Fall 2014's essential music releases
Fall is an exciting time for new music, with quality albums dropping almost as fast as those autumn leaves. But how can you keep track of it all? How do you know you won't miss something important? Luckily for everyone, CBS News compiled the most anticipated upcoming releases, so just click through and thank us later!
September
Sept. 19 - Lady Gaga and Tony Bennett: "Cheek to Cheek"
Bennett and Gaga are releasing an album of duets, consisting of pop standards like "Anything Goes" and "It Don't Mean a Thing (If It Ain't Got That Swing.)" This will surely be the perfect soundtrack to all your dinner parties this year:
Sept. 22 - alt-J: "This is All Yours"
English rock band alt-J is releasing its second album, previewed by the white-hot single "Left Hand Free" and "Hunger of The Pine," which samples Miley Cyrus. This highly-anticipated release can be all yours in just a few days:
Sept. 22 - Perfume Genius: "Too Bright"
If the saucy single "Queen" is any indication, this album is a huge step forward for Mike Hadreas, AKA Perfume Genius. This 33-minute romp (that is streaming online) proves Perfume Genius might be a musical genius, too:
Sept. 30- Weezer: "Everything Will Be Alright in the End"
After two decades and many different colored albums, Weezer rises again with its ninth effort. If the first single is any indication, it will be another classic set of songs, and a bit of a return-to-form, for one of alternative rock's most essential groups:
October
Oct. 7 - Hozier: "Hozier"
Irish singer and guitarist Hozier is an artist to watch this year, whose already grabbing attention with his first gospel-fueled single "Take Me to Church:"
Oct 13. - Jessie J: "Sweet Talker"
You've heard "Bang Bang," and this October, the rest of the British pop star's third album will arrive. Jessie J worked with Diplo and Max Martin this time around, so one should expect some pop, some electronic, and some more hits:
Oct. 14 - Foxygen: "...And Star Power"
After canceling a batch of shows and coming as close to breaking up without actually breaking up as bands get, Foxygen is miraculously back. In fact, the band is coming out with a double album, complete with 82 minutes of music. So far, it sounds a bit like Todd Rundgren.
Oct. 14 - OK Go: "Hungry Ghosts"
"The treadmill band" OK Go is releasing its fourth album, along with the single and super-fun video "Writing's On the Wall." The band describes it as more electronic and modern than their first three LPs, so stay tuned:
Oct. 14 - Mary Lambert: "Heart On My Sleeve"
You may know her from the chorus of "Same Love," but now, Mary Lambert is going solo. Here's the first single from her upcoming debut LP:
Oct. 21 - Jessie Ware: "Tough Love"
British R&B singer Jessie Ware could be this year's Adele. Her sophomore LP includes the singles "Tough Love," "Say You Love Me" and a track featuring R&B singer Miguel. Lots of quality slow jams on this one:
Oct. 28 - Dillon Francis: "Money Sucks, Friends Rule"
Though Dillon Francis has been putting out very enjoyable dance-pop tracks since 2010, his first formal album is coming this fall. It includes "When We Were Young" and "Get Low":
Oct. 29 - Taylor Swift: "1989"
Probably the most anticipated fall release would have to go to chart-topping princess Taylor Swift, who already has a huge hit on her hands with "Shake It Off." The singer says "1989" is her favorite album yet, so hopefully fans will feel the same:
November
Nov. 17 - One Direction: "Four"
The British tween phenomenon is back with its, you guessed it, fourth album. Only one song has been released so far: the slower track, "Fireproof." But the song "Steal My Girl" is due Sept. 29, with the whole album out in November:
Nov. 18. - TV on the Radio: "Seeds"
Fronted by the very solid single, "Happy Idiot," Brooklyn band TV on the Radio seems primed for a return to the alternative spotlight in November:
Nov. 18- Tyga: "The Gold Album: 18th Dynasty"
The fourth album from Tyga features guest spots from Justin Bieber, Chris Brown and Drake, and was executive-produced by Kanye West. Sounds promising:
Nov. 24 - Nicki Minaj: "The Pinkprint"
Rounding out our list is another huge pop offering: Nicki Minaj's third LP, "The Pinkprint." The album will feature singles "Pills and Potions" as well as the booty-shaking "Anaconda." Minaj says she's really grown as a writer this time around, so we're all excited to hear what that means:
December
Dec. 16 - Charli XCX "Sucker"
Poised to be one of the more significant pop albums this season is Charli XCX's "Sucker." The British newcomer can be heard on the chorus of "Fancy" and is one half of "Icona Pop." Now, she's staking her claim as a solo artist, and if the singles are any indication, she's here to stay:
If you like what you hear, listen to all the songs above in our exclusive YouTube curated fall playlist. And for any releases you think we missed, post in the comments section below!