SOUND JUDGEMENT

BIGGEST COMEBACK ALBUMS TO LOOK FORWARD TO IN 2019

WESTLIFE

THE pop quartet, comprised of Kian Egan, Nicky Byrne, Mark Feehily and Shane Filan (former member Brian McFadden is not rejoining them), will release a new album in 2019, their first since their Gravity in 2010, alongside a 20th anniversary tour.

The foursome recently signed a new record deal with Virgin EMI, and their new collection will include one track penned by Ed Sheeran. Expect plenty of their timeless ballads and epic songs with key changes.

SAMANTHA MUMBA

AFTER an almost inexplicably too-long hiatus, Irish singer Samantha Mumba is returning in 2019 with her first new album in nearly 20 years. She rose to fame in 2000 with successful debut album Gotta Tell You, which spawned hit singles including Body II Body, Always Come Back To Your Love, and the catchy title track.

She is said to have worked with singer-songwriter and producer MNEK on her new music, and she has told fans she is “so hyped” to be making her comeback this year.

ABBA

THE Swedish pop legends have already reunited to create a number of new songs ahead of their digital avatar tour, and in October, Abba’s Bjorn Ulvaeus dropped a hint that a record may be on the cards in 2019, too. A new record would be the first collection of new music from the hitmakers since their final album The Visitors in 1981.

THE CURE

FRONTMAN Robert Smith recently told US radio station SiriusXM: “We’re going in about six weeks’ time (to the studio) to finish up what will be our first album in more than a decade. It’s very exciting times for us all around.”

The forthcoming new album will mark the 40th anniversary of the British goth rock group’s debut record Three Imaginary Boys.

RIHANNA

IN 2018, Rihanna confirmed she was back in the studio working on new music with a more reggae vibe to it, although she has yet to reveal details of its release date or its title.