New albums to hear this October: From Blackpink to Bruce Springsteen

Whether it's a highly hyped debut, a collection of never-before-heard singles or a Christmas album – yes, in October – the next month has it all.

Here, we've picked out 10 albums you need to know about in the coming days and weeks.

As always, there are plenty here we didn't have space to mention: keep an eye out for new releases from the likes of John Frusciante, Matt Berninger, Melanie C, Laraaji, Autechre, Katie Melua, Songhoy Blues and Sam Smith.

Blackpink – The Album (October 2)

Blackpink are one of the biggest forces in K-Pop — they sold out their debut UK show at Wembley Arena last year. Unfettered by the pandemic, they wrote and recorded this entire album in self-isolation, with features from Cardi B and Selena Gomez.

Dolly Parton – A Holly Dolly Christmas (October 2)

What else could come and save this wretched year other than a Dolly Parton Christmas album? Arriving a full 84 days before December 25, this festive treat is Parton’s first yuletide release in 30 years. Mr Christmas himself, Michael Buble, is among the features, with Miley Cyrus, Willie Nelson and others getting involved too.

Mariah Carey – The Rarities (October 2)

One for the Mariah superfans, this new release will be made up of unreleased demos, B-sides and live tracks taken from across the last 30 years. There is some new material too, with a fresh track featuring Ms Lauryn Hill one to look out for.

Shamir – Shamir (October 2)

Shamir is back with a second album of 2020, and the first few singles from the self-titled release are intriguing. Other Side is dark country stomp, while Running is hazy indie-pop. It’s set to be an intriguing listen, for sure.

Working Men’s Club – Working Men’s Club (October 2)

One of the UK’s most hyped new bands, Yorkshire outfit Working Men’s Club have been forging a reputation for post-punk tinged, eminently danceable anthems and now they arrive with their long-awaited debut album.

Future Islands – As Long As You Are (October 9)

Synthy favourites Future Islands are back with their sixth studio album. Early singles suggest it’ll be a subtle update on their signature sound: wistful soundscapes topped by frontman Samuel T. Herring’s deeply dredged vocals.

Wizkid – Made in Lagos (October 15)

It’s been a fair while since we last had a full-length project from Wizkid — Sounds from the Other Side dropped back in 2017 — and he’s been teasing Made in Lagos years. Now, it’s finally here, so expect a sleek fusion of Afrobeat, dub, dancehall and more.

Beadbadoobee – Fake It Flowers (October 16)

Another massively hyped debut album — for all the right reasons — is Fake It Flowers from the 20-year-old Beabadoobee. She’s recruited a legion of ardent fans with her 90s-flavoured, lo-fi guitar music, heavy with hooks and relatable lyrics.

Adrianne Lenker – instrumentals + songs (October 23)

Adrianne Lenker released two of the best albums of 2019 with her band Big Thief, and now she’s back as a solo artist trying to repeat the trick with this duo of releases. Both of them were written after the pandemic cut short a Big Thief tour. Expect intimate, stripped back acoustic delights.

Bruce Springsteen – Letter To You (October 23)

The Boss is back, and he’s brought the E Street Band with him. It’s the first time they’ve collaborated since 2014, creating Springsteen’s 20th studio in the process. Don’t expect any great reinventions here — from the sound of the first two singles, it’s classic Bruce.