New Releases October

October continues the typical fall schedule of big new releases. November promises to be even better (Robbie Williams, Leona Lewis, Carrie Underwood, Norah Jones and the debut from Adam Lambert).

Highlights:

The Flaming Lips - Embryonic (Oct. 12). Following up their 2006 album At War with the Mystics and last year's film, Christmas on Mars, comes The Flaming Lips' 12th studio album. The band has said the style of this album will be different from their last two. Previews demonstrate this to be true, with slower, sparser arrangements as well as more free-form experimentation, although the "music from outer space" motifs are still apparent. MGMT, whose debut was produced by longtime 'Lips producer Dave Fridmann, makes an appearance.

Cheryl Cole - 3 Words (Oct. 26). Girls Aloud member Cheryl Cole is on the cusp of making a major name for herself apart from the band. Already a judge on UK's The X Factor, she will release her debut solo album this month featuring first single "Fight for This Love," already making waves at British radio. Recent Will.I.Am collaboration, "Heartbreaker" is also included. Other collaborators include Taio Cruz, Xenomania, and Bloodshy & Avant. Rumor has it she may also appear as a judge on the US version of X Factor, currently under negotiation.

Alexandra Burke - Overcome (Oct 19). Speaking of The X Factor, here's last year's winner and Cheryl Cole-mentee Alexandra Burke with her debut release. The album boasts an impressive but expected array of top-notch producers and songwriters, such as Akon, Taio Cruz, Freemasons, RedOne, Stargate, and Pharell Williams. "Bad Boys," the first single featuring Flo Rida, is rapidly climbing the UK airplay chart ahead of its release. The album also includes her first single, last year's Christmas #1, "Hallelujah."

Natalie Imbruglia - Come to Life (Oct. 4). Australian singer Natalie Imbruglia, whose last album Counting Down the Days wowed...well, me, and unfortunately few others...returns four years later with her fourth album. Since Days, she's parted ways with her record company and appears on a new label. Chris Martin contributed several of the album's tracks, including co-writing first single "Want." Imbruglia has said the album has more electronic sounds and dance beats than her prior work. (Note: The UK release of this has been pushed back to February, but it is still currently slated for an October release in other European countries as well as Canada).

The Saturdays - Wordshaker (Oct. 12). Last year, The Saturdays emerged as a viable challenger to Sugababes and Girls Aloud's status as Britain's leading girl groups. They scored four top 10 hits from their debut, Chasing Lights, with fourth single and Depeche Mode remake "Just Can't Get Enough" hitting #2 as the official Comic Relief single. This second album, coming out just under a year after their first, features first single "Forever Is Over," which exhibits a more downbeat sound than their previous hits.

Mr. Hudson - Straight no Chaser (Oct. 6). British pop/R&B act Mr. Hudson releases their second album, co-produced by Kanye West who has said the band (or is it just one guy--unclear) has the potential to be one of the most important artists of his generation. While such promotion from West may not be as valuable at this particular point in time, Mr. Hudson showed great promise with "Supernova," their first major hit.

Other releases:

Oct. 5

Shakira - She Wolf. Shakira unleashes her wild third English-language album, containing the current hit title track, quite a few tracks produced by The Neptunes, and a duet with Wyclef Jean.

Air - Love 2. French electronic duo releases its sixth album, including early release "Do the Joy" and single "Sing Sang Sung."

Basshunter - Bass Generation. Eurodance artist releases his latest set including first single "Every Morning."

Backstreet Boys - This Is Us. Backstreet Boys release their 7th album--3rd since reuniting in 2005 and second since the departure of Kevin Richardson. Includes current hit single "Straight Through My Heart."

Oct. 6

Blake Lewis - Heartbreak on Vinyl. American Idol runner-up releases his second album.

Oct. 9

Michael Buble - Crazy Love. Latest release from the popular Canadian jazz/pop standards singer.

Oct. 12

Taio Cruz - Rokstarr. British R&B singer-songwriter releases his second album, which includes current UK #1 hit "Break Your Heart" (which was originally written for Cheryl Cole, but she took a pass).

Editors - In This Light and on This Evening. British band releases its third album with first single "Papillon." While I loved their first album, I was disappointed with their second one, so I'm interested but not committed to this.

Oct. 13

Mario - DNA. Mario releases his fourth album, following his pretty much hitless third one.

Oct. 19

Annie - Don't Stop. The Norwegian singer releases her second album following critical (but not commercial) favorite Anniemal.

Joss Stone - Colour Me Free. Joss Stone offers up her fourth album. Snooze.