Seven Albums Coming Out in December 2016

December is here. There is less than a month until the holidays and only a week more than that until the New Year. And yet, there is still more beautiful music being made in 2016 for people to check out.

There are still a number of new albums coming out in the month of December before the holiday lull in releases. Many albums are coming out today, December 2, while a few more are scattered throughout the next two weeks.

Vinyl Bay 777, Long Island’s best new independent record shop, has been watching the blogs and has compiled a list of seven of the most highly anticipated albums coming out in December. Check out what is being released from hot new artists like Childish Gambino and The Narrative, as well as established ones like The Rolling Stones, Neil Young, Tony Bennett, and more.

1.       Childish Gambino, ‘Awaken, My Love’: Childish Gambino, the rapper stage name of actor Donald Glover, is releasing his highly anticipated new album, ‘Awaken, My Love,’ today, December 2. ‘Awaken, My Love’ is the follow-up to his breakout album, ‘Because the Internet,’ which has sold half-a-million copies in the United States since being released in 2013. A “virtual reality vinyl” for the album has also been announced, set for release sometime in 2017. (December 2)

2.       The Rolling Stones, ‘Blue & Lonesome’: It’s been 11 years since The Rolling Stones released a studio album, the last one being 2005’s ‘A Bigger Bang.’ ‘Blue & Lonesome’ is the band’s first covers album, celebrating the blues that brought them together in the first place. The album features songs by Buddy Johnson, Howlin’ Wolf, Memphis Slim, Willie Dixon and more, and features Eric Clapton’s guitar playing on two tracks. A video for “Ride ‘Em On Down” was released today, the same day as the album. (December 2)

3.       Pete Doherty, ‘Hamburg Demonstrations’: Known for his work as the lead singer of The Libertines and Babyshambles, as well as his excessive rock star lifestyle, Doherty has released his second solo album, ‘Hamburg Demonstrations,’ today. The new album comes seven years after the release of ‘Grace/Wastelands,’ and just one year after the latest Libertines album, ‘Anthems for Doomed Youth.’ (December 2)

4.       Various Artists, ‘Hamilton Mixtape’: ‘Hamilton’ is the hottest Broadway show of the year. You can’t go two feet without hearing people sing its praises. That’s why creator Lin-Manuel Miranda has released a mixtape featuring top artists singing songs from the show, as well as unused demos. Artists on the mixtape include Queen Latifah, Busta Rhymes, Ashanti featuring Ja Rule, The Roots, Kelly Clarkson, Usher, Alicia Keys, Regina Spektor, Sia and many more. (December 2)

5.       The Narrative, ‘Golden Silence’: Four years in the making, Long Island indie rockers The Narrative are finally releasing their second studio album, ‘Golden Silence,’ today. It is the follow-up to the band’s self-titled debut, released in 2010, which earned them praise from sites such as Pure Volume, naming them one of the “top unsigned bands of 2010.” (December 2)

6.       Neil Young, ‘Peace Trail’: Young is set to release his 37^th studio album, ‘Peace Trail,’ on December 9. Recorded at Shangri La Studios,’ ‘Peace Trail’ will be mostly acoustic and, if his latest singles are any indication, highly political. (December 9)

7.       Tony Bennett, ‘Tony Bennett Celebrates 90’: Earlier this year, Tony Bennett turned 90 and will be celebrating by releasing a new album, aptly titled ‘Tony Bennett Celebrates 90.’ The album is a companion to the NBC special of the same name, airing on December 20. A deluxe version will also be available, featuring two extra CDs of “rare and previously unreleased studio and live performance tracks” and a 28-page booklet. (December 16)

Just because 2016 is almost over doesn’t mean that it has stopped producing great music to look forward to. Whether you are into hip-hop, rock, folk, classics or show tunes, there is still new music to find this year.

Before these albums come out, check out the back catalogs of many of these artists and more at Vinyl Bay 777 and vinylbay777.com. We have thousands of new and used titles on vinyl, CD and cassette with more titles being added daily. Shop Vinyl Bay 777 this holiday season and buy the music lover in your life the gift of music.