In 2018, music will be played. In January, however, that music will have a slightly mellow tone about it. There aren't many albums from well-known artists being released over the course of the month (that have been disclosed, anyways). The band plays on. At the very least, there will be a pop fusion taking over the airwaves at the start of 2018. Here are the four best album releases of the first month of the new year.

4. 'Primal Heart' - Kimbra [January 19]

Remember Kimbra? She was featured on the massive Gotye hit "Somebody That I Used to Know." The New Zealand native hasn't released an album since 2014.

She has also never had a song that charted in the United States. Will this record change that? Probably not. But it's always fun to have a blast from the past return after a long layoff. Besides, one of the songs on the album is named "Everybody Knows," so Kimbra recognizes where her bread is buttered.

3. 'Camila' - Camila Cabello [January 12]

When Camila Cabello left Fifth Harmony, it was a sad, yet expected day. Her early solo efforts didn't yield the best results, making it seem as if she would rue her decision to leave the band. Then, "Havana" arrived. The song has peaked at No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and should reach the top spot (apologies, Post Malone). All of a sudden, excitement for her debut solo record is real and legitimate.

Half of her heart may be in Havana, but all the focus will be on her album.

2. 'M A N I A' - Fall Out Boy [January 19]

They're no longer dancing like Uma Thurman, but Fall Out Boy is still making music. This is the band's first album since the beginning of 2015. It was originally scheduled for release in September, but the band pushed it back because they felt it was being rushed.

The names of tracks on the album are certainly interesting, ranging from "Stay Frosty Royal Milk Tea" to "Bishops Knife Trick." Will they make the full leap into "Panic! at the Disco" territory?

1. 'Voicenotes' - Charlie Puth [January 19]

The development of Charlie Puth in the pop scene has been fascinating. First, he was a vocalist on one of the most prominent songs of 2015.

Then, he released a fairly popular and successful debut album. Now, it's about the next step in his evolution. The first two singles from his new album are both standard and inventive, especially the sultry tones of "How Long." There's a good chance his next record could top the Billboard charts in short order.

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