2014 was such a meh year in music to me. There just weren’t any new albums or artists that I was crazy in love with. There were plenty of things that I enjoyed, but just nothing that really grabbed me, took hold, and wouldn’t let go. I am hopeful that 2015 is going to change that. I’m already very excited about some forthcoming albums from artists I already love. If everything goes according to plan I expect to have new albums by Jason Isbell, Kacey Musgraves, and Adele at some point during the year. Plus there are already official album announcements by a number of artists I love, and the singles they have released from them are fantastic, so I can hardly wait to hear what else they have in store for me.

“Wherever is Your Heart” by Brandi Carlile

I have espoused my love for Brandi Carlile on this blog many times before on this blog with good reason. Based on the two songs I’ve heard so far off her forthcoming album The Firewatcher’s Daughter due out March 3, I think it may be one of her best. I can hardly wait to hear the whole thing a few weeks. I definitely anticipate there being a full post on that album alone once I get to hear it.

“Fool for Love” by Lord Huron

Lord Huron was one of my favorite acts at the Newport Folk Festival two years ago. I’m excited to get some new music from them. I am really loving the rhythm guitar going on in this new song. It has a little bit of a Johnny Cash thing going on. Their new album Strange Trails is due out April 7.

“Don’t Wanna Fight” by Alabama Shakes

Alabama Shakes last album had a very bluesy, old-school rock vibe to it. It seems like they may be shaking things up a little bit with the new album. You definitely have Brittany Howard’s distinctive vocals, but at least with this song the music is definitely doing something different than their last album. I’m digging it and can’t wait to hear the rest of Sound & Color on April 21.

“What Kind of Man” by Florence + the Machine

I love, love Florence + the Machine. I’ve been eagerly awaiting the Firefly Music Festival lineup in hopes that they’ll be playing since they’re on the lineup for many of the other major music festivals. I would definitely go up (over?) to Firefly for the day whatever day they’re playing. I’m too old and introverted to deal with camping out and doing the whole four day music festival thing, but my friend Lindsey and I went just for a day a couple of years ago and I would definitely do that again.

Based on this song Florence doesn’t seem to do be doing anything especially different than on previous albums. The rock guitar backing it is a bit different, but the overarching feelings and the vocals seem to be pretty much along the same lines as what she’s done before. I am a-ok with that though because I’m a big fan of what she’s done in the past. I’m looking forward to the full album How Big How Blue How Beautiful due out June 2.