Fall and early winter are traditionally the biggest time of the year for the pop music industry. 2007 will be no different as these scheduled releases indicate. The projected release dates are included, but they are notorious for last-minute changes.
1. Kanye West - Graduation
courtesy Roc-a-Fella
Kanye West's follow up to Late Registration looks like another huge hit in the making. The first single "Stronger" is already in the pop top 10. Look for the album in stores September 11, 2007.
2. Mariah Carey - TBD
Photo by Peter Kramer / Getty Images
Mariah Carey's last album The Emancipation of Mimi is one of the biggest hits of the decade so far. With Jermaine Dupri on board again, look for the release date of November 20, 2007 to be an event.
3. Alicia Keys - As I Am
Photo by Evan Agostini / Getty Images
Alicia Keys just seems to move from strength to strength. Her last album, an MTV Unplugged collection went to #1. The early buzz for this album is very good. Look for it in stores October 23, 2007.
4. James Blunt - All the Lost Souls
courtesy Atlantic Records
James Blunt's debut album Back to Bedlam was a surprise smash hit. Many of these songs have been tested in concert. He will try to avoid the sophomore curse on September 18, 2007.
5. Jennifer Lopez - Brave
Photo by Kevin Winter / Getty Images
Jennifer Lopez will return to English-language pop music with her new album. The first single "Do It Well" is a rousing return to the pop-dance mainstream. Look for this album in stores October 9, 2007.
6. 50 Cent - Curtis
courtesy Aftermath
50 Cent's album The Massacre was a pop smash, but initial singles from the upcoming Curtis have not fared as well. Look for this album to go head to head with Kanye West on September 11, 2007.
7. KT Tunstall - Drastic Fantastic
courtesy Virgin Records
With a little help from American Idol contestant Katharine McPhee, the first album from KT Tunstall was a surprise hit. Look for another strong set from this polished artist on September 18, 2007.
8. Matchbox Twenty - Exile on Mainstream
courtesy Atlantic Records
Normally a greatest hits collection would not be included on a list like this. However, up to 6 of the songs on this set will be new recordings. They are the first new releases in years for Matchbox Twenty, and the first since lead vocalist Rob Thomas kicked off a very successful solo career. This album heads to stores October 2, 2007.
9. Bow Wow and Omarion - TBD
Photo by Doug Benc / Getty Images
These 2 heartthrobs have worked together before, but this will be their first collaborative album. The title has not been determined, but expect this set to steam up the windows of your local record store November 13, 2007.
10. Annie Lennox - Songs of Mass Destruction
courtesy Arista Records
Annie Lennox believes her voice is near its strongest in her career. Check out the results of using her incredible instrument to interpret a new set of songs on October 2, 2007.
