2024 was such an overwhelming year for popular music that albums from major acts like Dua Lipa, Eminem and Coldplay may have gotten lost in your Spotify shuffle. Despite the deluge of exciting music last year, the beginning of 2025 already has a slate of intriguing albums to look forward to. 

Mac Miller, “Balloonerism” 

The second posthumous album from late rapper Mac Miller was originally supposed to be released roughly 10 years ago, but it’s finally coming out this week after being teased at the Camp Flog Gnaw Carnival music festival back in November. This is the first release of new music from Miller’s estate since the posthumous album “Circles” in 2020.

In a message from Miller’s estate, they explained that “Balloonerism,” which was recorded around the release of his 2014 mixtape “Faces,” “was of great importance to Malcolm.” Fans don’t know much about the forthcoming release, but it’s rumored that a feature from acclaimed singer SZA is on the album. 

“Balloonerism” releases Jan. 17. 

The Weeknd, “Hurry Up Tomorrow”

The final entry in The Weeknd’s newest trilogy is finally arriving after years of anticipation, and it’s set to be a massive event. “Hurry Up Tomorrow” will close the saga begun by the 2020 LP “After Hours” and its 2022 follow-up, “Dawn FM.” 

A massive promotional campaign has raged around this album since its announcement in September, led by three singles — including the hit “Timeless,” featuring Playboi Carti. The Weeknd also announced an accompanying film of the same name for release this May, co-starring Jenna Ortega and Barry Keoghan alongside The Weeknd.

“Hurry Up Tomorrow” drops Jan. 31.

Central Cee, “Can’t Rush Greatness”

After years of hits, the London-based rapper will finally release his debut album. The “Doja” performer ramped up his output in 2024, delivering the hit “BAND4BAND” with Lil Baby and a notable feature on the Ice Spice track “Did It First.”

“BAND4BAND” will be featured as a single on the 17-track album. Joining “BAND4BAND” is a currently unreleased reunion with producer and rapper Dave, who joined Central Cee on the 2023 smash hit “Sprinter.” A press release from label Sony Music promises “Can’t Rush Greatness” will be “one of the biggest releases in UK rap history.”

“Can’t Rush Greatness” comes out Jan. 24. 

Tate McRae, “So Close to What”

Tate McRae has put out new music at an impossible rate since her single “greedy” took off in late 2023. “THINK LATER” released in December 2023, but in September 2024, the rollout for “So Close To What” had already started with lead single “It’s ok I’m ok.”

“So Close To What” will be accompanied by the Miss Possessive Tour, which kicks off less than six months after the end of the “THINK LATER World Tour.” As long as fans continue to enjoy every second — and “It’s ok I’m ok” is one of her highest-performing singles yet — McRae’s new album should become another smash.

“So Close To What” arrives Feb. 21. 

LISA, “Alter Ego”

The K-pop supergroup BLACKPINK has been on hiatus for a while now, and Rosé used that break last year to craft the hit single “APT.” with Bruno Mars and a successful debut album, “rosie.” Now, it’s LISA’s turn.

The rollout for “Alter Ego” kicked off back in June, and the trio of singles released since include a collaboration with Rosalía entitled “New Woman.”  “Alter Ego” rings in a busy year for the singer and rapper, who will also join the cast in season three of “The White Lotus.” 

“Alter Ego” releases Feb. 28.

Lady Gaga, TBA

Amid the disastrous campaign for the widely panned “Joker: Folie à Deux” (2024), co-star Lady Gaga snuck in a welcome announcement — her seventh album would release this February. 

Since then, we haven’t heard much from Gaga since the single “Disease” dropped in October. The 2025 Coachella headliner has promised that her new record “leaps around genre in a way that’s almost corrupt.” There’s one other thing we know for sure: “Die With A Smile,” her chart-topping collaboration with Bruno Mars, will be a part of the album.

The next Lady Gaga album plans to be released this February.