Much has changed about the recording industry in the past decade — digital has overtaken physical, streaming is passing up downloading, and singles are beating out albums. But fall is still the season for big artists on big labels to roll out their new albums, in hope of catching a holiday windfall.
Here's a rundown of some of the most anticipated new releases:
Drake, "Nothing Was the Same" (Sept. 24): After two bestselling albums, the Toronto rapper is calling in heavy hitters such as Jay Z and Lil Wayne.
Kings of Leon, "Mechanical Bull" (Sept. 24): The band of brothers has had its share of squabbles in recent years, but after taking a year off they've reconvened for their fifth album.
Willie Nelson, "To All the Girls" (Sept. 24): At 80, he is still prolific, with his third album in 16 months. This one focuses on duets with Dolly Parton, Rosanne Cash, Carrie Underwood, Loretta Lynn, Miranda Lambert and Mavis Staples.
Elton John, "The Diving Board" (Sept. 24): T Bone Burnett produces the piano man's first studio album in seven years, with longtime sidekick Bernie Taupin once again contributing lyrics.
Miley Cyrus, "Bangerz" (Oct. 8): Hannah Montana, we hardly knew you. The 20-year-old singer continues the transition out of teen pop begun on 2010's "Can't Be Tamed."
Paul McCartney, "New" (Oct. 15): At 71, the ex-Beatles bassist shows no signs of slowing down. He's set to release a dozen tracks from recording sessions with Mark Ronson and Adele collaborator Paul Epworth, among others.
