From left to right: Kacey Musgraves performing, Charlie Steffens/ZUMA Press Wire; Ariana Grande, Arroyo-Oconnor; Beyonce, TCD/Prod.DB; all via Alamy.

Music

What’s Hot in Music This Month: New Albums, Local Concerts

Ariana Grande and Beyoncé release new records and live performances from Emmylou Harris and Offset

Welcome back, Terriers, to our monthly column, What’s Hot in Music This Month.

With spring break just around the corner, March is packed with exciting things to look forward to, like live local performances from Bryce Vine and Offset. There’s also a ton of new music coming out from some of the industry’s brightest stars among them Ariana Grande, Justin Timberlake, and Beyoncé. And you won’t want to miss the legendary Emmylou Harris in concert at the Wilbur later this month. Let’s jump right in, music lovers.

New releases

eternal sunshine, Ariana Grande

This is turning out to be a big year for Ariana Grande. She’s starring as Glinda in the much anticipated movie adaptation of Wicked, with part one slated for release in November. But before that, on March 8, Grande is releasing her highly anticipated seventh studio album, eternal sunshine. The first single, “yes, and?” sees Grande clap back at critics, embracing positivity and love in what’s sure to be a danceable hit song. Even better, the remix of “yes, and?” features none other than Mariah Carey. The rest of the album is cloaked in mystery, but Grande has said each song contributes to the bigger story of the concept album. It’s been four long years since her last new album—Positions, in 2020—so fans are more than ready for this next chapter from one of our biggest pop stars today.

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Everything I Thought It Was, Justin Timberlake

You read that right: Justin Timberlake is back. On March 15, he’s releasing his sixth studio album, which also happens to be his first new album in six years. Timberlake has released a slew of commercially successful and critically acclaimed albums as part of the boy band *NSYNC and as a solo artist. Known as one of the world’s best-selling music artists, he is a superstar in every sense of the word. He’s teased his new album with the lead single “Selfish,” a lovesick ballad with pulsating pop beat guaranteed to have you bobbing your head. Everything I Thought It Was is sure to be another gem in the singer-songwriter’s discography.

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Bleachers, Bleachers

Bleachers frontman Jack Antonoff has an enviable work ethic: he’s taken home the Grammy award for Producer of the Year three years in a row for his work with artists like Lana Del Rey, Taylor Swift, and The 1975. But on March 8, the prolific producer is treating us to a new album from his synth-pop band Bleachers. The self-titled project includes the singles “Modern Girl,” a catchy, 80s-inspired pop-rock anthem, and “Alma Mater,” a more down-tempo effort featuring writing and vocals from Del Rey herself. Antonoff is one of the most exciting artists in pop music today and this album is sure to be packed with earworm after earworm.

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Deeper Well, Kacey Musgraves

March is a big month for country music lovers. Kacey Musgraves returns to the scene with her sixth studio album Deeper Well on March 15. The first single and title track is a reflective, woodsy ballad, with Musgraves shrugging off the habits and people who fail to bring goodness to her life. Following her 2019 Album of the Year Grammy win for Golden Hour and her pop-leaning 2021 album star-crossed, Musgraves has made a name for herself as a versatile artist to watch. Deeper Well sees the Texas native reconnect with her roots and find a stripped-down sound that accentuates her delicate and beautiful voice.

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[act ii], Beyoncé

After setting the world abuzz with her announcement during the Super Bowl that she was dropping the second act of her highly anticipated three-act project in March, here it is. [act ii] follows Beyoncé’s 2022 critically lauded Renaissance, a house and disco record that went number-one on the Billboard 200 and brought the artist four Grammy awards. This second act is a radical departure from her previous work: here, she makes a sonic pivot to country music. The first two singles, “TEXAS HOLD ‘EM” and “16 CARRIAGES,” prove that Queen Bey continues to challenge herself as an artist in unexpected ways. Don’t miss this exciting new project from a true musical legend.

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Upcoming concerts

Bryce Vine

A rapper and singer with genre-bending music, Bryce Vine has ties to the Boston area. He attended Berklee College of Music before signing a record deal and releasing his first EP in 2014. His melodic singing style blends hip-hop, R&B, and alternative influences, as seen in energetic hits like “Drew Barrymore” and “Sour Patch Kids.” It’s hard not to have a good time while listening to Vine’s music, so his performance is one you won’t want to miss.

Offset

Since rising to popularity as a member of the hip-hop trio Migos, Offset has made a name for himself as a platinum recording artist, featured on tracks like “Zeze” by Travis Scott and “Taste” by Tyga. After the release of his second studio album in October, Offset is embarking on his Set It Off tour, bringing his high-energy hits to stages across the globe. The trap pioneer is here to stay and his live performances prove he’s getting only better with time.

The Japanese House

Fresh off the release of her sophomore album, In the End It Always Does, The Japanese House (the stage name of English singer-songwriter Amber Bain) will take the stage at Roadrunner later this month, performing from her new album. The musician has the indie pop genre down to a science, expertly crafting emotional songs drenched in synthesizers and keyboards. Don’t miss a chance to catch this rising electronic folk star live.

Emmylou Harris

Folk icon Emmylou Harris is taking the stage at The Wilbur this month. Named by Rolling Stone as one of the 200 Greatest Singers of All Time in 2023 and winner of 14 Grammys, including a Lifetime Achievement Award, Harris has blazed her own trail throughout her career, melding country, folk, and rock to create her distinctly unique brand of music. Since her debut album in 1969, she has been a commanding presence in the music industry. On March 25, Boston fans will have a chance to hear this legendary performer in person.

Josiah & the Bonnevilles

Fresh off the release of their 2023 album Endurance, Josiah & the Bonnevilles—the stage name of Tennessee singer-songwriter Josiah Leming—is bringing his infectious country style to Paradise Rock Club. Leming, who appeared on the 2008 season of American Idol, grew a cult following with his country-style covers of Taylor Swift’s “Anti-Hero” and Justin Bieber’s “Ghost,” but has a massive talent for crafting emotional and powerful songs. Be sure to catch him live on March 26.

Arlo Parks

Just last year, English singer-songwriter Arlo Parks released her critically acclaimed sophomore album, My Soft Machine, and her debut poetry collection, The Magic Border. Rolling Stone named her record one of the 100 best albums of 2023. On March 28, she’s taking the stage at the Royale, where she’ll bring her ethereal and poetic alternative music to life. Parks has a voice like no other, and her music is even better live.