Magnolia heads off the New Year with the January release of their eponymous sophomore effort. Other notable 2011 country releases include Lee Ann Womack's "Icon", Billy Rae Cyrus' "I'm American", Lee Ann Rimes "Lady and Gentlemen", Josh Kelly's "Georgia Clay" and as yet untitled projects from Randy Travis, Brad Paisley, and Dolly Parton. Look for an all star tribute album dedicated to the late, great Waylon Jennings on February 8^th.

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