With vinyl sales at their highest level for thirty years, streaming services continuing to grow even further in popularity, and even the humble cassette tape making a comeback, it’s clear that the music industry is as popular as ever - even if it’s harder than ever for artists to earn a living.
Last year saw a plenty of huge releases, with Adele, Ed Sheeran, Abba and Olivia Rodrigo leading sales, while the likes of Little Simz, Sault, Arlo Parks and Dry Cleaning produced critically-acclaimed records.
Now we can look forward to more of the same in 2022, with new albums from The Cure, Arctic Monkeys, BTS, Harry Styles and Lizzo all the in the pipeline.
Here are 10 of the most intriguing set to drop in January.
A message from the Editor:
Thank you for reading this article. We're more reliant on your support than ever as the shift in consumer habits brought about by Coronavirus impacts our advertisers.
If you haven't already, please consider supporting our trusted, fact-checked journalism by taking out a digital subscription.
. Albums January
Some of the artists releasing highly-anticipated albums in January 2022. Photo: Getty Images
1. Sinead O'Connor
One of the most anticipated albums of the whole year, Sinead O'Connor's 'No Veteran Dies Alone' may be the controversial Irish superstar's last record. Photo: Jason Kempin
2. Yard Act
After releasing a great run of singles Leeds post-punk outfit Yard Act release debut album 'The Overload' on Island Records on January 7. Photo: Yard Act
3. Eels
January 28 will see the release of Eels latest album 'Extreme Witchcraft'. Charismatic lead singer Mr E has been the one constant in the ever-changing American rock band's career, spanning 14 studio albums. Photo: Frederick M. Brown
4. Blood Red Shoes
Relased on January 14, 'Ghosts on Tape' is duo Blood Red Shoes' seventh studio album. It's said to mark a major deprture for the band - with a more gothic sound bringing to mind the films of David Lynch. Photo: Blood Red Shoes