What will the fall CD harvest bring?
By JIM FARBER
New York Daily News
Sept. 11, 2003

Comebacks and follow-ups, debuts and swan songs this falls music has em all.

As the season commonly filled with the most releases, fall tends to feature musics most dramatic story lines.

Will artists who made big splashes with their first albums fall on their faces the second time around? The question has to haunt contenders like Alicia Keys, Dido, Nelly Furtado, Nickelback and the Strokes.

Will musicians whove been out of the limelight for long periods be able to buff up their faded brand? That query has to concern gone-missing stars like Sarah McLachlan, Gloria Estefan and Courtney Love.

Every fall also harvests the usual round of names primed to feed the labels fourth-quarter reports. This year those include Pink, Missy Elliott, Britney Spears, Outkast, Kid Rock and Blink 182.

Of course, in todays MP3-ravaged music industry, no ones album can be called a sure thing.

For a list of those CDs most likely to excite monetary or creative interest during this coming apple-picking season, read on, but bear in mind release dates are subject to change:

Sept. 16

Erykah Badu Worldwide Underground: This EP from the queen of Baduism has been delayed so often, youd think it would be a full CD by now. Still, the abbreviated recording manages to work in cameos from Queen Latifah, Angie Stone, Bahamadia and Lenny Kravitz.

David Bowie Reality: At 56, Bowie isnt ready for the rest home just yet. Only one year after his last release, the legendary rocker returns with a solid new one. It again pairs him with his old producer, Tony Visconti.

DMX The Grand Champ: He says hes sick of the music biz. So this buff Yonkers rapper will put out his final CD this week.

Aretha Franklin So Damn Happy: She hasnt had a hit in eons, but with heavy backing from L.A. Reid, this could turn things around.

Shelby Lynne Identity Crisis: The latest from the volatile country singer.

A Perfect Circle Thirteenth Step: A second album from this Tool offshoot, adding former Smashing Pumpkins guitarist James Iha and a fresh bassist (Jeordie White, late of Marilyn Mansons band).

Bubba Sparxxx Deliverance: A far more substantial and serious album from the portly white rural rapper than his previous one.

Joss Stone The Soul Sessions: The debut from a much-hyped 16-year-old who wishes she was born in the 60s. Produced by Clean Up Woman Betty Wright. Features a cover of a White Stripes song.

Obie Trice Cheers: The first Eminem protégé to cut an album since 50 Cent. Expectations are sky high.

Sept. 23

Bangles Doll Revolution: The L.A. harmony groups first album of new material since its late-80s bust-up.

Blondie The Curse of Blondie: The last album by Debbie Harry and Co. was a smash, but didnt lead to a comeback. Maybe this time Blondie will get the full revival it deserves.

Elvis Costello North: This collection of hard-to-classify grand ballads reunites the prolific writer with the Brodsky Quartet.

Gloria Estefan Unwrapped: The Miami divas first pop album in five years features guest duets with Stevie Wonder and Chrissie Hynde.

Cee-Lo The Soul Machine: The second CD from one of the Souths most musical and witty hip-hop stars.

Emmylou Harris Stumble Into Grace: The godmother of alt-country returns with her first release since the brilliant Red Dirt Girl.


Limp Bizkit Results May Vary: Its been delayed, scrapped, rerecorded, and only recently finally gained a title. If it actually comes out, Fred Dursts latest will feature production by Rick Rubin and guest contributions from the likes of Snoop Dogg and Weezer.

Dave Matthews Some Devil: This is Matthews first solo record, but his last effort with his band sounded a lot like a one-man job.

Nickelback The Long Road: The Alice in Chains knockoff follows up its 5 million-selling breakthrough CD.

Offspring: Another one from the snickering So Cal punks. Not yet named.

OutKast Speakerboxxx/The Love Below: A double CD comprising solo albums from OutKast chiefs Big Boi and Andre 3000.

Billy Bob Thornton The Edge of the World: The second country release from the actor.

Sept. 30

Babyface Love Story: More odes from the king of R&B schmaltz.

Dido Life for Rent: The most successful of the trip-hop singers releases the chaser to her mega- platinum debut.

Enigma Voyager: World beat music for people who wish it were elevator music.

Avril Lavigne My World: A possibly redundant live album from a 17-year-old with one major tour behind her and a single studio album.

Lyle Lovett My Baby Dont Tolerate: The first from the wry Texas singer-songwriter on the rootsy Lost Highway label.

Bette Midler Rosemary for Remembrance: A tribute CD to Rosemary Clooney that reunites Midler with her classic producer, Barry Manilow.

Sting Sacred Love: A ballad-heavy collection from the self-proclaimed king of pain.

Oct. 7

Belle & Sebastian Step Into My Office: The latest from Scotlands most precious band.

Kelis Tasty: The hippest R&B singer of the moment releases her first for the Neptunes label.

Ludacris Chicken & Beer: The wild-eyed emcee raps about his favorite foods and drinks.

Joe Strummer & the Mescaleros Streetcore: The late ex-Clash singers final release.
Oct. 14

Clay Aiken Clay Aiken: The debut from the starry-eyed, theatrically minded American Idol runner-up.

Kid Rock: The third major-label work from rock-raps party king. Not yet titled.

Jonny Lang Long Time Coming: The young blues guitarist tries to grow up.

Barbra Streisand The Movie Album: Babs sings her favorite songs from movies she didnt star in.
Oct. 21

Barenaked Ladies Everything to Everyone: The latest from the popular Canadian jokesters.

Mandy Moore Coverage: Includes the teen stars take on mellow 70s hits from Cat Stevens, Elton John and Todd Rundgren. What, no Bread?

Van Morrison Whats Wrong With This Picture: Morrisons first for the jazzy Blue Note label.

Rod Stewart The Great American Songbook Vol. 2: A sequel to Stewarts surprise hit collection of standards.

The Strokes: The second, as-yet- untitled album from New Yorks great punk-rock hope.
Oct. 28

JC Chasez Schizophrenic: A solo debut from the second most popular N Syncer (after Justin Timberlake).

Wyclef Jean Preachers Son: The ex-Fugees leaders tribute to his late father, featuring guests the Edge and Timbaland.

Courtney Love Americas Sweetheart: The hellion returns with songs produced by Pinks right-hand woman, Linda Perry. Will anyone still care?
Nov. 4

G Unit G Unit: The rap posse which includes 50 Cent releases its first CD.

Josh Groban: Return of the man hellbent on bringing back the era of the crooner.

Sarah McLachlan: The sensitive singer-songwriters first in four years. As yet untitled.

P.O.D. Payable on Death: The most credible band in the Christian metal world follows up a massive hit.

Iggy Pop Skull Rings: Features the original punks reunion with his old band the Stooges (on four cuts).
Nov. 11

Ron Isley: The silkiest singer in R&B releases a solo album covering the standards. Title pending.

Korn: The most psychologically tormented of the nu metal rockers returns with an album still to be named.

Pink Try This: The followup to her last smash, with production once again from Linda Perry, who oversaw Pinks rock n roll makeover.

Ruben Studdard Soulful: The debut from the American Idol champ.

Tears for Fears Everyone Loves a Happy Ending: The synth duos first album in 14 years.
Nov. 18

Blink 182 Blink 182: Punk pops jokiest band chases a hit.

Jay-Z The Black Album: Purportedly the rappers final work.

Alicia Keys: The Grammys favorite girl of 2001 tries to match her huge debut. No title yet.

N.E.R.D. Fly or Die: The second album from the Neptunes side band.

Britney Spears: Can teen pops biggest female grow up? First, she needs a title.

Usher Confessions: The teen R&B star with the hardest abs in pop goes for another smash.
Nov. 25

Nelly Furtado: The second album from the I'm Like a Bird girl. Title to be decided.