10 Albums to Look Forward to in October 2023

From our favorite artists who have been delivering killer albums for years to the rising musicians just starting to break through, these are the ten albums to look forward to in October 2023.

Drake image credit via Getty Images

Drake: For All The Dogs
Release Date: October 6

Drake’s upcoming eighth studio album, For All the Dogs, is set to be released on October 6, 2023. Featuring guest appearances from Nicki Minaj, Bad Bunny, Yeat, and SZA the album was produced by 40, Bnyx, and Lil Yachty, among others. The album follows Drake’s two albums released in 2022, Honestly, Nevermind and Her Loss (with 21 Savage), and was preceded by two singles, ‘Search & Rescue’ and ‘Slime You Out’ featuring SZA. Originally scheduled for release on September 22, the album was delayed to October 6 due to Drake’s ongoing It’s All a Blur Tour.

Sufjan Stevens image via Philip Cosores

Sufjan Stevens: Javelin
Release Date: October 6

Sufjan Stevens’ upcoming studio album, Javelin, is set to be released on October 6, 2023, through Asthmatic Kitty. The album sees the artist returning to “full singer-songwriter mode” for the first time since his 2015 studio album Carrie & Lowell and features contributions from several friends, including harmonies provided by Adrienne Maree Brown, Hannah Cohen, Pauline Delassus, Megan Lui, and Nedelle Torrisi. The National guitarist Bryce Dessner also played acoustic and electric guitar on the record.

Teen Jesus And The Jean Teasers image via @sheisaphrodite

Teen Jesus And The Jean Teasers: I Love You
Release Date: October 6

Australian rock band Teen Jesus and the Jean Teasers’ upcoming debut album, I Love You, is set for release on October 6, 2023, via Domestic La La. Produced by Oscar Dawson, the album marks a sonic departure from their previous work, blending bubblegum pop, ear-bashing rock, and thunderous punk. The album title, cover artwork, and track listing were announced on June 8, along with the original release date of September 8, 2023, which was later changed to October 6.

Chief Keef image via HIPHOPDX/MIKE LAVIN (@THEHOMELESSPIMP)

Chief Keef: Almighty So 2
Release Date: October 13

Chief Keef’s highly anticipated project, Almighty So 2, has faced yet another setback in its release date. Originally scheduled to drop in December 2022, the mixtape is slated to be a follow-up to the original Almighty So, which was released in October 2013 and hosted by DJ Scream. The first installment featured contributions from Cdai, Tadoe, ISOBeats, OhZone, and other notable artists, setting the stage for heightened expectations surrounding the upcoming release.

Margo Price image via ALYSSE GAFKJEN

Margo Price: Strays II
Release Date: October 13

Margo Price’s Strays II, a continuation of her critically acclaimed 2023 album Strays, features nine new songs recorded at the same studio during the same life-changing sessions, and partially written amidst a six-day psilocybin trip that Price and her husband Jeremy Ivey took. Rejoined by Strays’ collaborators Jonathan Wilson and Mike Campbell, along with new collaborators Buck Meek of Big Thief and singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Ny Oh, Price explores the sacrifices it takes to find freedom, the grit it takes to make it, and the consequences that come with all of it.

Metric image credit not cited on original

Metric: Formentera II
Release Date: October 13

Formentera II, the eagerly awaited ninth studio album by the Canadian indie rock band Metric, serves as a sequel to their 2022 release, Formentera. Scheduled for release on October 13, 2023, under their label Metric Music International and distributed by Thirty Tigers Records, the album began during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic until its completion in early 2023. The recording sessions took place at the band’s Main Street Studios in Toronto and Motorbass Studios in Paris, showcasing the band’s dedicated creative efforts in the face of challenging times. Fans can anticipate a continuation of Metric’s musical journey with Formentera II.

Japan, Man image via Press Photo

Japan, Man: Metropolis
Release Date: October 18

Japan, Man is the musical project of Laeticia Acra, an 18-year-old artist from Beirut, Lebanon. Her music is mellow and laid back with themes that explore an existential nature. Her debut album, Metropolis was announced with the release of the single ‘Overdid It’ (mid-September 2023) and will be released via +1 Records.

The Rolling Stones image via Scott Garfitt/Scott Garfitt/Invision/AP

The Rolling Stones: Hackney Diamonds
Release Date: October 20

Hackney Diamonds is the highly anticipated 31st studio album by the iconic British rock band, the Rolling Stones, slated for release on October 20, 2023, under Polydor. Notably, this marks their first original material studio album in 18 years and follows the passing of drummer Charlie Watts two years prior. The album features collaborations with distinguished artists like Elton John, Lady Gaga, Paul McCartney, Stevie Wonder, and Bill Wyman. The band began recording new material in 2020, which was momentarily halted by the COVID-19 pandemic and completed in 2023 with esteemed producer Andrew Watt.

DJ Shadow image credit not cited on original

DJ Shadow: ACTION ADVENTURE
Release Date: October 27

Action Adventure is the highly anticipated seventh studio album by American music producer DJ Shadow, set to release on October 27, 2023, under Mass Appeal. DJ Shadow shared initial insights into the album on August 9, 2023, emphasizing a desire to reconnect with his personal musical essence and deviate from the confines of creating vocalist-centered music. He sought to explore varied energies in this record, drawing inspiration from an extensive 80s radio mix collection on tapes and a vast vinyl record assortment. During the production, DJ Shadow focused on crafting natural and unpredictable chord progressions, reflecting his deep-rooted relationship with music and his role as a collector and curator.

James Blunt image courtesy of Atlantic Records

James Blunt: Who We Used To Be
Release Date: October 27

James Blunt is gearing up for the release of his seventh studio album, Who We Used To Be, slated to launch on October 27 through Atlantic Records. This upcoming record comes on the heels of Blunt’s highly successful The Stars Beneath My Feet greatest hits collection, which achieved Gold status with over 100,000 copies sold. The album’s cover, portraying a young James engrossed with a small plane, hints at a theme of deep reflection, giving audiences a glimpse into the introspective nature of the music to come.

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