It is no secret that 2021 has been the year of album drops. From Olivia Rodrigo‘s glimmering pop-meets-punk debut album SOUR setting her on the path to stardom and Doja Cat serving up the sounds of hot girl summer with Planet Her, music lovers have already feasted on an array of exciting new musical projects. But, this is not where the new music offerings stop. From highly-anticipated albums from Rihanna and Normani that have been years in the making, to the surprise news that Brockhampton and Lana Del Rey will be dropping their second albums of 2021, head below to see our round-up of the best albums yet to be released in 2021…

Probably one of the most painful talking points of this list is Rihanna’s wildly-anticipated R9, purely because fans have been awaiting this album drop for as long as they can remember. And, while there is still no release date in sight, here is to hoping 2021 will be the year that the Rihanna fans will finally get the release they deserve!

It is safe to say that this is Lil Nas X’s world and we are just living in it. So, in a bid to ensure that his domination of the current zeitgeist continues, it is only right that he drops his debut album. Taking to Instagram last week to offer a Marvel Studios-inspired trailer to tease his upcoming project, Montero, with the promise that it was “COMING SOON”, Lil Nas fans can expect more stripping-filled music videos and explosive tunes very soon.

A new Billie Eilish era is upon us, and it is just as iconic as the first. Swapping the neon green hair and baggy two-pieces for a nude-filled and bleach blonde aesthetic, the pop sensation has been causing quite the stir with a string of releases including album singles “Your Power” and “Lost Cause” and the announcement of her world tour in the run-up to the reveal of album Happier Than Ever on July 30th.

Unfortunately, the end is nigh for Brockhampton. With the rapidly rising band making the shocking announcement that they would be parting ways in order to focus on solo projects earlier this year, fans were left distraught at the prospect of no more distinctive hip-hop drops from their beloved 13-piece band. But, in a bid to ensure their last year together would be a remarkable one, the band have promised a double album release. And, if 2021’s Roadrunner: New Light, New Machine is anything to go off, the currently unnamed album set for release later this year will be one to remember.

Standing as Pop Smoke’s second posthumous album following his untimely death, the rap maverick’s team has recently revealed that album Pop Smoke will be dropping on July 16th. Comprised of 17 unheard offerings, fans can expect pristine raps delivered in the artist’s iconic gruff tone and emotions galore as track “Outro” promises to deliver a motivational speech from the late singer on the necessity of staying focused. As Travis Scott rightly said, “U CAN’T SAY POP AND FORGET THE SMOKE.”

Who is ready for a sad girl winter? After a confusing array of word art-esque cover drops, changes in name and cryptic captions, Lana took to Instagram to give her fans the message of “album out later later… Single out soonish”. We are sure that Blue Banisters will be worth the wait.

By now, everyone is aware that Lorde is back. Making an explosive return after a multi-year hiatus with the summery track “Solar Power”, fans were treated to scenes of beach-bound music videos, the promise of a tour, and the news of a new album from their beloved pop star. Also called Solar Power, the album boasts tracks such as ” Fallen Fruit” and “Stoned at the Nail Salon” which will drop on August 20th.

Another highly-anticipated album that is yet to release is Drake’s Certified Lover Boy. After fans experienced disappointment as January 29th passed them by without the promised release of the rapper’s sixth studio album, chatter began to point towards a summer release, which means we may be receiving more bops akin to “Laugh Now Cry Later (feat. Lil Durk)” very soon.

While November 19th seems like too long of a wait for Taylor Swift’s second re-recorded album, it is evident that all good things come to those who wait as the star has promised her fans a 30-track project in which previously unreleased ballads will meet classics such as “I Knew You Were Trouble” and “22”.

While the notion that Normani is yet to drop a debut album may be baffling to some, it is the sad truth. With no title or release date in sight, fans will have to sit tight when waiting for this particular project.

Wonderland cover star Little Simz has made it known that her talent knows no bounds. Having dropped multiple EPs and established her own music label at the age of 21, the young artist is now gearing up for the release of album Sometimes I Might Be Introvert, and we cannot wait!

Rounding off the round-up is Bruno Mars and Anderson .Paak aka the newly formed soul duo Silk Sonic. After their TL-breaking release of the uber-sexy track “Leave The Door Open” back in March, the pair have been preparing to drop their collaborative album An Evening With Silk Sonic which holds the promise of pure 60s groove.