Now that 2016 is coming to a close, music fans are reflecting on their favorite releases of the year and begin eagerly anticipating what’s to come in 2017. There are tons of albums to get excited for, and here is just a handful of what you can expect in the music scene next year.
#### THE XX – _I See You_
It’s been five years since we got a new album from British indie-pop trio The xx. Recently, the band introduced its new single, “On Hold,” from their upcoming album _I See You_, set to release on January 13. As the new single hints, producer Jamie xx is going to have a significant influence over the band’s direction, which is inspired by club music and dance elements. That being said, I’m excited to see how The xx evolves with the tracks on this record.
#### MILKY CHANCE – N/A
The German duo Milky Chance released a new single, “Cocoon,” last month. While they haven’t announced an entirely new LP, a new single typically implies that an album is in the works. Essentially, not much is known about Milky Chance’s next record, but if it embodies the upbeat attitude of “Cocoon,” there’s a good reason to get excited.
#### THE SHINS – N/A
In October, The Shins released a new single called “Dead Alive.” It was so satisfying to finally hear new music from the indie rockers, especially with all of the mysterious photos of recording studios from the band on social media. Lead vocalist James Mercer has stated in interviews that they are aiming for a January release date, so fans shouldn’t have to wait much longer before hearing the first album from the band since 2012.
#### ARCADE FIRE – N/A
Arcade Fire’s last album, _Reflektor_, was undoubtedly the band’s most experimental album to date. The group has been getting more ambitious with each release, so I’m very excited to see what direction it takes with its next record. With Arcade Fire being added to many 2017 festival lineups, one could speculate that the indie rock group is preparing new music.
#### BECK – N/A
When “Dreams” came out in 2015, many Beck fans were expecting an album to be released later that year or at least in the first half of 2016. This summer, Beck released a trap-infused single called “Wow,” which was a complete juxtaposition of 2014’s _Morning Phase_. He has been all over the board with the currently untitled LP’s release date, initially saying that it would be out last month. It has now been confirmed that the album has been delayed to 2017. As long as the next Beck record comes out in 2017, I’m sure fans will forgive him.
#### PORTUGAL. THE MAN – N/A
Despite Portugal. The Man’s last release being _Evil Friends_ in late 2013, the indie rock group has been touring constantly since its release and playing a new song called “Feel It Still.” Just this past week, Portugal. The Man released a new single, “Noise Pollution.” This is a likely indication that a new record from the band is on the way.
