5 big albums to check out in January

These albums are all on the way this month

It's a brand new year, and although things haven't gotten off to the best start, the good news is that there's some great new music being released during January to keep spirits up.

Check out the eclectic selection of forthcoming new releases below.

PASSENGER - 'Songs From The Drunk And Broken Hearted' [January 8th]

He may still be known primarily for his 2012 song 'Let Her Go', but Michael Rosenberg is still plugging away and has been especially prolific in recent years, releasing a new album every years since 2014. 'Songs from the Drunk and Broken Hearted' may not have the cheery pick-me-up title that you're looking for, but if you're in the market for sensitive singer-songwriter fare, he's your man.

AARON FRAZER – 'Introducing' [January 8^th]

If you're already familiar with American soul band Durand Jones and the Indications, you'll know how special drummer and co-vocalist Aaron Frazer's marvellous falsetto is. This is his solo debut, which was produced by Black Keys man Dan Auerbach and is well worth a spin. If you're a fan of acts like Nathaniel Rateliff and Leon Bridges as well as classic artists like Jackie Wilson, you'll like this.

SLEAFORD MODS - 'Spare Ribs' [January 15th]

To many, they're truth-telling punk heroes; to few, they're shouty unlistenable nonsense. It's unlikely that the Nottingham electro-post-punk duo's 11^th album will change your mind either way, but given the year we've all had, it'll be interesting to see how Jason Williamson has channelled his lyrics into making sense of the world in 2021.

SHAME - 'Drunk Tank Pink' [January 15^th]

It looks like January is the month for fiery punk albums – why not kick off 2021 with a snarl? The London alt-rockers return with the highly-anticipated follow-up to their 2018 debut 'Songs of Praise' and their two singles to date, 'Water in the Well' and 'Alphabet', suggests that the fire in their collective belly remains sufficiently stoked for round two.

ARLO PARKS – 'Collapsed in Sunbeams' [January 29th]

She first landed on many peoples' radars around this time last year, thanks to her inclusion on the BBC's Sound of 2020 poll. A year later, Arlo Parks is a hotly-tipped name on the indiepop scene. The 20-year-old Londoner's dreamy bedroom-pop-style singles 'Black Dog' and 'Cola' have really impressed so far – we're really looking forward to hearing this album.