Top 5 Anticipated Albums for the Rest of 2018
For this list, we're looking at the most highly anticipated albums predicted to be released by the end of the year. Some of these artists have yet to announce a specific release date, but all signs point towards a 2018 publication.
#5: “Trench”
Twenty One Pilots
Due to the chart-topping success of the duo's fourth studio album, expectations are through the roof for Tyler Joseph and Josh Dun's 2018 follow-up. Shaping up to be a concept album centering around a fictional character trying to escape a city known as Dema, Twenty One Pilots might be preparing to release their most ambitious project to date with Trench. While the two lead singles failed to match the commercial success of "Stressed Out" or "Heathens," they showed that Twenty One Pilots will continue to experiment and blend genres. Reaching the same heights as "Blurryface" would be a tall order for anyone; nevertheless, "Trench" should still be worth a listen.
#4: “Simulation Theory”
Muse
For a band that has been around since the late '90s, Muse continues to test out new sounds in an attempt to keep up with the times. Even if not every excursion is well received by fans, a new album is always worth a listen just to see what Matt Bellamy and company are up to. Accompanied by videos soaked in '80s nostalgia, "Simulation Theory's" four singles showoff the band's diversity, with "Thought Contagion" being particularly well received. Whether aping popular trends like in "Dig Down" or "Something Human's" unexpected indie rock feel,Muse is nothing if not unpredictable.
#3: “Mitsubishi Macchiato”
Vampire Weekend
Announced in 2016 right after Rostam Batmanglij's departure from the band, fans have been waiting quite a while for the successor to 2013's Grammy Award-winning album. Formed in 2006, Vampire Weekend is among the biggest names in the modern alternative rock scene, and lead singer Ezra Koenig has often spoken about the importance of evolving to avoid stagnation. Koenig has dedicated the best part of 2018 to hyping up the band's fourth studio release and even cited Kanye West, of all people, as an influence; frankly, "Mitsubishi Macchiato" cannot arrive soon enough.
#2: “Oxnard Ventura”
Anderson .Paak
"Venice" and "Malibu" rank among the best R&B and hip-hop records of their respective years, and - if the singles are anything to go by – this California rapper/drummer seems set to continue this incredible run of form. Named after the artist's hometown, "Oxnard Ventura" promises to offer even more insight into Anderson Paak's personal struggles, while perhaps also serving as a celebration of the rapper's recent victories. The two released singles, "'Til It's Over" and "Bubblin," highlight many elements that define Paak's music, and they should only be the tip of the iceberg.
#1: “Iridescence”
BROCKHAMPTON
Dropping three studio albums during the second half of 2017, Brockhampton's meteoric rise seemed to be at the risk of losing steam after Ameer Vann was fired. Dropping arguably its most consistent rapper, many wondered whether the hip-hop group would be able to fill the void. Fortunately, any such fears should have subsided once Brockhampton started to release songs from 2018's "Iridescence." Backed by infectious but not overbearing production, the remaining members have dished out nothing but stellar verses and appear to be going from strength to strength.

