What new albums head up the music shopping list beginning December 1, 2017? New projects from Chris Stapleton, U2, Miguel and others arrive.  

Friday, November 24, 2017 wasn’t a notable release date.  Last year, the Black Friday release date yield a blockbuster album – Starboy, courtesy of The Weeknd.  This year, there was no album released nearly as big as the urban contemporary effort.  This week beginning Friday, December 1, 2017, should atone, welcoming new albums courtesy of Chris Stapleton (From a Room, Vol. 2), U2 (Songs of Experience), and Miguel (War & Leisure) among others.

1. Chris Stapleton, From a Room, Vol. 2

Mercury

After making a splash with From a Room, Vol. 1 earlier in 2017, country sensation Chris Stapleton returns with From a Room,Vol. 2.  Like the first installment, From a Room, Vol. 2 is comprised of just nine songs.  Singles released in advance of the album include “Millionaire,” “Scarecrow in the Garden,” and “Tryin’ to Untangle My Mind.”

2. U2, Songs of Experience

Island 

Bono and U2 returns following a three-year hiatus with Songs of Experience.  Songs of Experience follows up their 2014 ‘free’ releases (at least initially), Songs of Innocence.  In its deluxe edition, Songs of Experience features a whopping 17 songs, comprised of pre-release singles “You’re the Best Thing About Me,” “Get Out of Your Own Way,” “The Blackout,” and “You’re the Best Thing About” (with Kygo).

3. Miguel, War & Leisure

RCA 

Urban contemporary and alt-R&B artist Miguel returns with his fourth studio album, War & Leisure.  War & Leisure arrives two years after the sexually-tinged Wildheart (2015).  Comprised of 12 songs, singles issued ahead of the album include “Sky Walker” featuring Travis Scott and the groovy, Prince-reminiscent “Told You So,” and “Pineapple Skies.” Clever single “Shockandawe” didn’t make the final cut. 

4. Andy Grammer, The Good Parts

BMG Rights Management

Pop artist and singer-songwriter Andy Grammer returns with his third studio album, The Good Parts.  The Good Parts follows his 2014 album, Magazines or Novels, which spawned the hit-single, “Honey, I’m Good.” The Good Parts is comprised of 13 songs, with singles “Smoke Clears,” “The Good Parts,” “Fresh Eyes,” and “Give Love” featuring LunchMoney Lewis arriving ahead of the album. 

5. Danielle Bradbery, I Don’t Believe We’ve Met

Big Machine 

21-year old country artist Danielle Bradbery returns with her sophomore album, I Don’t Believe We’ve Met.  Bradbery famously won the Voice during its fourth season in 2013.  I Don’t Believe We’ve Met serves as the follow up for her 2013 debut, Danielle Bradbery.  Comprised of 10 tracks, singles “Sway,” “Potential,” “Worth It,” “Hello Summer,” and “Human Diary” arrived in advance of the album.

Photo Credits: Mercury, Island, RCA, BMG Rights Management, Big Machine