Music Shopping List: Harry Styles’, ‘Harry Styles’ Leads the Charge

Harry Styles leads the music shopping list this week, which includes new albums from Paramore, Zac Brown Band, and Machine Gun Kelly.

Ah, May 12, 2017 – another Friday – and another new music release date! The second music release date in May is top-heavy, featuring new albums courtesy of Harry Styles, Paramore, Zac Brown Band, and Machine Gun Kelly.  Who’s got the most buzz? Why Harry Styles of course, only the second One Direction member (following Zayn) to release a solo album.  Still, don’t count out the other artists bring the heat in the least!

1. Harry Styles, Harry Styles

Columbia

After One Direction went on an indefinite hiatus, the four remaining members of the collective went in their own separate directions…no pun intended.  Anyways, Harry Styles becomes the second member of the band to release a solo debut following former member Zayn.  Fittingly self-titled, Harry Styles got a massive lift from promo single “Sign of the Times.”  Styles followed up with a second single, “Sweet Creature,” quite the contrast to the promo single.  Harry Styles is comprised of just 10 songs with no guest features.

2. Paramore, After Laughter

Atlantic

Paramore returns with its fifth studio album, After Laughter.  After Laughter serves as the follow-up to the band’s 2013 effort, Paramore.  Comprised of 12 tracks, two singles were released prior to the release of After Laughter: “Hard Times” and “Told You So.”

3. Zac Brown Band, Welcome Home

Elektra  

Successful country collective Zac Brown Band returns its latest album, Welcome Home.  Welcome Home arrives two years after Jekyll + Hyde.  10 tracks deep, five singles arrived prior to the album’s release: “Roots,” “Real Thing,” “Family Table,” “My Old Man,” and “All the Best.”

4. Machine Gun Kelly, Bloom

Bad Boy / Interscope

Machine Gun Kelly is hot…and no, we’re not referencing the tatted rapper’s looks.  He’s hot because his promo campaign ahead of his third studio album, bloom, has been quite successful.  “Bad Things,” featuring Camila Cabello, gave him a top 10 hit.  Another single, “At My Best,” featuring up-and-coming pop superstar Hailee Steinfeld is on the rise.  Certainly, going into the album release, Machine Gun Kelly is in a good spot.  Bloom is comprised of 13 tracks. In addition to Cabello and Steinfeld, the guest list includes James Arthur, Quavo, Ty Dolla $ign, and DubXX.

Photo Credits: Columbia, Atlantic, Elektra, Bad Boy, Interscope