2012 Prevew: Music

Some may have prophesied the end of the world in 2012; we prophesize any year that launches a new Madonna album is only going to end well. The new untitled record drops in March, and we take it as a lucky star that our two favorite Madonna albums—Like a Prayer (1989) and Ray of Light (1998)—were released in March of their respective years. She’s even re-teamed with Ray of Light producer William Orbit for the album along with major dance producers Martin Solveig and Benny Benassi. First single “Give Me All Your Luvin” featuring Nicki Minaj and M.I.A. will see its video released the last week of January followed closely by her performance at the Super Bowl XLVI on February 5. Included on the album: “Masterpiece” a masterpiece ballad from the new movie she directed, W.E. (opening Feb 3). The song has already snagged a Golden Globe nomination. Might she be performing at the Oscars this year, too? And then lookout for a new world tour this summer.

Here’s what else the year’s releases may look like. Some certain, some tentative—all potentially blockbuster.

More for Nicki Minaj—va va varoom she releases her sophomore album, Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded (Feb 14). Will Eve give her a smack with album Lip Lock?

Pop divas planning returns: Nelly Furtado (Lifestyle due summer) and Christina Aguilera. And we can pretty much guarantee Rihanna will have another album before the year’s over. Soul divas: Estelle, All of Me (Feb 28); Mary J. Blige, My Life II… The Journey Continues (Act 2) in May; Brandy (slated for March). Then there’s the cool chicks: Santigold with Master of My Make Believe (spring 2012), Regina Spektor with the adorably titled What We Saw From the Cheap Seats (coming in May) and possibly Fiona Apple and Janelle Monae (who’s said to be planning two albums!).

It’s the battle of the hipster bands: Ting Tings’ Sounds From Nowheresville (Mar 12), MGMT, Franz Ferdinand, The Killers, and Muse. Lost bands: Garbage and Culture Club. Rock bands: Green Day, No Doubt and U2. What’s intriguing about the U2 release (tentatively titled Songs of Ascent) is not only is there a wild rumor they are working on three albums (with producers ranging from Danger Mouse, will.i.am, David Guetta, RedOne and Brian Eno) but Bono hinted their new album may come in a new format, perhaps as an iPad app that will supply the music, lyrical content and plasma TV interaction.

Gay male artists: Adam Lambert breaks in with sophomore album Trespassing (Mar 20) and Rufus Wainwright gets in the game with Out of the Game, his most radio-friendly album, thanks to producer Mark Ronson. Straight (and then maybe not) male artists who are delivering in 2012: John Mayer, Born and Raised; Ne-Yo, The Cracks in Mr. Perfect; will.i.am, #willpower; and Marilyn Manson, Born Villain (Feb).

Tween pop: Willow Smith whipping her hair back-and-forth on April 3 with Willow: You Think You Know Me; Justin Bieber, Believe with collaborators rumored to include Drake and Kanye West.

Well regardless of what happens, this stellar 2012 lineup is going to have us dancing till the world ends!