The 50 Most Anticipated Albums For the Rest of 2012

This year's already had some great releases, but a lot more are on the way.

September 24, 2012

Image via Complex Original

2012 has been a great year for music, but the show is still far from over. With a little over three months to go until the new year, we're still anxiously awaiting the release of a number of projects. Some have firm release dates. Others have been discussed and contemplated by artists to the point that it's clear that the musician and their label would prefer a release within this calendar year.

As a result, Q4 looks extremely promising. Debut albums from hip-hop stars like Meek Mill and A$AP Rocky are on the horizon. Veteran rock stars like No Doubt are returning with new material. Then there's an enigma like The Weeknd emerging from obscurity for an official retail release. And that's just the tip of the iceberg. There's so much more good music on the way that's worth getting excited about.

It's only fitting that we put together this list of the 50 Most Anticipated Albums For the Rest of 2012, outlining what you can expect these upcoming releases, and when. Continue reading to see why this year is about to close out with a bang, no matter what type of music you're into.

50. Main Attrakionz, Bossalinis & Fooliyones

Release Date: 10/23/2012
Label: Young One

The Oakland duo's album is set to feature guest appearances from Gucci Mane, Shady Blaze, and Mon$ta, as well as production from Harry Fraud. It's this project that could take the buzzed-about underground collective to the next level. They've successfully cultivated interested with sick mixtapes and videos up until this point, but this is the the platform from the trippy-minded MCs to prove that they're more than just blog stars.

49. Boys Noize, Out of the Black

Release Date: 10/16/2012
Label: Boysnoize

Boys Noize’s latest effort will be a return to the raw and rough bass sounds of the German DJ’s roots. The first track off the album, “XTC," dropped in July and gave us a sample of the new sound. Snoop Lion aka Snoop Dogg, will be the only feature on the album. EDM definitely bangs the hardest at summer music festivals, but Out of the Black promises to show that the genre can knock all year long.

RELATED: The 10 Sexiest Women in EDM

48. Trash Talk, <119

Release Date: 10/9/2012
Label: Odd Future

California punk band Trash Talk’s upcoming album will be their first project released through Odd Future Records. After signing with the label this spring, the punk outfit spent the summer touring with Spaceghostpurrp and releasing wild videos directed by Tyler, the Creator. The band is already known for their crazy shows, but now they have to impress us with a full-lenth record of their music. It should be an interesting sight to behold.

47. Mumford & Sons, Babel

Release Date: 9/25/2012
Label: Glassnote/Island

"If it ain't broke, don't fix it" is a phrase often heard. It's not easy to follow up a debut album as great as Sigh No More, so it makes sense that the indie folk band had producer Markus Dravs come back to helm their second studio album, too. Does this mean that more Grammy awards are in the band's future?

46. Green Day, iUno!

Release Date: 9/25/2012
Label: Reprise

America's biggest (and most hated?) punk rock band is back. Billie Joe Armstrong and company present iUno!, iDos!, and iTre! All three studio albums are set to be released as part of a trilogy from September 2012 to January 2013. When everyone thought the band was past its prime, they found massive success with 2004's American Idiot. You can never count them out.

45. Machine Gun Kelly, Lace Up

Release Date: 10/9/2012
Label: Bad Boy/Interscope

Cleveland native, Machine Gun Kelly, has graced the cover of XXL’s Freshman issue, been voted a breakthrough MC by MTV and even slid onto our list of the 25 best rappers 25 and under, all without a proper debut. Lace Up is set to be announce MGK's arrival on a grand scale.

44. Keyshia Cole, Woman to Woman

Release Date: October
Label: Interscope/Geffen

Keyshia Cole is making her way back from a short hiatus. The R&B songstress, having recently given birth to a baby boy, is back with a Weezy-assisted hit single ("Enough of No Love"), a new reality TV show with husband and NBA star Daniel Gibson, and finally, Woman To Woman, her sixth studio album. After Calling All Hearts didn't meet expectations in 2010, consider this a comeback.

43. Matt & Kim, Lightning

Release Date: 10/2/2012
Label: Fader Label

Matt Johnson and Kim Schifino won't be running around Times Square in the nude this time, but the indie pop act is still set to impress. First single "Let's Go" is already a winner. Perhaps rock critics will finally stop hating on what some perceive to be the duo's occassionally gimmicky style.

42. Brandy, Two Eleven

Release Date: 10/16/2012
Label: RCA/Chameleon

Fans who missed those classic R&B joints from Brandy should be pleased to hear that she's making her way back after releasing Human back in 2008. Her Chris Brown-assisted banger "Put It Down" is making the rounds already. There should be more hits in store on this project.

41. Ca$h Out, Patience

Release Date: 10/26/2012
Label: Epic

First L.A. Reid took him under his wing and signed him to Epic Records, and then Ca$h Out made his mark all over the airwaves with one of catchiest records of the year, "Cashing Out." Now, the Southern MC is about to release his debut album and make an attempt to show the world he isn't just a one-hit wonder who's riding around with that Nina. Don't be surprised if this guy turns out more hits out of nowhere.

40. Cee Lo Green, Cee-Lo's Magic Moment

Release Date: 10/30/2012
Label: Elektra

Christmas is the most wonderful time of the year, and Cee Lo Green will play the role of Santa Claus bearing musical gifts on Cee Lo's Magic Moment. We need a new, contemporary take on the holiday's classic songs, so we're not mad at this. Not one bit. Cee Lo is the right guy for this project, too.

39. No Doubt, Push and Shove

Release Date: 9/25/2012
Label: Interscope

It's always good to see a band reunite, and in this case with No Doubt, many are excited to see what the Gwen Stefani-led group has up their sleeves. The lead single ("Settle Down") and its music video already in place. If those are any indication, the entire LP should hold up.

38. Calvin Harris, 18 Months

Release Date: 10/29/2012
Label: Fly Eye/Columbia

Scottish DJ Adam Wiles aka Calvin Harris has been owning radio lately. Those unfamiliar with his talent will refer back to his smash hit with Rihanna, "We Found Love." His solo single, "Feel So Close," proved that he can make jams on his own. The album should be full of them.

37. Grizzly Bear, Shields

Release Date: 9/18/2012
Label: Warp

Like any well-functioning team, you need all hands on deck to create the best product possible. The members of Grizzly Bear feel that's the case, as they claim Shields is their most collaborative album to date. The results sound promising. The indie rock community (and Jay-Z) loves them for a reason.

36. DJ Drama, Quality Street Music

Release Date: 10/2/2012
Label: E1

The originator of the Gangsta Grillz has enlisted the help of damn-near every single rap star to hop on his next album. The lead single, "My Moment," is making noise, and the track list looks great. Even if this LP might is a sleeper hit like Drama's last one, there's a good chance it will be dope.

35. Teen Daze, The Inner Mansions

Release Date: 11/6/2012
Label: Lefse

For Teen Daze’s second release of 2012, the Vancouver producer looks to continue the journey of his chillwave movement by heading inward. The Inner Mansions will expand on the May release, All of Us, Together and bring to light a more polished and mature sound.

34. Freddie Gibbs, Baby Faced Killa

Release Date: 9/25/2012
Label: CTE/Str8 Slammin'

Will Freddie Gibbs continue his successful string of releases? The Gary, Indiana rapper is set to drop the street album as a free project with DJ Drama. He's been super consistent thus far. This one shouldn't be any different.

33. Ke$ha, Warrior

Release Date: 12/4/2012
Label: Kemosabe/RCA

Our favorite white girl with a dollar sign in her name is giving us Warrior as an early Christmas gift. Love her or hate her, but the last LP spawned a ton of hits. The pop community is dying to know if she can pull it off again.

32. Ellie Goulding, Halcyon

Release Date: 10/9/2012
Label: Polydor UK

The 25-year-old British singer will use her sweet voice to follow up her 2010 debut, Lights, with Halcyon. The album already has a hit single, "Hanging On" with Tinie Tempah.

31. Ghostface Killah & Sheek Louch, Wu-Block

Release Date: 10/9/2012
Label: E1

There aren't as many rap crews as prolific as the Wu-Tang Clan and D-Block, so fans of classic hip-hop can rejoice as the two crews join forces to release one of the most anticipated street albums in recent memory. Ghostface Killah describes the joint as "assassination day." We like the sound of that.

30. Alicia Keys, Girl on Fire

Release Date: 11/27/2012
Label: RCA

It's hard to find someone more respected in this industry than Alicia Keys. According to her, she feels like she's been "ignited," and is ready to take her fans on a personal journey with her fifth studio album Girl On Fire. We're ready for the ride.

29. Game, Jesus Piece

Release Date: December
Label: Interscope

After a couple of title changes, Game settled on Jesus Piece. The first single off the album, “Celebration," features Chris Brown, Tyga, Lil Wayne and Wiz Khalifa. Game has also hinted at long list of features on the album. Since he says that this may be his last record with Interscope and possibly his last record ever, we suspect this will be a true return to form for the Compton rapper.

RELATED: The 100 Best L.A. Rap Songs

28. deadmau5, > album title goes here <

Release Date: 9/25/2012
Label: Ultra Music

Joel Thomas Zimmerman aka Deadmau5 has been tweeting some soft, romantic stuff in lieu of the recent news that his new chick is none other than the tatted-up Kat Von D. However, it's safe to say "soft" and "romantic" are words that won't be used to describe the upcoming album from the Toronto-based electro DJ and producer. With EDM at its peak, expect to hear more music off this album than any previous Deadmau5 release.

RELATED: The 10 Sexiest Women in EDM

27. Bat For Lashes, The Haunted Man

Release Date: 10/23/2012
Label: Capitol/Parlophone

Natasha Khan teased her fans with "Marilyn," an uptempo record off the upcoming album, and it sounds great, just like lead single, "Laura." Her last album, Two Suns, was awesome. Going off that her new singles, it's safe to assume The Haunted Man will be, too.

26. Miguel, Kaleidoscope Dream

Release Date: 10/2/2012
Label: RCA

"Adorn" made everyone realize that Miguel is an R&B force to be reckoned with. His live shows are getting excellent reviews, and the momentum is undeniable. This will be the go-to bedroom music of the season.

RELATED: 100 Slow Jams That Will Definitely Get You Laid

25. Nicki Minaj, Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded - The Re-Up

Release Date: November
Label: Young Money/Cash Money/Universal Republic

Nicki says the re-release of her sophomore effort will include "lots of new songs." The original Roman Reloaded was met with much criticism, but it's been a massive commercial success, proving detractors wrong. One can only assume that Nicki has more awesome pop hits brewing on the upcoming, newer version of her album.

24. Ghostface Killah, Twelve Reasons to Die

Release Date: 11/20/2012
Label: Soul Temple

Tony Starks recently announced plans for the release of a new project with producer Adrian Younge, entitled Twelve Reasons To Die. The album, which drops on November 20, will be executive produced by RZA and launched alongside a corresponding comic book, which will be released some time in December. Ghostface and RZA working together is always a win.

23. Juicy J, Stay Trippy

Release Date: TBD
Label: Columbia Records

Memphis stalwart Juicy J, of Three 6 Mafia, saw a resurgence in his career these past few years thanks in part to his teaming with Wiz Khalifa's Taylor Gang. Juicy also kept the streets and everyone with a penchant for ratchet hip-hop satisfied with a stream of drugged-out mixtapes. They serve as a precursor for his anticipated solo debut, which boasts features from The Weeknd, Bei Maejor, and more. Expect plenty of monstrous production from Lex Luger and Mike Will Made It, too.

22. Flying Lotus, Until The Quiet Comes

Release Date: 10/2/2012
Label: Warp

Flying Lotus’ latest effort features indie rock deity Thom Yorke and soul superstar Erykah Badu. Following up his widely acclaimed album, Cosmogramma, the California producer has released a dope short film promoting his next release, as well as a visual for snippets from the album called “Small Moments.” After hearing tracks with Earl Sweatshirt and seeing footage of concert sets with The Weeknd, Until The Quiet Comes can’t come soon enough.

21. The-Dream, Love IV MMXII

Release Date: TBD
Label: Radio Killa/Def Jam

So much for that September 20 release date. Still, Terius has been doing a ton of great work this year. From Kanye's Cruel Summer to Rihanna's "Birthday Cake," to his own single, "Dope Bitch." Whenever IV rolls around, we know it will be quality.

RELATED: 100 Slow Jams That Will Definitely Get You Laid

20. Wale, I Ain't Perfect

Release Date: December
Label: Maybach Music/Warner Bros.

Looking to improve on his gold MMG debut, Ambition, Wale’s third studio album comes on the heels of success, after a solid year of running with Ross’ crew. He's turned his career around. Now it's Wale's chance to move from rap favorite to total superstar. There has been little about this project revealed besides a working title, but all signs point to it being Wale's best effort yet.

RELATED: Wale's 25 Favorite Rap Albums

19. 50 Cent, Street King Immortal

Release Date: 11/13/2012
Label: Shady/Aftermath/Interscope

50 Cent says his fifth studio album, Street King Immortal will be "star studded," featuring some of music's biggest acts. He also quoted Jimmy Iovine on Twitter, saying the Interscope boss believes it's Fif's best album since Get Rich or Die Trying. Hopefully that's the case.

RELATED: The 25 Best 50 Cent Rants

18. T.I., Trouble Man

Release Date: 12/18/2012
Label: Grand Hustle/Atlantic

T.I. has been more of a TV star since his release from prison, but his upcoming eighth studio album is set to change that. The current single, "Go Get It," is getting the best reception of his recent releases. If he rides the momentum, this album could put him on top again.

17. Lil Wayne, I Am Not A Human Being 2

Release Date: TBD
Label: Young Money/Cash Money/Universal Republic

“No Worries” has Lil Wayne back in rap's good graces while Dedication 4 proved that Weezy still remembers how to spit. Tunechi claims I Am Not A Human Being 2 has already been completed and is ready to drop. The first single, “My Homies Still” with Big Sean, only received moderate airplay, but the success of “No Worries” bodes well for the New Orleans rapper. If Wayne wants to truly be back on top, he needs this album to be a smash.

RELATED: The 100 Greatest Lil Wayne Songs

16. Mac Miller and Pharrell, Pink Slime

Release Date: TBD
Label: Rostrum

Pink Slime, Mac's collaborative effort with Pharrell, is nearly completed. After “Onaroll” and “Glow” dropped this summer, the Pittsburgh native claims they only have to arrange a face-to-face studio session to finish the project up. Mac Miller already made indie history when Blue Slide Park debuted at No. 1, but with improved rhymes and exclusive Pharrell production, Pink Slime is certain to earn the respect of any remaining naysayers.

RELATED: The 25 Best Pharrell Hooks

15. Crystal Castles, Crystal Castles III

Release Date: November
Label: Universal Republic/Casablanca

Crystal Castles released “Plague," the single for their third album, back in July and gave fans hope for new music in 2012. Following their two critically acclaimed albums, a Facebook post on the band's page briefly confirmed a new release in November. With a dark take on a shrill EDM sound, “Plague” suggests the Toronto duo’s forthcoming album will be another success.

14. Big Boi, Vicious Lies & Dangerous Rumors

Release Date: 11/13/2012
Label: Def Jam

Less funk, more groove is Big Boi's new direction as he prepares for his next solo album, Vicious Lies & Dangerous Rumors, a title inspired by his late grandmother. The Outkast member's album will include numerous guest features such as indie pop act Phantogram, and Little Dragon.

13. M.I.A., Matangi

Release Date: December
Label: Roc Nation/Interscope

In typical M.I.A. fashion, promotion of her fourth studio album, Matangi, has been sparse and cryptic. Last month, she tweeted a lo-fi picture of a possible tracklist and answered questions from fans. She detailed specifics like no features, only working producers who aren’t “fame whore colonisers”, and described the genre of her album as “Paul Simon on acid.” Oh, and it will be released with a book, an art exhibition, and a film. Needless to say, the LP sounds exciting.

12. French Montana, Excuse My French

Release Date: December
Label: Bad Boy/Interscope

After dropping one of the hottest summer tracks of the year with the star-studded "Pop That," Diddy's recent signee to the now-revamped Bad Boy roster is gearing up for his debut album, Excuse My French. The set will feature guest work from Kanye West and The Weeknd. That sounds like more hits are on the way.

11. Danny Brown, Danny Johnson

Release Date: TBD
Label: N/A

Danny Johnson, the collaborative project between Danny Brown and Johnson&Johnson (Blu and Mainframe), looked like it was about to end up on this list, until earlier this month, when “Change” dropped. This isn't an official release from Danny's label, Fool's Gold, and mostly contains older material, but any form of "new" music from Danny is always worth a listen.

10. Jay Electronica, Act II: Patents of Nobility (The Turn)

Release Date: TBD
Label: Roc Nation

Is there a bigger enigma than Jay Electronica in hip-hop today? Since he blew up in 2009, the game has been anxiously anticipating the release of his Roc Nation debut, Act II: Patents of Nobility (The Turn), which Jay-Z dubbed "scary good." Of course this album will be great, but the fact that we still have no release date is frightening enough.

9. Big Sean's Sophomore Album

Release Date: TBD
Label: G.O.O.D. Music/Def Jam

Big Sean’s mixtape, Detroit, is one of the best projects of the year but the Motor City rapper is not done with 2012. Fresh off the heels of his crew’s Cruel Summer release, he says we can expect his yet-untitled sophomore release by the end of the year. Sean, wants to improve upon his debut, Finally Famous, and describes his next album as the project that will garner the respect of everyone who questions his talent. The way he stepped it up this year, we don't doubt him.

8. The Weeknd, Trilogy

Release Date: 11/13/2012
Label: Universal Republic

It's about time. After an international tour, a short-lived beef with The-Dream, and inking a deal with Republic, The Weeknd is set to release Trilogy, a mastered version of his three previous mixtapes that ended up catching the world's (and Drake's) attention. The new mixes should be good, but the best part about this project, and the reason it's so hyped: completely new songs.

RELATED: Who is The Weeknd?

7. Lupe Fiasco, Food & Liquor II: The Great American Rap Album

Release Date: 9/25/2012
Label: Atlantic

The authenticity Lupe Fiasco conveys through his words is one of a kind. It's unfortunate to hear that his upcoming album Food & Liquor II may be his last, but if it is, he's sure to go out with a bang. If you don't believe the hype, listen to "Lamborghini Angels" and "Bad Bitch," and you'll understand why this is Lupe's most anticipated album since The Cool in 2007. We can always count on his lyricism to be on point, but the fact that he's particularly driven, with a message to send, makes this album special.

6. Pusha T's Debut Solo Album

Release Date: TBD
Label: G.O.O.D. Music/Def Jam

Life's certainly been G.O.O.D. for Terrence Thorton since inking a solo deal with Kanye's label in 2010. Since then, Pusha, one half of Virginia duo Clipse, has made a name for himself with the release of his successful Fear Of God mixtape and singles "My God" and "Exodus 23:1," both of which will have to hold us over until the release of his untitled debut LP. His appearances on Cruel Summer make it clear that his pen is as nice as ever. His full-length solo LP should be a monster.

5. Kid Cudi, Indicud

Release Date: TBD
Label: G.O.O.D. Music/Def Jam

After a crossover into rock, Cudi’s back doing what he does best. We got our first taste of his next album with “Just What I Am," his awesome solo effort on Cruel Summer, “Creepers,” showed that he's still making incredible tracks. Indicud will be Kid Cudi’s fourth studio album, and he plans to produce and spit some “really serious raps” alongside some of the biggest artists in music, across all genres, not just rap. So, Indicud is essentially a Cudi-helmed compilation album. As someone who has proven time and time again that he has great taste, that sounds like a fantastic idea.

RELATED: Kid Cudi's 25 Favorite Albums

4. Meek Mill, Dreams & Nightmares

Release Date: 10/30/2012
Label: Maybach Music Group/Warner Bros.

Meek Mill has quickly established himself as one of rap's biggest acts. He's gone on a couple of national tours, and dropped one of the year's best mixtapes, Dreamchasers 2. That project spawned two hit singles, "Amen" with Drake, and "Burn" with Big Sean. The MMG signee and Philly native has shined under the presence of Rick Ross, but in 2012, he became a star in his own right. The release of his debut album, Dreams & Nightmares, will more than likely cement his place as one of the premier rappers out today.

3. A$AP Rocky, LongLiveA$AP

Release Date: TBD
Label: RCA

Some say the title of most fashionable in hip-hop belongs to A$AP Rocky, and yeah, he can spit, too. A$AP Mob's Harlem-bred leader exploded onto the scene last year with a huge single ("Pe$o") and even bigger mixtape. Off of that alone, he's entered the stratosphere with rap's elite, and been touring since LiveLoveA$AP dropped last October. Even though his debut album's first single, "Goldie," made noise earlier this year, Pretty Flacko isn't rushing the release of his LP. Few details are known about LongLiveA$AP at the moment, except that its rumored Halloween release date won't stick. Whenever the album is ready, though, expect it to be an event.

2. Kendrick Lamar, good kid, m.A.A.d. city

Release Date: 10/22/2012
Label: Top Dawg/Aftermath/Interscope

If you're one of those people who thinks that today's hip-hop lacks substance and quality, you obviously aren't familiar with Kendrick Lamar. It was evident that he was one of rap's most promising new artists on his album Section.80, but since then, he's made the case for his talent even stronger with an undeniably sound string of guest appearances, for everyone from Drake to Big Sean. good kid, m.A.A.d city has been previewed to press, but the feedback is overwhelmingly positive. It's clear that Kendrick's major label debut isn't about to disappoint. Hell, even Lady Gaga is a fan of the Compton native. Next: the world.

1. Wiz Khalifa, O.N.I.F.C.

Release Date: 12/4/12
Label: Rostrum/Atlantic

After releasing his commercially successful, yet highly criticized album, Rolling Papers, Wiz Khalifa is gearing up for his second major label LP, O.N.I.F.C. For the Pittsburgh native, his second proper album is about finding a balance. As he told us in our cover story, he's done trying to force a particular sound or approach. Instead, he's just "laying it down," something he said all the hip-hop legends—from Snoop Dogg to Juicy J—have done.

In finding that sound, Wiz has teamed with some familiar faces, including "Black & Yellow" producers Stargate, and some choice guest stars, like The Weeknd and 2 Chainz. Expect several of his Taylor Gang associates to appear, too, while the likes of Mac Miller and 50 Cent have hit the studio for the O.N.I.F.C. recording sessions. With a clear-cut confidence and focus, it's looking like Wiz has found that balance he's aiming for while creating the remainder of the year's most anticipated release.