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LEGENDS OF THE FALL
Whitney. Aretha. Etta. Johnny Cash. Bon Jovi. Santana. And a slew of today's hitmakers, too. What a colorful season.
By DAVE TIANEN [email protected], Journal Sentinel
Friday, October 11, 2002
More than half the CDs released in a year come out in the three- month span that runs from early fall.
Even more than usual is riding on the holiday shopping season this year. CD shipments in the first six months of 2002 were down by 7% -- and that comes on top of a bad 2001 when shipments dropped 5.3%.
As always, there is no shortage of major artists riding to the rescue with new releases in the last quarter. And that list doesn't even include the reissues, greatest-hits collections, Christmas albums and box sets in the pipeline.
Here are some of the top releases that will be vying for attention at the top of the charts this fall and winter. Release dates are subject to change.
R&B and rap
It's a busy season for the divas. India.Arie's "Voyage to India" recently arrived in store's with a tour to follow, and a 2002 release date is still expected for Erykah Badu as yet untitled new album. Toni Braxton is going to be a mom again, but not before she delivers "Amplified," her new Babyface-produced album for Arista on Nov. 19.
Then there's an inundation of soul from Destiny's Child and family. After the summer release of newest member Michelle Williams' gospel solo debut, "Heart to Years," bandmate Kelly Rowland also steps out on her own with "Simply Deep" on Oct. 22, followed by lead- singer-turned-actress Beyonce Knowles' December release of "Dangerously in Love." If that weren't enough, Knowles' little sister Solange is slated to debut her "Solo Star" that month, too.
Mariah Carey attempts to rise from the ashes of "Glitter" with the Jimmy Jam/Terry Lewis-produced "Mariah" on Dec. 10. December also is launch time for Blu Cantrell's still-untitled new album.
Missy Elliott takes time off from all her guest appearances on other people's discs to release one of her own: "Under Construction," due Nov. 12.
The title and date are still unknown, but a new project from the diva's diva, Aretha Franklin, also is expected by year's end. Despite...