5. Led Zeppelin
This seems like a complete stretch given how opposed Robert Plant has been to a reunion tour, but several key factors increase the possibilities in the future. Last year, Plant announced major reissues of the band’s entire discography, and just last month their entire discography appeared on streaming services. Is it possible Plant decided that he’s held out long enough when the rest of the band was seeking for another vocalist so they could tour? Money certainly isn’t a concern as he reportedly ripped up a draft of a contract offering them an astronomic $800 million to reunite. One thing is for certain: this absolutely must happen at some point in the near future.
4. Oasis
Last year’s announcement of reissues of the legendary Britpop band’s first three albums sparked hope that the Gallagher brothers might end their bitter feud and get back together, unfortunately that never materialized. It’s been nearly seven years since the release of Dig Out Your Soul and six since Noel Gallagher stated “the group does not exist anymore.” I’m not expecting them to release a full album – although rival band Blur is in April – a return to the touring scene would be well received by fans and possibly remind the group why they’re still one of the UK’s most successful acts.
3. Lauryn Hill
Hill’s career has become somewhat of a fable in the passing years. Her 1998 debut The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill earned her 10 Grammy nominations of which she won five: Best New Artist, Album of the Year, Best R&B Album, Best R&B Song and Best Female R&B Vocal Performance. So then why is it 17 years later she still has yet to release a follow up? Besides for serving a short jail sentence for tax evasion, there really isn’t a great reason. She’s been sporadically touring for years at festivals, but now a full on Lauryn Hill comeback is needed now more than ever.
2. Britney Spears
Although Britney released her eighth LP Britney Jean in late 2013, it certainly went by without much fanfare. The music was dry and uninspired, despite her claims that it would be her most personal album to date, and was rife with the fingerprints of will.i.am. Even the announcement of her Las Vegas residency seemed a tad premature for someone as young as Spears. This is her year to remind people she’s still in the ring between rumors of a ninth LP starting to come out and the imminent release of her cover song on Giorgio Moroder’s new record.
1. Missy Elliott
Is there even a debate about this? Following the reclusive rapper’s appearance at this year’s Super Bowl, the Internet was yearning for her comeback to show other female MCs how it’s done. It’s been 10 years since the release of her sixth album The Cookbook and while there have been recording sessions for the tentatively titled Block Party since then, nothing has stuck. Last week she was in the studio with Pharrell Williams and she released a guest verse on a Diplo track. All of that is nice, but let’s bring Timbaland back and release a full LP instead.
