Can you believe 2015 will bring new albums from Kanye, Adele, Kendrick Lamar and Chance the Rapper?
Well, don't believe it yet, since those expected albums don't have release dates at the moment.
Of the records that do have confirmed release dates and the concerts on tap this winter, here are the ones on my radar.
Locals
Fall Out Boy
Album: "American Beauty/American Psycho," out Jan. 20
Live: Jan. 24 at Lincoln Hall
Several of the tracks released so far (including the disappointing "Centuries," flat "Immortals" and danceable but questionable title track) suggest this could be the chart-topping pop-rockers' first dismissible album. I really hope not.
Lupe Fiasco
Album: "Tetsuo and Youth," out Jan. 20
Will this signal the rapper's return to prominence and relevance?
K. Flay
Live: Jan. 20 at House of Blues
The suburban-raised rapper deserves the attention she's earned through touring and a standout flow.
Njomza
Live: Feb. 14 at Schubas
With the support of Mac Miller and a highly anticipated EP on the way, this pop/R&B singer and her stunning voice will be rising very soon.
Tink
Live: Feb. 21 at Metro
Long expected to be one of the next big artists to break out of Chicago, it's finally going to happen in 2015 when this Timbaland-endorsed singer/rapper releases her major-label debut.
Veterans
Jeff Daniels
Live: Jan. 29 at City Winery
Let's try not to hold "Dumb and Dumber To" against the actor/singer, whose recent "Days Like These" is his sixth album. Did you know that?
Sleater-Kinney
Album: "No Cities to Love," out Jan. 20
Live: Feb. 17 at Riviera Theatre
Your reaction to the return of these acclaimed rockers-featuring Carrie Brownstein of "Portlandia"-should be a series of delirious, excited screams.
Damien Rice
Live: April 14 at Auditorium Theatre
The Irish singer-songwriter specializes in long, sad songs. Bring a box of tissues and delight in communal woe.
Up-and-comers
Joey Bada$$
Album: "B4.DA.$$," out Jan. 20
No, that's not his real last name, but the New York rapper's string of mixtapes has laid the tracks for his debut full-length to justify the name and the hype.
Natalie Prass
Album: "Natalie Prass," out Jan. 27
The R&B/pop singer's fluttering voice is exceptional, and her debut is a gorgeous, star-making effort. Listen to the single "Bird of Prey" and be hooked.
George Ezra
Album: "Wanted on Voyage," out Jan. 27
Live: opening for Sam Smith on Jan. 23 at UIC Pavilion; headlining March 30 at Metro
The 21-year-old British singer-songwriter has already taken off all over the world. He should become big in the U.S. right about ... now.
Her Habits
Album: "Northerner" EP, out Jan. 27
The debut from much-buzzed Canadian singer-songwriter Joanie Wolkoff, whose bio needs to be read to be believed, "Northerner" is dreamy electro-pop excellence that will take over your body.
Will Butler
Album: "Policy" out March 10
Unlike his brother, Arcade Fire frontman Win Butler, the other Butler actually can sing. And have fun.
Tobias Jesso Jr.
Album: "Goon," out March 17
A man and his piano, singing thoughtfully and passionately, evoking heartbreak and sadness without sounding like he's about to burst into tears.
Misterwives
Album: "Our Own House" out Feb. 24
Live: March 3 at Lincoln Hall
The indie pop band's debut EP, "Reflections," is really promising. I'm ready for a full-length now.
The Hotelier
Live: April 5 at Metro
"Home, Like Noplace is There" is one of 2014's best albums you probably haven't heard. Do something about that.
Underrated
Doomtree
Album: "All Hands," out Jan. 27
Live: Feb. 20 at Abbey Pub
The lesser-known Minneapolis collective that's not Rhymesayers, this group includes a bunch of great solo artists (P.O.S., Dessa, Sims) who make no sacrifices as a team.
You Blew It!
Album: "Pioneer of Nothing" EP, out Jan. 27
Live: Feb. 14 at Beat Kitchen
I arrived late to the Florida emo group's "Keep Doing What You're Doing" (which came out in January 2014), but I won't make that mistake again.
Meghan Trainor
Album: "Title," out now
Live: March 4 at House of Blues
One of the few bright spots on the radio right now, the singer/occasional rapper's debut is empowering and retro in all the right ways.
Laura Marling
Album: "Short Movie," out March 24
The 24-year-old folk singer probably couldn't make anything less than great if she tried. Incredible.
Hozier
Live: Feb. 25 at Riviera Theatre
He was one of 2014's breakout stars for good reason. The guy has a simply undeniable voice, and his self-titled debut was a keeper too.
Pentatonix
Live: March 8-9 at Chicago Theatre
Anyone still thinking that a cappella (a charge being co-led by these "Sing-Off" winners) will disappear soon needs to look around. It won't.
Jessie Ware
Live: April 6 at Metro
Yes, the British R&B singer is widely acclaimed, but it's not enough. She deserves to be playing spots even bigger than Metro, even if the intimacy of her voice and music makes you want a private concert all for yourself.
Watch Matt review the week's big new movies Fridays at 11:30 a.m. on NBC.
mpais@tribune.com
Twitter: @mattpais
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