Awaiting 2011 Releases

As 2010 comes to an end, the time feels longer as artist announce release dates into the next year. I have to keep telling myself, "It will come sooner than you think." There are many singles and full length releases coming out within the next year that have interested me, but here are just a few I have been thinking about:

2NE1

Although these four girls haven't been around for a year and a half since their debut in May 2009, 2NE1's popularity has risen quickly not only in South Korea, but also worldwide. Dara (far left) and Bom (second on the right) have even had some solo debuts. Some say 2NE1 has a certain unique style, both in music and fashion. Both CL (second on the left) and Minzy (far right) carry out strong rap verses, while Bom and Dara sing out melodies. Personally, CL always surprises me with what she wears. It's not like Lady-Gaga, but it's out there, and totally awesome. It's not just CL either, everyone has fun style, and their performance is full of energy.
Recently the girls have worked with will.i.am, and are planning an full length, English album debut. The release has been moved into 2011 to make sure every song has enough potential to be a hit. BoA, another Korean artist, attempted this move last year, and shockingly, she didn't become as popular as hoped, even with her excellent English. Hopefully, 2NE1 can overcome the "United States' cultural barrier." (I have always been amused at the United States, for being one of the only countries that doesn't listen to music in foreign tongue.)
With 2NE1's unique style and energy, there is still much to expect in their upcoming U.S. release. Maybe this will produce a U.S. tour? :)

Dir en Grey

As one of my favorite bands ever, of course I would anticipate this release. At one time the Japanese band would release a single every three months or so, but in the past few years Dir en Grey has gone hardcore on touring. About a year ago, the band released a single titled, "Hageshisa to Kono Mune no Naka de Karamitsuita Shakunetsu no Yami." Yes, long title. I know. This song ended up serving as the final track in the SAW 3D sound track. I never found the SAW movies interesting, but I was excited for their achievement. Fans have been saying they are hoping the upcoming release, "Lotus," will be a 'ballad.' The terminology is slightly questionable, since the term is associated with boy bands, but it maybe the lyrics, telling a story that makes the term fit. I'm just as curious as the rest of the fans. 

The Ting Tings

The British Duo, has only had one full album release, titled "We Started Nothing." For a while it was thought it would only take a year at the most to make a new album. Two years later, in August of 2010, the single "Hands" was released, along with an announcement with an upcoming album in 2011. When their first album was released in 2008, it wasn't till a year later when I heard their music on a pop radio station in the U.S. The Ting Tings have upbeat songs that are creative, and it could even be called a "simple" style. After hearing "Hands," I know their upcoming album will have a new musical twist from the last; evolving is good. 

Releases from The Ting Tings, 2NE1, and Dir en Grey are only some of the upcoming, exciting music of 2011. Three very different bands, huh?