2017 was a remarkable time for women in music. This year, the expectations are just as high, with several little and well-known albums hitting the airwaves.

Story by Savannah Olson

Kali Uchis, “Isolation”- Release Date: April 6

Although not unknown in the music world, Kali Uchis is finally hitting her stride in 2018. From a national tour with co-sad girl Lana Del Rey, to the release of her highly-anticipated album, “Isolation,” it feels right to say 2018 is the “Year of Kali.” While speaking with The FADER, Kali said this upcoming album is “more mature” with a strong focus on “feminine power, homecoming and finding yourself.” If the music video for “After the Storm” is any indication, Uchi’s brand of neo-soul is ready to lift us into a bright, carefree summer with our own Chia-Pet Tyler the Creator.

Sky Ferreira, “Masochism” – Release Date: TBA

Even though it has been five years since her debut album, “Night Time, My Time,” Sky Ferreira is nothing but busy. In 2017, she acted in the television show “Twin Peaks: The Return” and Edgar Wright’s film, “Baby Driver,” even releasing a cover of The Commodores’ “Easy” for the soundtrack. While speaking with The FADER, Ferreira announced the name of her upcoming album as “Masochism,” explaining that it would be “heavily visual” with music videos that follow a storyline throughout. Although Ferreira promised the album would be out by February or March, there is still hope to be had. In January, the synth-pop singer released the official first image for her upcoming album on Instagram of her appearing moody, posed in a Baywatch-style one-piece with matching red pumps. The wait may be longer than expected, but one way or another, “Masochism” will follow the vision that Ferreira has imagined for her fans to hear in her return to the music world.

Cardi B, “Invasion of Privacy” – Release Date: April 6

Cardi B has decided to not only bless us with her throwback Fly Girl looks on Bruno Mars’ “Finesse (Remix),” but also to drop her next album, “Invasion of Privacy.” Among the most well-known rapper of modern times, Cardi B took 2017 and made it her own. From confidence-booster “Bodak Yellow” to the infectious rhythm of “Bartier Cardi,” every song she released or was featured on, became the anthem for that moment in time. Ready to cement her iconography, Cardi B’s “Invasion of Privacy” is guaranteed to include the song of the summer, fall and winter.

Jorja Smith, TBA – Release Date: TBA

At only 20 years old, UK-native Jorja Smith has skyrocketed into the music stratosphere with a powerhouse voice that maintains sincerity and depth, recently being compared to artists like Lauryn Hill and Amy Winehouse. Starting off making music in her room, her throaty mix of grime and R&B has caught the eye of popular artists like Drake, Stormzy and Kali Uchis. After releasing singles like “Let Me Down” and “On My Mind,” Smith is projected to release her first full-length album this year, bringing UK R&B back to the forefront of popular music.

Snail Mail, “Lush” – Release Date: June 8

Songs written about heartbreak are nothing new, but never has a song held the same level of self-doubt, longing and pain like Snail Mail’s new single “Pristine,” a track from their upcoming album, “Lush.” In the song, front-woman Lindsey Jordan excels at hashing out the turmoil of emotions, with songs like “Pristine,” crafting her first album with Snail Mail at only the age of fifteen. Inspired by the Baltimore indie-punk scene that has birthed bands like Beach House and Future Islands, Snail Mail creates lo-fi ballads that contain the intimacy of diary-entries from adolescence. “Lush” is bound to be the band’s big breakout away from the Baltimore DIY scene, with Jordan citing that it was a “very intense process” and shared some of the same DNA as their previous EP, “Habit.”