With summer quickly approaching, it’s time to start taking a look at what kind of music we can expect to hear during the next few months. Whether you’re the kind of person who likes to stay home and listen to new albums from your favorite artists, or one of those who prefers feeling the energy of an awesome live show, this summer will have plenty to offer.
For fans of modern pop music, definitely be on the lookout for a bunch of big-name releases between June and August. On the forefront of this genre right now is pop-rock band Maroon 5. Led by front man Adam Levine, who has also recently entertained audiences in his recent position as a judge on NBC’s The Voice, the band will be releasing its fourth studio album Overexposed on June 26th. The album will include Maroon 5’s latest single “Payphone” (featuring Wiz Khalifa), and plenty of other songs that will make it (according to Levine) the band’s “most diverse and poppiest album yet.”
Also prominent on the pop music scene is Justin Bieber, who’s latest hit “Boyfriend” has already been reverberating through the minds of fans around the world. His newest album, entitled Believe, is set for a June 19th release. This will be his third studio album, and it hopes to live up to the success of its two predecessors.
For those listeners eager to hear something with more rock and edge to it, be on the watch for a few new albums, from current and older bands. Fans of modern rock can look forward to new music from Linkin Park; Living Things will be the Grammy-award-winning alternative rockers’ fifth studio album, and it will be available everywhere on June 26h. Also, Canadian trio Rush will be releasing the newest addition to its repertoire, Clock Work Angels, on June 12. This classic rock group will be making a stop at Bridgeport’s Harbor Yard in October as part of their upcoming tour, so fans of hits like “Tom Sawyer” and “Limelight” may want to check that out.
The hip-hop and rap genres will also be seeing some new additions from big names this summer. In particular, look out for Usher’s Looking 4 Myself (which will include recent singles “Scream” and “Climax”) on June 12, and 50 Cent’s currently untitled final album on July 2nd.
Although all this new music will be great to listen to, it may not be enough to entertain those who want to get out and experience live shows from their favorite artists. Luckily for those people, they won’t need to leave New England to experience some excellent performances this summer.
Even right here in Connecticut, music fans will have the opportunity see some big names. The Comcast Theater will be hosting a wide variety of shows, including singer-songwriters Jason Mraz and Christina Perri, rapper Drake, and the 2012 Warped Tour. Artists ranging from LMFAO to Jimmy Buffett will be visiting Mohegan Sun, and Fox Woods boasts a summer lineup that includes Boston and Jane’s Addiction.
If you’re willing to travel a little bit more, you definitely won’t be disappointed with the concerts that the next few months has to offer. Coldplay will be stopping at the Izod Center in New Jersey as part of its global Mylo Xyloto tour on August 3rd and 4th. If you’re even just slightly a fan of the British group, this will undoubtedly be a show to remember. If you can’t catch either of these dates and you’re willing to drive a little more, they will also be playing at the TD Garden in Boston on July 29th and 30th. Also putting on performances in Boston will be Aerosmith, Foster the People, and the Beach Boys.
Whether you’re anxiously awaiting the releases of new music from artists across the genres or you’d rather see them live, Summer 2012 will not disappoint music lovers. No matter what kind of music you listen to, you can be almost positive that you will be pleased with what the next two months provide.
