In a year already filled with political turmoil, mass hysteria worldwide, and overall unhappiness with current events, it's nice to know that through all the pain and suffering we’re about to experience that we’ll at least have a nice soundtrack to jam out to while we drown out our suffering! So far in January, The XX, Pink Guy, and even David Bowie (which I still don't understand) have released great new material (especially The XX, since they hadn't put out anything since 2012. WTH?!) Still, every months brings new tracks, and I, along with many music fanatics, am ready for the new music that waits ahead.

February: Mother Mother - No Culture

As someone who has recently begun listening to indie a rock band Mother Mother, I am excited to ingest some new material after loving their sophomore album "O My Heart" and many scattered songs from other collections. Anyone who loves unique vocals and fun dance jams will most likely enjoy this band, and hopefully they don't disappoint with this anticipated album either!

March: The Shins - Heartworms

I've had a huge soft spot for The Shins ever since I discovered them back in middle school, and they've been one of my top personal favorites ever since. They, like The XX, have not released an album since 2012 (possibly the best year for music so far in the 2010s) with their album "Port of Morrow," and I am anxiously awaiting more amazing songs from master lyricist and songwriter James Mercer (who is so deep that most of the time his lyrics go way over my head). I can only hope they don't disappoint with this LP, but looking at their track record of every album being better than the last, I don't think they will!

April: Willie Nelson - God’s Problem Child

Although April’s predicted albums haven't really been anything spectacular from what I can see, it is exciting to notice that country legend Willie Nelson will be releasing something to add to his already impressive discography of classic songs. The album, according to a recently published Rolling Stones article, says that the album’s lyrics will contain Nelson’s thoughts on the recent 2016 election, and I'm sure old and new fans alike will be interested in hearing how he feels about one of most disgusting political events in recent US history.

May: Charlie XCX - TBA

Charlie XCX’s last album "Sucker" (2014) was a smash hit and included her hit song “Break the Rules” that inspired angsty teens and hilarious vine remixes alike. Anyone who loves bubblegum pop (which, although is far from my favorite genre, includes a few good hits) will most likely enjoy this dance album. I know I'm looking forward to her songs being played to death on every Top 40 station in the country…are you?

June: Kelly Clarkson – TBA

Pop icon of the early 2000s and one of the only successful people from American Idol that wasn't a runner-up, Kelly Clarkson is releasing a blessing (aka an album) for all of us mere mortals to enjoy. I mean, who can make bomb music and be a totally awesome mom in the same breath while being able to balance both? Queen Kelly, that's who! I hope this album includes amazing hits that are as iconic as “Heartbeat Song” from her last album Piece by Piece (2015) and slays the music game for everyone who dares to cross her path. Good luck, Kelly!

Not to be shady, but so far it seems that the best music this year has been released in January. Still, I have hope that more great artists will release projects this year, and that music fans will have something to soothe us during this challenging time in history. (I mean, will this year be as iconic as 2016? Probably not. But we can only hope, right?)