The start of a new decade brings us not only debuts from newer bands, but also returns from many of our favorite artists -- that after a long enough hiatus, we wondered if they were ever coming back. Whether the album has gotten the critics' attention or created buzz on the web, we've got a list of the best music of 2010 to look out for, covering everything from country trio Lady Antebellum to mixtape mogul Drake. Note: they are in no particular order. Check out the list after the jump, and let us know what albums you think will end up making year-end lists as the best music of 2010.
Sade, 'Soldier of Love' (Feb. 8)
The soul/jazz queen is back after a 10-year hiatus. We hadn't heard word since the release of her multi-platinum 'Lovers Rock' back in 2000, but after hearing her lead single (with the same name), it's clear she still has the distinctive pipes and rhythmic tunes. I mean, she even looks the same.
Vampire Weekend, 'Contra' (Jan. 12)
The album's West Coast vibe already has us hooked. With already two released singles: energetic 'Cousins' with 'La Bamba' sounding guitar riffs, and paradise-sounding 'Horchata' with xylophone beats, we already feel as though we're at the beach... "in December drinking horchata."
Amy Winehouse, [Untitled] (TBA)
Word on the street is our favorite soul singer will be dropping her third studio album sometime in 2010 through Island Records, following her 2006 Grammy Award-winning 'Back to Black.' It's not too often that indie darlings and pop fanatics fall in love with the same music. According to Island co-president, "I've heard a few songs, demo tapes, which absolutely chandeliers me."
Interpol, 'Untitled' (TBA)
Turns out New York-based post-punk crew weren't too pleased with the outcome of their 2007 major label debut, 'Our Love to Admire,' which put them back in the studio, working on their fourth album. Drummer Sam Fogarino told 'Paste,' "The new record falls back towards the first ... that big wash of reverb? It's back. I personally brought two reverb tanks to the studio that our engineer fell in love with."
Game, 'The R.E.D. Album' (March 23)
Short for "re-dedication" (no affiliation with the Bloods), Game returns to Interscope records with Maestro, Cool & Dre and JR Rotem producing the LP, which features Lil Wayne and Gucci Mane.
Spoon, 'Transference' (Jan. 26)
We are ever-so-excited for the debut of Spoon's seventh album, and first full-length since 2007's 'Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga.' With a Joy Division-sounding bassline in 'Got Nuffin,' 'Written in Reverse' as their lead single, and album artwork by photographer William Eggleston ... circa 1970, we know this indie group won't disappoint us.
Blink-182, [Untitled] (TBA)
The recently reunited trio are working on an album expected to release in later 2010. Bassist/singer Mark Hoppus tweeted in November " that he "might produce a few things before Blink-182 goes into the studio in January." Hooray!
Hellyeah, [Untitled] (TBA)
It seems as though supergroups are the new trend -- at least it's a great way to take a break from your band and try out a new sound without having to stop playing. This heavy metal group, consisting of the great Pantera/Rebel Meets Rebel/Damageplan drummer Vinnie Paul as well as members of Mudvayne and Nothingface, hit the studio early this year. No word yet on track list, but the album is projected to drop sometime in Spring.
Gorillaz, 'Plastic Beach' (March 9)
We haven't heard any new material since 2005's 'Demon Days,' so hearing that Damon Alburn has been brewing up tracks in the studio makes us ever-so-giddy. The third album from our favorite hip-hop virtual band is expected to feature Snoop Dogg, Lou Reed, Mos Def, Bobby Womack and Barry Gibb. In an interview with the UK's 'Guardian,' Albarn says, "[I] worked a lot harder on my lyrics and my melodies [to make them] clear on this album."
My Chemical Romance, [Untitled] (TBA)
A record celebrating rock 'n' roll, their not-yet-titled album is produced by heavyweight Brendan O'Brien (who recently worked on Pearl Jam's 'Backspacer and Bruce Springsteen's 'Working on a Dream.') Lead vocalist Gerard Way tells 'Rolling Stone' the album has "no bells and whistles, as the focus has been on melody and songwriting. If it doesn't work in a room with just the five of us, we aren't trying to make it work in the studio with effects and string sections." So far 'Trans Am' and 'Death before Disco' rock; can't wait to hear the rest.
Lady Antebellum, 'Need You Now' (Jan. 26)
After their success of their self-titled debut and another two Grammy nods, this trio is well on their way to produce another successful contemporary country album. "We are pouring our hearts into writing this new album," says guitarist/pianist Dave Haywood. "The songs are more personal, the production is bigger and I think we are in a stronger place vocally than we've ever been ..." Their lead single -- which made our 2009 top country list -- shows paramount duets by Scott and Kelley and their vulnerability in love and companionship.Slash, 'Slash & Friends' (April 6)
I know we put a lot of pressure on the elite rockers – and expect nothing less than sublime when they go solo or take years to compile an album. But one of the best guitar artists during the hair ballad days is debuting his first solo album in 2010 --- with Eric Valentine (The All-American Rejects, Good Charlotte, Queens of the Stone Age) helming the sessions, as well as bassist Chris Chaney and drummer Josh Freese working on the tracks. What's more, is Slash has got some pretty nifty friends who want to help on his project: Alice Cooper, Chris Cornell, Fergie, Kid Rock, Meet Loaf, Ozzy Osbourne, Dave Grohl, and Nicole Sherzinger.
Red Hot Chili Peppers, [Untitled] (Oct. 2010)
RHCP are one of those bands that keep evolving as music does – and they surprise us every time, with a different-sounding album, filled with a new batch of catchy singles to fall in love with. According to 'Clash' magazine, the band is working on their 10th studio album, following their double disc 'Stadium Arcadium.' People are speculating a Radiohead electro-back beat might make it on the new album, with Flea having recently played with Thom Yorke's solo band. No word yet, but Smith confirmed there are some piano-lead melodies on the album.
Devo, 'Fresh' (May 2010)
The band that amused us in a sort of Brian Eno futuristic (I-don't-really-get-you-but-I-dig it) way havebeen working on new material the last couple of years, which they will debut in April 2010 at Coachella Music Festival. This will be their first album in 20 years, which according to lead singer Mark Mothersbaugh, will include remixers John Hill Greg Kurstin and get this; Santigold. Not that Devo isn't already innovative, but Santigold? This avant-garde collaboration could be mind-blowing.
Nick Jonas & the Administration, 'Who I Am' (Feb. 2)
Admit it, behind the mop of curls, dimples and hipster jeans, there's some talent amongst the Jonas Brothers. So we're sad little Nick is going solo – but come on, we all know he's the most talented of the three, which is no small feat. And so far, we're impressed with the pop/rock-sounding lead single (with the same name as the album) that the band debuted at the Grammy noms Dec. 2. The Administration (aka Nick's squad) is comprised of drummer Michael Bland, keyboardist Tommy Barbarella, and guitarist David Ryan Harris. And get this: the band and producer John Fields cut the album in just eight days.
No Doubt, [Untitled] (TBA)
Following their reunion tour in spring/summer of '09, the band is finally releasing their first album in seven years. No news on the album title or exact release date in 2010, but drummer Adrian Young confirmed with MTV that they've been working on a new record this past year. The new decade could use some ska punk and attitude amidst the dance/pop chart-toppers.
Drake, 'Thank Me Later' (March 30)
The new Young Money member and protege to Lil Wayne has a following no PR agency or record label could produce. Now he has two Grammy nominations for his single 'Best I Ever Had' and Young Money / Universal Motown backing his first album. Sure, he's got a cocky-titled debut, but he can pull that off since he has Jay-Z, Kayne West, Boi-1da, and Dream all making appearances on his forthcoming release.
Usher, 'Raymond v. Raymond' (March 30)
2008 'Here I Stand' received mixed reviews, mostly because the album was being compared to the foreplay in 'Confessions.' But Usher's new album weighs in on personal experiences, which could be a great breakthrough for him. Producer Bryan Michael Cox told MTV: "I think Usher is in a place where he really wants to express what's going on in his life, as any artist would. All the greats did it. Marvin Gaye did 'Here, My Dear.' All the greats express where they are personally." This reflection is evident with Usher's two released singles 'Papers,' addressing the end of his marriage and 'Hey Daddy (Daddy's Home),' which proves the crooner is back on the market.
Trace Adkins, 'Trace Adkins' (TBA)
Trace recently released 'Ala-Freakin-Bama,' although the song will not be a part of his upcoming 2010 album. The song pays tribute to Skynyrd, Bear Bryant, and the University of Alabama Football team. Does the song possibly hint at what's to come from Trace? We'll have to wait and see, as not much is known yet about the new album at this point.
Christina Aguilera, 'Bionic' (April 2010)
Turns out Christina caught the electro, synth/pop bug. Sia, M.I.A., Santigold, Goldfrapp, and Ladytron are all collaborating on her fourth studio album, 'Bionic.' And Christina credits her interest in a "futuristic sound" to the little tyke, her son Max. But despite the change in music genre Aguilera's manager Irving Azoff assures us "if you are a Christina Aguilera fan, this new record will be exactly what you're looking for."
