With 2013 in its final months, a plethora of new music has come out, or is set to do so in the coming months.  With many high-profile artists among those releasing new music, students at Potomac Falls are thrilled about the upcoming releases. Some major albums have already been released, one example being Fuse, the new album by country musician Keith Urban.“I grew up listening to Keith Urban, so I’ve always loved him.  I like how his music is always upbeat and it’s always fun to sing along to it,” said senior Rachel Wruk.  “His music is meant to make people happy and that’s what it does for me, and his fans in general.” The new album has earned positive reviews from critics, who have compared it to The Story so Far, Urban’s last album.

Fans agree with this stance.  “His new album is fairly the same as all of his other previous songs.  They’re all upbeat with some slow ones mixed in.  He still sings about the same things, which I like,” said Wruk. Fans have responded most favorably to three songs in particular. “I really like the songs ‘Little Bit of Everything,’ ‘Raise ‘Em Up,’ and ‘Gonna be Good,’” said Wruk, “I feel like those songs do a great job expressing him as a country singer and shows that he hasn’t strayed away from what he’s done in the past.”

Rap also has a promising release on the horizon.  One of the most successful artists of the last 20 years, Eminem, has remained largely quiet since 2010’s Recovery.  However, in August, Eminem confirmed a new album, The Marshall Mathers LP 2, a sequel to 2000’s universally acclaimed The Marshall Mathers LP.  Set for release on November 5, it has many students excited. “Eminem is a lyrical genius and his work influences new artists to push themselves.  I’m glad he’s back,” said senior Melih Delioglu. At the moment, Eminem has only released the lead single from the album.  Titled “Berzerk,” the song pays tribute to the Beastie Boys.  Fans are intrigued by the song. “I wouldn’t say it’s his best work.  It’s a new style and it takes a little to get used to.  I’d give it a B+ though.  I like that it’s a throwback,” said Delioglu.

In the rock scene, a new band, The 1975, also has recently released an album, which has quickly garnered attention and praise from listeners. “They cover the basics of rock music with topics like love, fear, and depression. It’s very personal and almost like a diary. Everything about the CD is pure emotion and very raw,” said junior Meredith Ross.  Their debut has several standout tracks. “I would absolutely recommend their album to friends and I actually have. Some of my favorite songs are ‘Sex’, ‘The City,’ ‘Robbers,’ ‘Settle Down’, and ‘Menswear’.  I would advise them to listen to those first to get the whole feeling of the album down,” said Ross.  Fans expect great things from the band in the future as well. “This is only the beginning for The 1975. I feel like The 1975 has what it takes to change what people see as rock music today with amazing music,” said Ross.

Katy Perry’s upcoming album, Prism, the follow-up to her mega-successful album, Teenage Dream, has also received considerable publicity thanks to her devoted fanbase. “I like Katy Perry’s music because dancing to it is fun,” said freshman Olivia Miller. The lead single of the album, “Roar” is no different.  “It’s more upbeat than her previous music, but I like how it is still good for dancing.  That makes it great for parties.  It really hypes me up,” said Miller. This fall, there is no shortage of musical options for listeners and with new artists as well as old making a splash with successful albums, 2013 looks to be a promising year for music lovers.