2007's best albums are still in the recording and/or production stages. The beginning of the year is the time to pull out the crystal ball and try to see what is coming our way. These are 10 of the most anticipated pop albums for the year 2007.
1. Kelly Clarkson - To Be Announced
Kelly Clarkson was the most played pop artist on the radio in 2006 even though her last album came out over 2 years ago in November, 2004. Breakaway sold over 11 million copies worldwide, so Clarkson's next album is guaranteed to be a big event. Specific details are not yet available, but the industry buzz is that the album will appear in spring 2007.
2. Avril Lavigne - The Best Damn Thing
Anticipated Release Date: April 13, 2007
Avril Lavigne says this is the best of her 3 albums. Artists always tout their latest work, but she sounds rather convincing in interviews. She has sold over 10 million copies worldwide of each of her first 2 albums. The current single "Keep Holding On" will be included on the album.
3. Fall Out Boy - Infinity on High
Anticipated Release Date: February 6, 2007
Look for some shifts away from the typical formula on Fall Out Boy's followup to their multi-million selling breakthrough album From Under the Cork Tree. The current radio hit "This Ain't a Scene, It's an Arms Race" gives a taste of what is to come.
4. Norah Jones - Not Too Late
Anticipated Release Date: January 30, 2007
Over 10 million copies sold of each of her last two albums and a whole slew of Grammy Awards will bring the curious into stores for this new set of songs. Norah Jones crosses musical boundaries into adult soul and jazz areas. She may not score a major pop hit single, but look for this album's songs to be heard in a wide variety of venues throughout the year.
5. Timbaland - To Be Announced
A solo release by the Top Pop Music Producer of 2006 is something to look forward to. This album will feature a parade of high profile guests including Nelly Furtado, Missy Elliott, 50 Cent, Coldplay's Chris Martin, and many more.
6. 50 Cent - Before I Self Destruct
Anticipated Release Date: March 20, 2007
The last studio album The Massacre sold over 1 million copies in its first week back in March, 2005. It's the last album to do so. The Massacre also included the top 10 pop singles "Disco Inferno," "Candy Shop," and "Just a Lil Bit."
7. Good Charlotte - Good Morning Revival
Anticipated Release Date - March 27, 2007
The last two albums from the Madden brothers and friends both landed in the top 10, and there is no particular reason to expect this new album to do any worse. The release date was recently pushed back a week, possibly to avoid competition with 50 Cent (above).
8. Hilary Duff - To Be Announced
Anticipated Release Date - April 3, 2007
Much of this album was reportedly put together with the assistance of Hilary Duff's former boyfriend Joel Madden of Good Charlotte (see above). The pair broke up in November, 2006. Perhaps there will be tear stains in the grooves. If this album does indeed appear in spring, 2007, there will be a small horde of fans waiting. Hilary Duff has produced 2 #1 albums in the last 3 years.
9. Kelly Rowland - Miss Kelly
In 2006 former Destiny's Child member LeToya Luckett released the #1 album LeToya and, of course, Beyonce dropped her massive album B'Day. Kelly Rowland could make it 3 straight #1's for Destiny's Child alums.
10. Natasha Bedingfield - Blank Canvas
Natasha Bedingfield's massive hit single "Unwritten" is heard everywhere. Fans will be clamoring for the sophomore release from this talented British singer/songwriter.
