Baauer’s Announces First Album in Six Years, Shares New Single

Baauer’s Announces First Album in Six Years, Shares New Single

Pitchfork
PitchforkApr 21, 2026

Companies Mentioned

Why It Matters

The comeback repositions Baauer in the competitive EDM market and taps into the current nostalgia for early‑2000s dance sounds, potentially driving strong streaming and festival demand.

Key Takeaways

  • Baauer's first album since 2020's Planet’s Mad.
  • Album "U" drops June 10 via LuckyMe.
  • Features Aluna, Kučka, Brazy, Betsy, and pianist Eli Teplin.
  • Draws on early‑2000s UK dance styles like Ibiza house.
  • Lead single “Better” blends Eurodisco with modern production.

Pulse Analysis

American producer Baauer, best known for the 2013 viral hit “Harlem Shake,” returns after a six‑year album drought with his sophomore full‑length, “U.” Since the 2020 release of “Planet’s Mad,” the Brooklyn‑based artist has focused on singles, remixes, and low‑key touring, keeping his name alive in festival line‑ups but leaving fans eager for a cohesive statement. The new record arrives at a moment when electronic music listeners are gravitating toward retro‑infused sounds, positioning Baauer to capitalize on both nostalgia and his proven knack for ear‑catching hooks.

“U,” slated for June 10 on the forward‑thinking imprint LuckyMe, is a 16‑track homage to the UK dance scene that shaped Baauer’s teenage years. The album weaves Ibiza house, bloghouse, and nu‑disco textures into a “super happy” palette, anchored by the Eurodisco‑charged single “Better.” Guest appearances from vocalists Aluna, Kučka, Brazy and Betsy, plus pianist Eli Teplin, broaden the sonic palette while maintaining a cohesive club‑ready vibe. By channeling the early aughts aesthetic, Baauer taps into a cultural moment that celebrates the era’s glittering synths and four‑on‑the‑floor beats.

The release could boost Baauer’s streaming metrics, as nostalgia‑driven playlists on platforms like Spotify and Apple Music often see heightened engagement. LuckyMe’s reputation for cutting‑edge electronic acts provides a strong promotional engine, while the roster of featured artists expands cross‑audience reach. If “U” resonates with both longtime fans and newcomers, it may signal a broader resurgence of early‑2000s dance motifs in mainstream EDM, reinforcing the commercial viability of retro‑centric projects in 2026 and beyond.

Baauer’s Announces First Album in Six Years, Shares New Single

Comments

Want to join the conversation?

Loading comments...