Olly Murs, “Right Place Right Time”

 Release Date: April 16

Simon Cowell has a knack for producing international superstars with incredible voices and boundless musical talent (see Kelly Clarkson, Leona Lewis, Carrie Underwood, David Cook), and Olly Murs is no exception.  Rising to fame as runner-up of Britain’s X-Factor, Murs has become extremely successful in Europe and is starting to make a splash in the American pop scene.  The lead single from his new album, “Troublemaker (feat. Flo Rida)” peaked at the number one spot on the charts and sold 121,000 copies on its first day.  Expect great things from Murs’ new album and watch out as he moves up in the music world.

Michael Bublé, “To Be Loved”

Release Date: April 23

Ultra-suave singer/songwriter Michael Bublé has made quite the name for himself over the last decade by bringing a smooth, bluesy voice to modern radio.  Having been compared to legends such as Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin, he has stepped into this role by releasing rat pack covers and making the 60s cool again.  This strategy, paired with his original hits, has amounted to 3 Grammy Awards and over 30 million records sold.  The new album contains four original songs, in addition to covers of songs by the Bee Gees, Elvis Presley, Dean Martin and more.  There’s also a guest appearance by Reese Witherspoon, whose angelic harmonies blend beautifully with Bublé’s seamless vocals. 

Arcade Fire (Title TBA)

Release Date: TBA (Summer 2013)

This Canadian indie-rock band is a full group of talented musicians.  Most band members play multiple instruments, making Arcade Fire known for their wide instrument range both in the studio and in concert.  They bought a church to record all of their songs in, demonstrating that they refuse to conform to the way other artists make music and that they prefer to walk down their own path.  This philosophy has earned them seven Grammy nominations and a reputation as the band that will always keep listeners guessing. Look out for more surprises with their upcoming release.  

Hunter Hayes, “Hunter Hayes (Encore)”

Release Date: June 18

Hunter Hayes is one of the most underrated artists in the music industry today.  At 21 years old, he has accomplished more than most people do in a lifetime, and has proven to be one of the most talented young artists in the world.  He was given his first guitar when he was six years old and just one year later he was performing for President Bill Clinton on the White House lawn.  When he was 13, he appeared on “America’s Most Talented Kids,” and was writing songs for Rascal Flatts by his 16th birthday.  Fast forward five years and he has now released his debut album, on which he wrote all 13 tracks and played all 32 instruments you hear on the record.  Two number 1 hits and three Grammy nominations later, he is set to release his sophomore album which will include seven never-before-heard tracks as well as re-releases of songs from his first album.  This is a must-buy record for this summer.

Eminem (Title TBA)

Release Date: TBA (Summer 2013)

It has been confirmed that Marshall Mathers, better known as Slim Shady, and even better known as Eminem, is finishing up production on his eighth studio album. It will hit the shelves this summer.  Like too many stars, Eminem ascended to popularity with marital and drug problems, but has since turned his life around to focus on his family and his music.  He has earned 13 Grammy awards from an astounding 39 nominations and now owns his own record label.  His past albums have appealed to a wide audience and put up record-setting sales. There is no reason to expect anything less from his upcoming release.