5 big albums to check out in July

Mark these dates in your calendar for this month

Here we are, in the middle of another disappointing Irish summer. Oh well.

At least there's some good music on the way.

These are the best albums that are due for release during July – and if you haven't checked out our Top 10 Albums of the Year So Far list, be sure to take a listen to those while you're waiting for the following titles to land...

RUFUS WAINWRIGHT – 'Unfollow the Rules' (July 10^th)

We're big fans of Rufus Wainwright, so we're champing at the bit for his new album – which is said to harken back to his early albums. Considering how some of his more recent fare (including an album based around Shakespeare's sonnets that even we found hard to palate), that sounds like good news to us.

THE STREETS – 'None of Us Are Getting Out of this Life Alive' (July 10^th)

If you're old enough to remember Mike Skinner's debut album 'Original Pirate Material' (which was released 18 – EIGHTEEN – years ago), this might be right up your street (badum tssh.) The Brummie rapper is back with a new mixtape, having 'retired' The Streets almost a decade ago. This collection features collaborations with everyone from Tame Impala to IDLES to rapper Ms. Banks, and it's really quite good.

ELLIE GOULDING – 'Brightest Blue' (July 17^th)

She's only four albums into her career, and already Ellie Goulding has ticked some major milestones off her list, from working with the biggest names in pop, to performing for royalty, to number ones around the world. Brightest Blue is split into two halves: a collection of personal songs, and a smattering of collaborations with the likes of Lauv, Juice WRLD and Diplo.

ALANIS MORISSETTE – 'Such Pretty Forks in the Road' (July 31^st)

If you're an Alanis fan who was disappointed by the cancellation of her 'Jagged Little Pill' tour, this may help soften the blow. After a bit of a delay, the Canadian musician's ninth studio album is out at the end of the month, and features songs inspired by a diverse range of topics – from her children to smashing the patriarchy.

FONTAINES DC – 'A Hero's Death' (July 31^st)

They were the most talked-about (and most divisive) Irish band of 2019, thanks to their excellent debut album 'Dogrel' (well, we thought it was excellent, anyway.) Now, Fontaines DC are back with a follow-up quicker than anyone expected. 'A Hero's Death' is said to veer away from the indie sound of 'Dogrel', with bands from The Beach Boys to Broadcast cited as influences. We can't wait to hear it.