19 albums you need to hear in January, including new works by Iggy Pop, Kimbra, and Sam Smith

Fresh music from the likes of Ladytron, Margo Price, and John Cale, will also get the new year off to a strong start

By Gabrielle Sanchez, Bryan Reesman, Peter Helman, Stephen Thomas Erlewine  |  December 26, 2022 | 2:00pm
Music News Sam Smith
19 albums you need to hear in January, including new works by Iggy Pop, Kimbra, and Sam Smith
Iggy Pop, Kimbra, Ladytron, Sam Smith Graphic: Karl Gustafson

A new year is just around the corner, with its promises of renewal and a fresh start—and that means we’ve got another whole year of music releases to look forward to. With a solid lineup of new albums in January from the likes of Iggy Pop, Sam Smith, Kimbra, Samia, King Tuff, it looks like 2023 will get off to a strong start.

previous arrowSam Smith, Gloria [January 27] next arrow
Sam Smith, Kim Petras - Unholy (Official Music Video)

Although they made their name on big, weepy piano ballads, Sam Smith is at their best when they embrace pure pop euphoria. Smith has said that their new album Gloria, titled after their name for the “voice in my head that just says, ‘You can do it,’” is centered on queer joy. In addition to the previously released single “Love Me More” and the Kim Petras-assisted number one hit “Unholy,” Gloria will feature songs with Jessie Reyez, Koffee, and Ed Sheeran. “Gloria got me through some dark times and was a beacon for me in my life,” Smith says. “I hope it can be that for you.”[Peter Helman]

10 Comments

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Share Tweet Submit Pin