The British indie rock band, The Kooks, are poised for a major comeback next month with a new album that promises a return to their signature sound, reminiscent of their debut record, “Inside In/Inside Out.” This highly anticipated release will feature what insiders describe as “nailed-on hits,” born from a relaxed and enjoyable studio experience where the band focused on having fun and rediscovering the essence of their early work. The album arrives at an opportune moment for The Kooks, who have experienced a resurgence in popularity thanks to TikTok and streaming platforms, attracting a new generation of younger, primarily female fans. This newfound exposure has expanded their reach and sets the stage for a successful album launch, particularly following their recent collaboration with LovelyTheBand on the TikTok viral hit, “Jeanie.” The band has already sold out shows in the US and anticipates similar success with their upcoming UK tour dates, which will follow their appearances at the Reading and Leeds Festivals in August. This seventh studio album marks a potential rebound after their 2022 release, “10 Tracks To Echo In The Dark,” underperformed commercially.
The upcoming album’s release coincides with what is often considered the most dreary month of the year, offering a beacon of excitement for fans. This return to their roots seems perfectly timed to capitalize on their renewed popularity and introduces their classic sound to a new audience. The Kooks’ upcoming tours in Australia, New Zealand, and Europe further solidify their global presence and build anticipation for their return to the UK. The band’s refreshed approach, combined with their well-established fan base and the boost from new listeners, suggests this album could be a defining moment in their career. The Kooks’ journey, from their initial success to their recent resurgence, demonstrates their enduring appeal and their ability to adapt to the evolving music landscape.
Meanwhile, pop superstar Rihanna has been turning heads in New York City, embracing the chilly weather in a fur headpiece reminiscent of Davy Crockett. Spending the holidays with partner A$AP Rocky and their two children, Rihanna has been treating the city streets as her personal runway. However, her continued absence from recording studios suggests her musical hiatus, which began after the release of her 2016 album “Anti,” will likely extend into 2025, marking a decade since her last album release. While fans eagerly await new music, it seems any hope for a new Rihanna album may need to be deferred until at least 2026.
Actor Timothée Chalamet, who portrays Bob Dylan in the upcoming biopic “A Complete Unknown,” hints at the possibility of sequels to further explore the iconic musician’s life and career. The current film focuses on the period from 1961 to 1965, leaving ample room for future installments to cover Dylan’s later years, including his post-motorcycle accident recovery and subsequent musical evolution. Chalamet’s dedication to the role, including learning guitar and harmonica, and his expressed pride in the project suggest a strong desire to revisit the character. He even teased the possibility of releasing his own music in the future, although he jokingly described it as a potentially “self-indulgent album.” The film, set for release on January 17th, promises a deep dive into Dylan’s formative years and Chalamet’s comments suggest a potential franchise could unfold, charting the musician’s entire life story.
Singer Anne-Marie has reflected on a tumultuous year marked by both immense joy and significant hardship. Welcoming her first child, a daughter, in February was a highlight, while the stress of her husband, rapper Slowthai, facing rape accusations, of which he was later cleared, presented a major challenge. Sharing a message on Instagram, Anne-Marie acknowledges the duality of her experience, describing 2024 as both the “most beautiful yet hardest year” of her life. She promises new music and content for fans in the coming year, expressing hope for a positive turn of events and a renewed focus on her career. Her message reveals a resilient spirit and a determination to move forward despite the challenges she has faced.
Ed Sheeran is predicted to achieve his eighth No. 1 album with the extended live version of his compilation record, “+=÷x Tour Collection.” Initially released in September, the album has steadily climbed the charts and is currently poised to top the charts in early 2025. This achievement would follow his previous successes, including his debut album “Plus” in 2011 and his most recent chart-topper, “Autumn Variations,” in 2024. With his “Mathematics” world tour concluding in 2025, Sheeran also has plans to release a new album, further solidifying his prolific output and continued dominance in the music industry. His consistent chart success underscores his widespread appeal and enduring popularity as a singer-songwriter.
Finally, as the year draws to a close, Rita Ora is preparing to co-host “Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve With Ryan Seacrest” in Times Square. Spotted at rehearsals in New York City, she was bundled up against the cold, showcasing a stylish ensemble of leather boots and a tartan scarf. The show will feature performances by Carrie Underwood, Jonas Brothers, TLC, Lenny Kravitz, and Sophie Ellis-Bextor. Interestingly, Ellis-Bextor will also be performing her own New Year’s Eve concert, pre-recorded earlier in the month, which will air on BBC One. These dual performances offer viewers on both sides of the Atlantic a chance to celebrate the new year with the British singer’s music. Meanwhile, former East 17 frontman Tony Mortimer, following the re-release of their Christmas classic “Stay Another Day,” is planning new music in 2025. He expressed his desire to create music independently, free from the constraints of record labels, and hinted at numerous ideas already brewing. He is currently renovating his studio and anticipates a fresh start in his musical career. In another interesting anecdote, singer Brooke Candy revealed a chance encounter with rising star Gracie Abrams while working part-time at a tattoo shop. Candy tattooed a small red star with a happy face on Abrams, who has since achieved significant success with her hit single “That’s So True.” Finally, SZA announced that updated mixes and new songs will be added to her “SOS Deluxe: Lana” album on January 6th, following the label’s return from the holiday break.
