The music industry is picking up pace. With many big releases already behind us and many concerts, tours, and festivals coming up, it is the best time to be a “lisztomaniac.” While we are waiting for all of the international music events lined up this summer, we can enjoy some of the best new albums and celebrate the anniversaries of incredible records from the past.

Memento Mori by Depeche Mode

A surprising return from the legendary electronic rock band, the new Depeche Mode album Memento Mori is a real blast from the past. The album is rooted in the tradition that the band have established for themselves in the decades they have been leading the genre, and comprises everything fans love about Depeche Mode. Now we’re waiting with bated breath to see their upcoming shows, which are known for being quite the spectacle with incredible lighting and exceptional, experimental performances.

Did You Know That There’s A Tunnel Under Ocean Blvd by Lana Del Ray

Lana Del Ray did it again. She reinvents herself in her latest album Did You Know That There’s A Tunnel Under Ocean Blvd, and has presented the fans with the challenge of saying the full record title whenever they want to say their all-time favorite Lana album. Surpassing the musical genius of Blue Banisters and the lyrical depth of Norman F-ing Rockwell, the latest record is definitely some of Lana’s best work. She teams up with fan-favorite artists like Father John Misty, Jon Batiste, and SYML for a few songs, but the majority of the music still lies on her back. I cannot imagine how much it must hurt, considering she carries the whole new alt pop genre on her own.

the record by boygenius

Boygenius’s return is also one of the music industry’s most anticipated events this year. It was definitely worth the wait. In promotional materials, they referenced some of their musical influences, but their music on the record is wholly original. And of course, they serve powerful lyrics like nobody else. If presented with the opportunity to recite poems in a class, you might as well recite one of boygenius’s songs.

Meteora by Linkin Park (March 25, 2003)

March 25 marked the 20th anniversary of Linkin Park’s phenomenal album Meteora. As one of the band’s signature albums, it is no wonder that the band has initiated a huge campaign of reissuing music. Everything is laced with a bittersweet sentiment as fans still lament the death of the band’s original frontman, Chester Bennington, who truly shines in this record.

Carrie and Lowell by Sufjan Stevens (released March 31, 2015)

Another incredible album celebrates its anniversary, even if not a big one: Sufjan Stevens’s Carrie and Lowell is eight years old, yet it still sounds modern and genre-bending. As the definitive fan favorite album, it is definitely deserving of a spotlight. Soft and eerie, Carrie and Lowell is an experience like no other, especially for the die-hard romantics.

Madvillainy by Madvillain (released on March 23, 2004)

Madvillain has long been titled one of the most campy and unique musical artists of all time. His genius peaks in Madvillainy, an album that can be rap, pop, electro rock, emo, punk, and everything else you can think of. It is a treat for any music fan, regardless of their favorite genre. That’s just the power of Madvillain.

Stereo Mind Game by Daughter (to be released April 07, 2023)

Last time we heard Daughter was back in 2017. Now that they’re coming back, expectations and emotions are high. The single they have released ahead of the official record promises much of their well-known tearjerkers and beautifully arranged compositions. April 07 cannot come fast enough!