The summer months hold within their grasps the release dates of some of the biggest upcoming albums.
Some huge acts are back and ready to claim the summer as theirs. Who will own it, though, is the bigger question. Will it be one of the many rappers prepping a future release, a female pop starlet or one of the gods of sex, drugs and rock ‘n’ roll?
This much could be true: The Top 40 hits this summer might be a little less Gaga and Ke$ha and a little more Xtina and Shady.
Christina Aguilera – “Bionic” – June 8
Known to have reinvented herself from a genie in a bottle to an overly sexed-up dirty girl to a roaring ’20s protégé, Christina Aguilera has returned with a more electronic sound in her first album as a mother. The first single, “Not Myself Tonight,” is perfect for partying with a “SexyBack” sound and Lady Gaga-esque lyrics, making the release of her album on June 8 very anticipated.
Eminem – “Recovery” – June 22
Originally planned to be a sequel to last year’s “Relapse,” Eminem used his Twitter account to let his fans know that the idea of a sequel was out the window but that he would go in a completely new direction with “Recovery.” Eminem also raised eyebrows when he said there may not be any skits on this album, when he has been so famously known for them. His single “Not Afraid” is days away from being released and is rumored to be “lighter” than his previously darker music.
Drake – “Thank Me Later” – June 15
After being worldwide known as the spawn of Lil Wayne, Drake’s E.P. “So Far Gone” was more recognized as an album since a worldwide tour followed its release. But his debut is coming, and his first single from it “Over” expresses his feelings on fame and all of the people he has been able to meet.
Hawthorne Heights – “Skeletons” – June 1
The craze of emo alternative bands may be over, but that didn’t prompt Hawthorne Heights to change their ways. Their first single off their next album channels facing a “Nervous Breakdown.” This will also be the first album following original guitarist Casey Calvert’s death from an accidental mixture of medications.
Stone Temple Pilots – “Stone Temple Pilots” – May 25
After a brief stint being vocalist in Velvet Revolver, staying in rehab, going through his brother’s death and getting a divorce, grunge rocker Scott Weiland will lead the band’s return. This comeback album from their previous 1990s success will either be epic or allow Weiland to fall on his face.
Other Notable Releases:
– Bone Thugs-n-Harmony
“Uni5 The World’s Enemy” (May 4)
– Toni Braxton
“Pulse” (May 4)
– Broken Social Scene
“Forgiveness Rock Record” (May 4)
– The Hold Steady
“Heaven Is Whenever” (May 4)
– Macy Gray
“The Sellout” (May 18)
– LCD Soundsystem
“This Is Happening” (May 18)
– Clay Aiken “Tried And True” (June 1)
– Jack Johnson “To The Sea” (June 1)
– Against Me!
“White Crosses” (June 8)
– Hanson “Shout It Out” (June 8)
– Jewel “Sweet And Wild” (June 8)
– Rooney “Eureka” (June 8)
– Sarah McLachlan
“The Laws Of Illusion” (June 15)
– Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers “Mojo” (June 15)
– Pitbull “Armando” (June 15)
– Ozzy Osbourne “Scream” (June 15)
– Cyndi Lauper
“Memphis Blues” (June 22)
– 3OH!3 “Streets Of Gold” (June 29)
– M.I.A. (TBA) (June 29)
– Three Six Mafia
“Laws Of Power” (June 29)
– Sheryl Crow
“100 Miles From Memphis” (July 20)
– TI “King Uncaged” (Aug. 24)
*Album dates from metacritic.com/music