Like all things, the Pop Industry suffered during lockdown at the height of the-19 pandemic. But it’s coming back with a bang! And it’s not just current artists coming back, some older artists are wowing us again, like ABBA! All music fans, people of all ages can be prepared for a music come back like no other. So grab your stereo, headphones and speakers and let’s see what’s in store!
First, who’s released an album? 29th October Ed Sheeran wowed us with his fourth studio album, = (pronounced equals), containing the songs ‘Bad Habits’, ‘Shivers’ and ‘Visiting Hours’, a melody about his friend Michael Gudinski, who sadly passed away on 2nd March 2021. I think the album is amazing! It’s so lovely and it’s probably my favourite Ed Sheeran album so far and hopefully won’t be his last! Arthur, with “It’ll All Make Sense In The End”, Diana Ross with Thankyou and, of course, ABBA’s highly anticipated final album, Voyage. I haven’t listened to it yet but I can’t wait to. I really like ABBA, some of their previous songs from the 70s and 80s are amazing! They are a truly great band! Jade Thirlwall from Little Mix, more on them later!, will be happy because she is a big fan of Diana Ross! When she was younger she thought her mum was Diana Ross and her mum played along with this! I don’t think I’d be surprised if Jade and Diana were related if I’m honest! All those albums were released on 5th November. On the 12th November we had Little Mix with Between Us, an album celebrating 10 years of Little Mix and hopefully it won’t stop there. I consider myself a mixer! I have all the previous albums just not “Between Us, yet!” It won’t be long before I have a copy! Please keep giving Little Mix, I will be eternally grateful! Now perhaps a surprising come back, Rod Stewart with “Tears of Hercules”. I’m not a fan of Rod Stewart but I’m sure for those who are this is great news!
And still to come. Friday 19th November we are being treated twice! James Blunt who’s releasing the album “The Stars Beneath My Feet” (2004-2021) and secondly b Adele with “30”, containing her brand-new hit ‘Easy On Me’ and “Rumor Has It”. It’s a breakup album as she divorced from her then-husband Simon Konecki on 13th September 2019. This is going to be a great day for me- not only do I love Adele, she is amazing and she deserves respect! And I think she is perfect the way she is but also the way she was too! Love you Adele! But I am also a fan of James Blunt too, he has a really nice voice, and his songs are very relatable! And surprising come back is boy band JLS with an upcoming album called “2.0” on 3rd December. I’m really excited about this being a fan of JLS! I think the question is will they carry on making music or is this, like ABBA, their final album, a fond goodbye to fans? Only time will tell!
And it’s not just albums we’re getting, but new songs and singles too! We’ve got the unlikely duet of Elton John and Dua Lipa with Cold Heart. Plus, Elton John has also collaborated with Young Thug, Nicki Minaj, Charlie Puth and Stevie Wonder. Elton always amazes! Although to me this seems kind of strange but I guess it helps the two collaborating artists widen their fan base, age and range of fans! Rumours are that Ed Sheeran and Elton John are collaborating on a Christmas song! Now I can’t wait for that! Then Coldplay and BTS with My Universe. I know that this song has been out for a while but it’s still in the charts and it’s a really good song! Avril Lavigne is making a comeback with “Bite Me” released 10th November and an upcoming album from her soon! Really like Avril Lavigne!
So, overall, the music industry is making a comeback and its doing amazing So far! What’s still in store for us I wonder?
Article by Young Reporter Deanna Thompson
First published in Grimsby Telegraph 16th November 2021