Remember when your favorite artist dropped an album and you thought, “Cool, see you in a couple years”? Well, for some musicians, a couple years has turned into half a decade—or longer. Here’s a look at 20 artists and bands who’ve been keeping us in suspense, listed alphabetically because we’re organized like that.
Alice In Chains
Their last album dropped in 2018, and while guitarist Jerry Cantrell has hinted at touring and writing in 2025, the band’s future remains uncertain after drummer Sean Kinney’s health struggles.
Beck
Five years since 2019’s ‘Hyperspace,’ and Beck apparently “did absolutely nothing during COVID.” Hey, at least he’s honest about it.
Boards of Canada
The Scottish electronic duo hasn’t released anything since 2013’s ‘Tomorrow’s Harvest.’ That’s over a decade of silence from the kings of nostalgic, haunting soundscapes.
Dr. Dre
2015’s ‘Compton’ was supposed to be his grand finale. Nine years later, we’re still wondering if there’s one more left in the vault.
Faith No More
‘Sol Invictus’ came out in 2015, but with Mike Patton ghosting the band since 2022, this one might be permanently on ice.
Frank Ocean
The most elusive man in music. He teased a Coachella comeback that turned into a disaster, and we haven’t seen much since. Being a Frank Ocean fan is a test of faith at this point.
Grace Jones
Seventeen years since ‘Hurricane’ in 2008. Before that? Nineteen years. Grace operates on her own timeline, and honestly, we respect it.
Guns N’ Roses
Sure, they tour relentlessly, but their last album was 2008’s ‘Chinese Democracy.’ They’ve dropped a few songs here and there, but a full album? Don’t hold your breath.
Incubus
‘8’ came out in 2017, and fans keep hearing about a new album that keeps getting delayed. The waiting game continues.
Janet Jackson
She promised ‘Black Diamond’ around 2020, scrapped the whole thing, and we’re still waiting. Her brother Randy allegedly has something to do with the holdup.
Kate Bush
Fourteen years since ’50 Words for Snow’ in 2011. She’s been busy with remasters, books, and re-releases, just no new music. Classic Kate.
Lauryn Hill
The queen of taking her time. ‘The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill’ came out in 1998, and we’re still waiting for a proper follow-up over two decades later.
Madonna
Seven years between ‘Madame X’ (2019) and her upcoming 2025 album—the longest gap of her career. Even the Queen of Pop needs a break sometimes.
Massive Attack
‘Heligoland’ dropped in 2010, making it 14 years of silence. Though they recently announced something new-ish, so there’s hope on the horizon.
Radiohead
‘A Moon Shaped Pool’ is about to turn ten years old in 2026. The band is bursting with creativity, but they’re all busy with solo projects and can never seem to be free at the same time.
Rihanna
The most famous musical disappearing act of our time. ‘Anti’ came out in 2016, and despite a couple songs for movie soundtracks, Rihanna is apparently too busy building her beauty empire to worry about R9.
Sade
The band that moves at their own elegant pace. No new album since 2010’s ‘Soldier of Love,’ but that mysterious piece of foam with a question mark in their box set keeps fans hopeful.
System of a Down
November 22, 2025 marks twenty years since ‘Hypnotize.’ They’ve released exactly two songs since then. Two. In twenty years.
Tool
‘Fear Inoculum’ finally arrived in 2019 after a thirteen-year wait. Given their track record, we’ll probably see the next one sometime around 2032.
Tom Waits
Fifteen years since 2011’s ‘Bad as Me.’ One of the most prolific artists of his generation just… stopped. We miss you, Tom.